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What is
steam?
Commonly available steam cleaners generally work at
low pressure (approx. 43 to 58 psi / 3 to 4 bar) and,
therefore, at low temperatures. This creates a very
wet steam with low cleaning capacity which can da-
mage wood surfaces, for example. This is the reason
why many such appliances often end up in the base-
ment and are only rarely used.
Many manufacturers therefore offer steam vacuum
cleaners that suction excessive moisture directly du-
ring the cleaning process. This results in the applian-
ces being larger and their hoses being thicker and hea-
vier. Numerous market analyses show that household
appliances will only be used on a regular basis if they
are light, small and convenient. Furthermore, these
appliances will only function when the steam is not too
hot and/or wet – which is contrary to one of the basic
rules of effective steam cleaning: because less heat
means less cleaning capacity. The terms dry steam,
micro steam or heat cleaning are used in describing
appliances that operate with high temperatures and
pressures (beginning at approx. 320° F and approx.
87 psi / 6 bar pressure).
Larger heating elements and comprehensive safety
features are generally necessary in order to generate
more heat and pressure. The appliances are therefore
larger and more cumbersome. Thanks to the extra-
ordinarily powerful AKU-THERM-COMPACT heating
system used in the Thermostar, it is possible to ge-
nerate a very high working pressure of up to 116 psi
dry
/ 8 bar even in relatively small boilers. The result is an
enormously powerful appliance which is practical in
size and suitable for every household.
The major advantage of cleaning with dry steam
is that fabrics and other surfaces do not become
wet but only slightly damp. The high temperatu-
res and speed at which the steam is discharged
removes dirt and dust from its carriers. The high
temperature of the steam therefore has a "relea-
sing" effect. The hot steam particles penetrate
the materials, liquefy the dirt and then draw it out
from the carrier. The speed at which the steam
is discharged is also a crucial factor here: hig-
her the steam pressure, higher is the speed at
which it is discharged and therefore the force of
the steam.
DRY STEAM
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