Optima Steamer-Anyone seen/used this?

E

ed84108

New member
I always read NOT to use a vapor steam cleaner on the exterior of cars as ti might damage the finish. What is this about then? Steamericas, Inc. | Optima Steam Car Wash Machine | powered by SJE Corporation | © 2010.

It looks really cool and has a wet/dry selector switch. I was looking into a mobile wash with ONR but if this is available this might make the picture MUCH prettier :) This is the video which really caught my interest.-





A total car wash with the Optima Steamer - Steam Supply - YouTube
 
I have a steamer that is very similar to that; the guy I work with who does PPF actually bought it but I ended up using it more than him. I have never tried to "wash" a car with it, but I find it invaluable for cleaning jambs, engines, adhesives, etc. It actually does a decent jobs on wheels too, but it'll only remove light to moderate brake dust and it takes quite a bit of time (ime). On the interior it's great for salt stains/sticky mess/headliner...but I still extract after use.



RE; paint. I would not personally use it to "wash" paint. I would use it on clean paint to remove bugs/adhesive/oils...but there's no way I am wiping a mf/mitt over a dirty surface with only steam as my lubricant.
 
The unit itself looks quite large. I have a smaller steamer I use for interiors, wheels, and smaller jobs, but wouldn't wash a really dirty car with it.
 
I have this machine and use it with ONR in a spray bottle. Pre-Spray the Panel first though, using very soft absorbent microfibers is critical. It's really easy to scratch the paint, the towel my helper used in this video wasn't the best but I was using it on my car just to demo my wash process. I got it because most of my clients want quick simple maintenance details and this really helps speed things up.



Precision Auto Salon steam wash - YouTube
 
How much did this set you back, and are there other (cheaper) alternatives? How is maintenance on the unit? I've put off getting a pressure washer because I would only use it for wheel wells and wheels, but I think something like this would be far much more utility than a PW.
 
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