Steam Cleaner

[RJ Sclafani]

Does anyone use steam cleaners on their car? Mainly the engine bay. If so, where did you get a steam cleaner at? And how much can I expect to pay for one, new or used?

[JoshMcMadMac]

I have been wondering the same thing with the recent introduction of the info-mercial steamers, like the Scünci Steamer. I was checking ebay for them yesterday, and it looks like $50-$100 is where they are at, including the outrageous shipping fees on some of them. I would like to know the results that anyone has gotten from one of these steamers as well.

[RJ Sclafani]

Do these plug into the wall or will you need a compressor? I'm not exactly sure how they work, nor do I feel like looking around for the answer...

[JoshMcMadMac]

Definately wall outlet. They are sold as a universal household cleaner/sanitizer.

[RJ Sclafani]

I'll look around this week and pick one up next week. I'll tell ya how good it works. My engine bay is CLEAN, but I would like it cleaner. This way I can clean parts and stuff so it doesn't look like ass.

[Lee Joffe]

I will be looking forward to your report.

[RJ Sclafani]

This is my current engine bay ~ 2 months ago, a bit has changed (added more parts), but we aren't talk about that. I'll post a pic after I use one of these to show the results.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid106/p1c4fb17f329dca1e73571161257b9a68/f96ca1f6.jpg

[RJ Sclafani]

Ok, I went on QVC.com and found a bunch for under $100.

http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?nest=%2Fas p%2FisItemNumberRedirect.asp&search=SQ&frames=y&referrer=QVC&txtDesc=steam+cleaner (http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?nest=%2Fasp%2FisItemNumberRedirect.as p&search=SQ&frames=y&referrer=QVC&txtDesc=steam+cleaner)

[RJ Sclafani]

I'll probably pick this one up

Item Number V17790
ProSteam 1000w Hand-Held Steam Cleaner w/ Attachments

Retail Value $57.00
QVC Price $37.25
Introductory Price $33.82
Shipping and Handling $5.97

[cason1]

Yeah RJ that one looks like the best bang for the buck steamer on there. Let us know how well it works.

[RJ Sclafani]

Roger on that Johnathan!

[JoshMcMadMac]

So have you played with this thing yet?

[RJ Sclafani]

Man I've been broke this past few weeks. Just picked up some new rims though. I'll probably get it within a week or two. I have to do my car and my buddies 80 camaro that we are restoring. I'll definetly take pics and all when I get it. If anyone else got 35 bones to toss up, please do so we can see results.

[JoshMcMadMac]

I just ordered the one you were looking at. I was hoping to find one at WalMart, or somewhere locally, but no such luck. I'll let you know how it works when I get it!

[DaKat]

I picked mine up at Walgreens a while back, Josh. ;)

[RJ Sclafani]

Hows it work Kat?

[DaKat]

It's ok. Better for some things than others. It's described as a hard-surface steam cleaner but it did a pretty good job on the mats in my Mark. LOL - it smelled like I had sent the car to the drycleaners :D

[JoshMcMadMac]

quote:Originally posted by DaKat:
I picked mine up at Walgreens a while back, Josh. ;)

We don't have Walgreens. Glad to hear that it works though!

[RJ Sclafani]

I'm gonna run down to walgreens next week and get one, maybe even this week depending on the price there.

[JoshMcMadMac]

Well it showed up on my doorstep early. :D It does a decent job, but is not strong enough for an engine compartment. I would want something with a lot hogher pressure for that. I can probably get the compartment clean with it, but it would take all day, as the nozzle has to be on top of any real crud that is baked on.

Final review: It's a nice thing to have, but not extremely effective for automotive use.

[GT40]

I got one, and IT works GREAT!!! i felt like a pansy, but it took all my grese off, it cut through it real fast, highly reccomend

[Lee Joffe]

What brand?

[Bill's89LSC]

My Father used to have a steam/pressure washer and that thing was awesome. The only way to get an engine compartment clean is with a really expensive unit ($1000.00 +) or the hand held wand at the car wash. I have used the car wash wand on more than one occassion to clean engine compartments and it works surprisingly well. If you look at some of the car washes, they have an engine degreaser selection on some of them and most have tire cleaner settings. If it sprays out a green solution it will clean off alot of gunk but be careful and don't let it sit too long on the painted surfaced inside the hood for very long.

Try that first before you go out and buy the little steamer that was mentioned, it's good only for places that you can get directly over and can take the time to get clean.

Bill