Industrial Steam Cleaners vs Traditional Cleaning Methods

There are multiple techniques and tools accessible for cleaning. However, two popular options are industrial steam cleaners and traditional cleaning methods. The selection of either option depends on multiple factors, as each one comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll compare industrial steam cleaners vs traditional cleaning methods to help you decide which one is right for you.

Traditional Cleaning Methods

For decades, conventional cleaning techniques like mops, buckets, and brooms have been utilised to effectively eradicate dirt and grime from surfaces. However, they demand significant time and effort.

Advantages:

1. Affordable:

Traditional cleaning equipment, such as mops, brooms, and vacuum cleaners, are affordable and easily accessible cleaning solutions. This makes them a popular choice for small businesses and homes with limited budgets.

Mops are a popular traditional cleaning tool for cleaning floors. Mops are readily available and inexpensive and can be found at most home goods or grocery stores. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials, including cotton or microfiber, allowing users to select the most appropriate option for their particular requirements. However, mops remove dirt, but may not eliminate disease-causing bacteria and viruses effectively.

Brooms are another affordable traditional cleaning tool commonly used for sweeping floors. Their simplicity and accessibility make them a great choice for small businesses and homes. However, like mops, brooms may not be effective at eliminating bacteria and viruses on surfaces.

Vacuum cleaners have been a conventional and well-liked cleaning tool utilised to clean floors, carpets, and upholstery. With their availability in various sizes and styles, they offer versatility to cater to various cleaning needs. While vacuum cleaners efficiently eliminate dirt, dust, and debris, their ability to eradicate bacteria and viruses may be limited.

2. Easy to use:

Simple techniques and tools for a hassle-free clean, no expertise or training needed. This makes them accessible to everyone, including individuals who are new to cleaning or those who have limited physical ability.


Examples of easy to use cleaning methods include a vacuum, broom, mop, and spray bottle with the solution. These tools are readily available in most households, and their use requires minimal effort and instruction.

Additionally, some cleaning products are specifically designed to be easy to use. For instance, spray bottle cleaners are easy to use and no extra tools needed. 

The benefits of easy to use cleaning methods include reduced time, boosted productivity and efficiency in your cleaning routine. It also means that a wider range of people can perform cleaning tasks, including those with limited mobility or disabilities.

3. Customisable:

Customisation is vital in traditional cleaning methods for a personalised and efficient cleaning experience. Different cleaning needs require different methods, tools and techniques, and traditional cleaning methods are highly adaptable to meet these needs. Suppose you’re cleaning a carpet, you might require a distinct technique for eliminating stains compared to performing a routine cleaning. In such a case, Traditional cleaning methods offer stain removal options like vinegar or baking soda based on the stain type.

Traditional cleaning methods involve the utilisation of various cleaning agents that are chosen according to the type of surface that needs to be cleaned. For instance, different types of cleaning agents are required to clean tiles, wooden floors, or carpets. Moreover, traditional cleaning methods can also be customised to meet the specific preferences of the user. Some people prefer using natural cleaning agents while others prefer using commercial cleaning products.

Another way traditional cleaning methods can be customised is by changing the frequency of cleaning. Different homes and businesses have different levels of activity and foot traffic, which means that some may require more frequent cleaning than others. Traditional cleaning methods can be tailored to meet these needs, whether that means daily, weekly or monthly cleaning.

In summary, the customisation feature of traditional cleaning methods is an essential aspect that allows users to achieve their desired cleaning outcomes. Whether it’s using different cleaning agents, changing the cleaning frequency or adopting a specific technique, traditional cleaning methods provide ample opportunities to customise the cleaning process.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited cleaning power:

Traditional cleaning methods often rely on chemical solutions and manual scrubbing to remove dirt and stains. While good for daily cleaning, they might not handle tough dirt in busy areas or on hard surfaces. Additionally, harsh chemicals can leave residue that can be harmful to human health and the environment.

2. Chemical usage:

Chemical usage in cleaning involves using different chemical-based agents or solutions for effective cleaning. Chemicals, both natural and synthetic, are made to remove dirt and grime from surfaces.

Chemicals utilised for cleaning purposes can pose substantial adverse effects on the environment and human well-being. If these substances are not disposed of correctly, they can pollute water sources and jeopardise marine organisms. Additionally, they may exacerbate air pollution and undermine the air quality we inhale.

Exposure to certain cleaning chemicals can lead to respiratory difficulties, skin irritation, and various other health concerns for individuals. Moreover, these chemicals may also jeopardise the well-being of vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children.

In addition, manufacturing these chemicals may worsen climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

To minimise the negative impact of chemical usage in cleaning, use environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions and dispose of chemicals properly. This can include recycling or safely disposing of containers and using eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are free of harmful chemicals.

3. Time-consuming:

Traditional cleaning methods involve using chemicals, sponges, and other cleaning tools to scrub surfaces and remove dirt and grime. This process can be time-consuming, as it often requires multiple passes to completely clean an area. Additionally, some surfaces may require more attention than others, which can further increase the amount of time required for cleaning.


Furthermore, traditional cleaning methods can be physically demanding and can cause strain on the body. For instance, using a sponge to scrub a surface for an extended period can cause hand and wrist pain. This can be a problem for commercial cleaners who must clean large areas daily.

Traditional cleaning methods are time-consuming and physically demanding, while industrial steam cleaners offer a faster and more efficient cleaning solution.

Industrial Steam Cleaners

Industrial steam cleaners use high-temperature steam to clean and sanitise surfaces. These cleaners are highly efficient in eliminating dirt, grime, and stains from different surfaces such as floors, walls, and carpets. Additionally, steam from these cleaners kills germs, making them ideal for hospitals, schools, and hygiene-focused places.

