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Introduction:
I saw a vapor machine on TV and like everyone, was mesmerized.
I am a gadget person, so I definitely wanted one but did some research.
Although everyone here loves the EuroPro, a friend of mine who has
one said it was "messy" and no better than regular cleaning.
So I took the BIG plunge and got the Ladybug 2150S, from the review on
AllergyBuyersClub.com.
General:
One advantage to the really high priced machines is continuous
refill. While most people here don't mind stopping and taking a
break while the machine cools off, then refills, then reheats, I
surely would mind- once I stop cleaning I'm not going back! I am
a big fan of convenience. I refill at least once every session without
stopping,
the first time three times (over 2 hours of zealous trying it out).
But you PAY for the continuous refill.
There are two
basic modes of using it: with towel, or direct steam without towel.
With towel means you wrap a towel around the attachment and that
picks up the dirt loosened by the steam. Without means you loosen
tough dirt with direct steam but have to wipe up after. This is
where it could get messy with other machines, but I found that I
was able to wipe after direct steam with no dripping or residue.
Probably the high steam temp makes it non drippy - hence the "dry"
steam vapor term.
Note: I find
the attachments matter more than you'd think. I am constantly switching
them out while working. Since my model doesn't come with the whole
kit I actually ordered a couple more. You will notice right away
that the direction and dissipation of the steam is important and
you will need somewhat of a precise attachment for more
effective cleaning - also the small attachments obviously cover
a small area making it somewhat time consuming to cover a large
area such as a shower stall, etc.
Here are some
surface experiences, in the bathroom/kitchen where you will find
the most use:
Bathroom
Shower Tile: Excellent. scum, film, grout became totally clean
immediately. Used both direct steam for grout and towel steam for
picking up scum from tile. No drippy mess, was able to wipe dirt
off as I worked. Sparkling results.
Bonus: I removed
adhesive caulky gunk that was there before we moved in - from some
old shower caddy. Never could budge it with scrubbing, vapor took
it completely off!
Tub/Fixtures:
Somewhat effective. Disappointed that it didn't get totally clean.
I have hard water and that is probably the challenge. I bet if I
presoaked with a cleanser it would be much more effective.
Sink/Fixtures:
Excellent, sparkly shiny result. Even got rid of mystery paint/caulk
spot that was stuck to my sink when I moved in. VERY easy to clean
messy toothbrush and soap ceramic - awesome.
Toilet: - Excellent.
Cleans inside and out. Worth it just to get those really gross floor
screws CLEAN!
Wall: OK. I
wanted to get rid of fingerprints from white latex wall but didn't
pick them up completely. Got rid of general dirt though. I used
a very low setting to avoid damaging paint.
Floor tile:
Very good - I have seriously old dirty grout, and it removed a lot
of dirt. Not back to white, but very noticeable difference. Need
direct steam for this, with small attachment, so time consuming
job. Will have to dedicate one session just to floor grout, but
will be worth it. Left shower tile sparkly but floor tile dull.
Kitchen:
All excellent in here.
Floor (linoleum,
non waxy): Quick and easy, dried instantly, no water or mess. Honestly
does not look better than when I scrub it, but sure is MUCH quicker
and easier than scrubbing so I'll take it.
Counter/Cabinet:
Excellent - with towel, removed so much non-visible grime I was
embarrassed. Clean knobs, drawer and cabinet edges, fantastic and
easy.
Refrigerator:
Excellent - I have textured fridge with all sorts of deep dirt,
got rid of it all, looks like new!
Sink: like bathroom,
shiny, gets the grunge from the seams and fixtures.
Gas Stove: Took
off burners/trays and put in sink. Steamed them about 90% clean
- I had black burnt stuff under there. I think with the "tuff
kit" accessory scrubber it would have all come off. NOTE: seems
obvious but metal things get really hot! Have to cool off before
handling. Stove surface was my favorite, took off all grease and
grime immediately! Got in knobs and corners and was sparkly like
new. I used direct steam with paper towels, so I could throw the
greasy paper towel away.
Bonus: I could
"sanitize" my wood and marble chopping blocks, I never
feel I get those clean enough.
This is getting
long so I think I'll have to post again to go over wood floor, carpet,
fabric, and oven (haven't tried yet). I am too afraid to do windows
since I'm in the Northeast and it says not to use on cold glass.
It takes getting
used to, but the best benefit to me is that it cleans things that
were not possible before, and makes some big jobs much easier. Also,
everything "feels" totally clean. I am running my hands
over everything, because its amazing to feel how clean it
is!
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