whens it too cold?
- Thread starter jason(england)
- Start date
ezragipson
New member
The steamer that I use was purchased for $149.95 and the model is a VaporStorm steamer. I think that I purchased it from www.steamcleanersplus.com. It is not the most powerful model in terms of generating heat, if you want a steamer that dispenses 200 - 240 degree steam then you have to spend up to $500 bucks for a professional unit, but the VaporStorm does a great job on the vehicles that I service.
I also need to let you know I modified the handle and replaced the stock handle with a regular pressure washer spray gun, the original handle heated up too fast and made handling the spray gun uncomfortable.
I also need to let you know I modified the handle and replaced the stock handle with a regular pressure washer spray gun, the original handle heated up too fast and made handling the spray gun uncomfortable.
ezragipson
New member
I've had the unit for about 9 months. Using steam to clean the entire vehicle is something that I use when the weather is too cold for me to keep putting my hand in and out of a bucket of water. But the main use for the steamer is for interior stain removal and cleaning oils on leather and removing sticky stains in the dash & console. I would say that I've steamed about twenty vehicle's inside and out and before the winter is over I'll probably do approximately 120 vehicles.
As I mentioned in an earlier thread that our company does fleet cleaning and we can clean the entire exterior of a dodge mini-van in about 10 - 15 minutes wheels and all, this includes removing bug spatter. So for us steam cleaning a vehicle is a real time saver. When I detail my regular clients cars I only use the steam cleaner if the vehicle is caked with dead bugs or if the wheels are extremely dirt with oils and I don't want to use a lot of chemicals. I have crazy allergies and using steam cuts down my need for chemicals in the wash process almost down to zero ( I say almost because I do mix my water with QEW).
I know that a gentleman in an earlier thread was concerned about the steam damaging the paint or cracking the glass due to the hot vapor comming in contact with cold paint and glass, but our steam is only dispersed at 148 - 151 degrees and not the 200 - 225 degrees that a higher priced more professional unit provides. I know that 150 degrees my seem hot but compared to a professional steamer my unit doesn't compare. Believe me we are very careful with how we use it during a wash, but as of yet we have had zero problems or complaints. I'll let you all know when or if we ever damage a vehicle, but I pray that day never comes.
As I mentioned in an earlier thread that our company does fleet cleaning and we can clean the entire exterior of a dodge mini-van in about 10 - 15 minutes wheels and all, this includes removing bug spatter. So for us steam cleaning a vehicle is a real time saver. When I detail my regular clients cars I only use the steam cleaner if the vehicle is caked with dead bugs or if the wheels are extremely dirt with oils and I don't want to use a lot of chemicals. I have crazy allergies and using steam cuts down my need for chemicals in the wash process almost down to zero ( I say almost because I do mix my water with QEW).
I know that a gentleman in an earlier thread was concerned about the steam damaging the paint or cracking the glass due to the hot vapor comming in contact with cold paint and glass, but our steam is only dispersed at 148 - 151 degrees and not the 200 - 225 degrees that a higher priced more professional unit provides. I know that 150 degrees my seem hot but compared to a professional steamer my unit doesn't compare. Believe me we are very careful with how we use it during a wash, but as of yet we have had zero problems or complaints. I'll let you all know when or if we ever damage a vehicle, but I pray that day never comes.
ezragipson
New member
ezragipson
New member
Here is another video to check out
www.steamjetcarwash.com/pages/1/index.htm
www.steamjetcarwash.com/pages/1/index.htm
Ferrarislave
exotiXboard
That looks horrible, I just watched the video on that site. The guy seems to just rub all the dirt off the car with the same shop towel over and over. Steam will loosen up the dirt, but the dirt won't just evaporate with the steam, there is still a good amount of dirt left on the car afterwards to be removed. Ezragipson maybe you can elaborate how exactly it is done?
