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A steam cleaning machine is a phenomenal tool for cleaning dirty kitchen surfaces. It loosens dirt, grease and grime so they can be wiped off with a clean cloth — and it uses pure water, so it leaves no residue.
Because the steam is hot enough to burn skin and some parts of the appliance get very hot, it is very important to read and follow all the directions and safety instructions before using the appliance.
Steaming Floors and Counters
- To steam clean a wood, vinyl or tile kitchen floor, attach a clean terrycloth towel to the floor brush, then put the floor brush on the end of the steamer's extension tube. Use a mopping motion to steam the floor clean, moving quickly to prevent heat damage. When the towel gets dirty, turn it over or replace it with a clean towel.
- Clean tile grout by using the steamer's detail brush, then use a towel-covered floor brush to remove excess moisture and residue. If the tile is very dirty, use the floor brush without a towel, then wipe the steamed area with a clean towel. You can use this technique for tiled counters as well as tiled floors.
- Strip off old paste wax by using the floor brush to steam a small section at a time. Wipe off the dissolved wax before moving to the next section. When the job is done, clean the brushes with hot water before the wax has a chance to harden. Wipe down the surface with a clean dry towel before applying new wax.
From Green Housekeeping, by Ellen Sandbeck. Copyright © 2006 by Ellen Sandbeck. Reprinted by permission of Scribner, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., NY.