Advantages:

1. Environmentally friendly:

eco-friendly choice for companies seeking sustainable practices and reduced environmental impact. Steam cleaners are deemed as an eco-friendly cleaning solution for various reasons:

• Chemical-Free Cleaning: In the context of cleaning, industrial steam cleaners solely rely on water and heat to sanitise surfaces, thereby eliminating the need for any chemical agents. By doing so, this approach eradicates the usage of harsh cleaning chemicals that could potentially pose a threat to human health and the environment. By using only water and heat, steam cleaners provide a safe and natural cleaning solution that is gentle on both surfaces and the environment.
• Water Conservation: Another advantage of industrial steam cleaners is that they use less water than traditional cleaning methods. Since steam cleaners use high-pressure steam to clean surfaces, they require less water than other cleaning methods that rely on water and cleaning chemicals. This not only reduces water usage but also lowers water bills, making steam cleaners a more cost-effective and sustainable option.
• Reduced Waste: Traditional cleaning methods often generate a significant amount of waste, including empty cleaning product containers and used cleaning cloths. Steam cleaners eliminate the need for these items, which can help reduce waste and improve sustainability.
• Versatility: The adaptability of industrial steam cleaners allows them to effectively sanitise a variety of surfaces, such as floors, walls, and equipment. Consequently, companies seeking to simplify their cleaning procedures and minimise the amount of cleaning agents employed can benefit from these machines as an optimal cleaning solution.

Overall, the environmentally friendly nature of industrial steam cleaners makes them an excellent option for companies that are looking to reduce their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable practices. By using only water and heat to clean surfaces, steam cleaners provide a safe and natural cleaning solution that is gentle on both surfaces and the environment.

2. Deep cleaning:

Industrial steam cleaners are highly effective at deep cleaning surfaces due to their ability to produce high-temperature steam. The steam produced by these machines can reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees Celsius, which can effectively break down and dissolve dirt, grime, and stains on surfaces. The high-pressure steam can penetrate deep into surfaces, removing even the most stubborn dirt and grime.


• Industrial steam cleaners offer a significant advantage when it comes to deep cleaning as they eliminate the need for harsh chemicals. Traditional cleaning techniques typically depend on chemicals to dissolve dirt and grime, which can pose a threat to the environment and human well-being. Conversely, steam cleaning employs solely water, rendering it a more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative.
• In healthcare settings, steam cleaners are particularly useful for deep cleaning patient rooms, operating rooms, and medical equipment. By generating steam at high temperatures, it becomes possible to eliminate bacteria and viruses, which decreases the likelihood of infection and promotes a more sanitary and secure setting for both patients and healthcare personnel.
• In addition to healthcare settings, industrial steam cleaners are also commonly used in schools and industrial settings. Steam cleaners have versatile applications in different settings. In schools, they are employed for deep cleaning of classrooms, restrooms, and shared spaces. This helps in mitigating germ transmission and promotes the well-being of students and staff. Similarly, in industrial settings, steam cleaners are utilised for sanitising machinery, equipment, and workspaces. This ensures a safe and hygienic working environment, free from any potential contaminants.

Overall, the ability of industrial steam cleaners to deep clean surfaces makes them an ideal option for facilities that require thorough and effective cleaning. These machines utilise high-temperature steam to effectively eliminate even the most resistant dirt and grime, resulting in a safer, healthier, and more hygienic environment for all.

3. Time-saving:

Industrial steam cleaners are a time-saving solution for cleaning large areas in a wide range of industries. With their high-pressure steam, these machines can quickly and effectively clean floors, walls, equipment, and machinery, making them ideal for use in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other large-scale facilities.

Steam cleaners can greatly reduce the time needed for cleaning compared to traditional methods that typically entail manual scrubbing, wiping, and rinsing. These cleaners have the ability to access and clean challenging-to-reach spaces like corners and crevices that are often problematic for traditional cleaning methods. Consequently, this saves time and guarantees a more meticulous and consistent cleaning outcome.

In addition to reducing cleaning time, industrial steam cleaners can also help increase productivity. With faster and more efficient cleaning, workers can focus on other tasks, leading to greater overall productivity. This can result in cost savings over time, as fewer labour hours are required for cleaning.

Furthermore, industrial steam cleaners do not require the use of chemicals, which can further save time and labour. Traditional cleaning methods often involve the mixing, measuring, and applying of cleaning chemicals, which can be time-consuming and require additional labour. With steam cleaning, the only ingredient required is water, which can be quickly and easily added to the machine.

Disadvantages:

1. Initial cost:

Industrial steam cleaners can be expensive to purchase compared to traditional cleaning equipment. This can be a significant barrier for smaller businesses or those with tight budgets. However, it’s important to note that the long-term cost savings in labour, chemical usage, and equipment replacement can offset this initial expense.

2. Maintenance:

Industrial steam cleaners require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly. This includes cleaning and descaling the machine, checking the hoses and attachments, and ensuring that the boiler and heating elements are working correctly. Failure to perform regular maintenance can result in the machine’s breakdown and costly repairs.

3. Training:

Training is crucial in ensuring safe and effective use of steam cleaners. Users need to be trained on the proper procedures for handling and operating the equipment. This includes understanding the various parts and components of the steam cleaner, as well as its functions and settings.

Which is Right for You

Several factors such as the size of the facility, the cleaning requirements, and the available budget influence the selection of an appropriate cleaning method. Industrial steam cleaners are ideal for large facilities that require deep cleaning and have strict regulations on chemical usage. They are also suitable for businesses that require a quick and efficient cleaning process. Traditional cleaning methods are more suitable for small facilities that do not have high cleaning requirements or strict regulations on chemical usage.

Check out our Industrial Steam Cleaners and see if they’re right for you!