PhaRO said:11 degrees lol NUT
I wish I could solve my winter problems. Today I ventured out at 7am. I only have one 7am regular appointment. I try to keep doing her car as long as I can stand it. I know once I have to stop hers that things really start to stink. I think it was 29 when I left. Normally I wouldn't have gone out but since I've been using QEW I figured I'd give it a shot. Before I left I took a container of very hot water with me which I added to what I had in a bucket sitting in my truck. It warmed it up some. Didn't have too much problems except the roof which started to freeze before I could get it completely dry. Nothing major though. It was cold and unpleasant but the next vehicle was far worse. Got to my 8am appointment and had hoped the sun would be up enough. Sadly a building blocked the sun until last few minutes. Took me forever to clean the minivan. My hands just got too cold and I couldn't move real well. I apply dressing with a brush and brush wasn't being held correctly so I could use it. I couldn't turn the brush in my hands and had to drop it and pick it up again. When I was done I sat in my truck for a few minutes to let my left hand warm up as I couldn't grasp real well and though steering would be a bad idea lol. Couple questions for those of you that work outdoors in the winter.
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Man, You guy's are nuts ! I think I would have to get $200.00 for a detail in those conditions. I guess you just get used to dealing with you'r climate. Here in southern az I get pissed when I have to wash a car and its colder then 65 out....
Like I said before, if I did detailing for a living, I might think differently, but....
This past week I had occasion to use Meguiar's APC+, Poorboy's S&W, Poorboy's Natural look, GM Glass Cleaner, and Collinite Insulator Wax.
In doing two vehicles, I experienced temperatures in my garage from 38 degrees to 54 degrees. With a flannel shirt, sweatshirt and insulated vest, I was quite comfortable at any of the temperatures. So far, so good.
The thing that I really noticed was my perceived performance of the various products. When I used my space heater to warm things up to the 50 degree+ range, all the products seemed to work much easier. Easier to spread, easier to remove. The whole process went much faster. Maybe the improved performance it was just my imagination, but in the future, 50 degrees is going to be my low limit.
Charles
This past week I had occasion to use Meguiar's APC+, Poorboy's S&W, Poorboy's Natural look, GM Glass Cleaner, and Collinite Insulator Wax.
In doing two vehicles, I experienced temperatures in my garage from 38 degrees to 54 degrees. With a flannel shirt, sweatshirt and insulated vest, I was quite comfortable at any of the temperatures. So far, so good.
The thing that I really noticed was my perceived performance of the various products. When I used my space heater to warm things up to the 50 degree+ range, all the products seemed to work much easier. Easier to spread, easier to remove. The whole process went much faster. Maybe the improved performance it was just my imagination, but in the future, 50 degrees is going to be my low limit.
Charles
Mikeyc
TheDetailingHandBook.com
Charles,
I don't think you're imagining things. I definitely have noticed since it's gotten colder out that my wheel cleaners are not as effective and that waxs/polishes are harder to buff out.
I don't think you're imagining things. I definitely have noticed since it's gotten colder out that my wheel cleaners are not as effective and that waxs/polishes are harder to buff out.
budman3
Detail time!
I'm still not sure if I'd consider a steam cleaner to wash a car in the winter. There are way to many risks that could happen in my mind. There are reasons why people still use a 2 bucket method or QEW rather than a pressure washer. Same deal here I believe. The effects may not be outright noticable, but the threat is there; ie, stripping wax off instantly, cracking the paint, shattering the windows, not removing dirt and grit, warping the paint (change of temp from freezing to boiling instantly), and stuff like that. No way I would use that on my paint.
But if you are considering it for door jambs and some parts of the engine compartment, then it may be a good deal.
I have done a fair share of winter cleaning and haven't had any product issue other than water freezing on the paint. Other than that, still easy on easy off and the looks I get when washing when its 35 are priceless but the looks I get when I'm driving a clean car when everyone else has dirty ones makes it all worth it.
But if you are considering it for door jambs and some parts of the engine compartment, then it may be a good deal.
I have done a fair share of winter cleaning and haven't had any product issue other than water freezing on the paint. Other than that, still easy on easy off and the looks I get when washing when its 35 are priceless but the looks I get when I'm driving a clean car when everyone else has dirty ones makes it all worth it.