Steam Cleaners – TidyVap Steam Cleaner Operating Tips

General information on steam cleaners
Filling steam cleaner boiler with water
Starting the steam cleaner
Tool Usage
If there are drips or too much moisture
If steam continues after the trigger is released
If cleaning appears to stop
General maintenance of steam cleaners
Steam cleaner accessories

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TidyVap steam cleaners

General information on steam cleaners:

Steam cleaners will allow you to clean with less effort, with no chemicals, and with little mess
The best use of a vapor steam cleaner is to kill dust mites, fleas, larvae, eggs, bacteria, and germs; basically to leave your home ‘critter free’
These areas will be sanitized and be free of odors and chemicals (though it may take more than a single cleaning)
Please do not expect to clean a badly soiled carpet back to its original luster 100%
If it is really soiled, it would be best to use a professional cleaning company first and then use the steam cleaner for superb maintenance. The steam cleaner will then take out any of the chemicals that the professional cleaning left.
– Overall, steam cleaning will remove most spots and stains (providing that there has been no chemical reaction with the fibers) and it will also remove any chemicals and odors.
– Because the heat straightens the fibers and removes static charge from all pet and human hair, it allows for really deep vacuum cleaning of sand (the major destroyer of carpets), other solid particles, and hair.
– Your carpeting will look much, much better.
We recommend that anyone sensitive to chemicals not use the steam cleaner for the first steaming of carpeting because the chemicals will be released and will be fairly strong before dissipating into the atmosphere. (Remember that if you don’t steam clean the carpeting, the chemicals are constantly being released into the air and you are often touching them.)

Filling steam cleaners with water:

Since the steam cleaners are factory tested, you may find a small of water in them when they arrive.
Gently remove the filler cap and slowly pour in potable water.
Sometimes the water will ‘air lock’ and not fill completely which will cause the machine to beep for more water shortly after you start. (A filled machine will steam for up to 30 minutes.)
This frequent or early beeping usually means that the water is not easily passing through the screening in the strainer and is not completely filling the reservoir.
– Try punching a small hole at the bottom of the screening using a quick motion with a pencil or ballpoint pen. Use a quick ‘stabbing’ motion so that you put a hole in the screening and don’t push the screen out of the strainer.
If using a funnel, keep it slightly lifted so that it doesn’t form a tight seal with the opening.

Starting the steam cleaner (every time you start up):

It is normal to hear some light banging noise for a short time every time you initially start up your machine
The Tidy Vap is ready for use when the green light comes on signaling that the correct pressure and temperature have been reached.
After the green light comes on, hold the nozzle over a sink and press the trigger for 10 – 30 seconds to allow the steam to burp.
When the correct pressure and temperature have been reached, the green light will again go on.
Since it takes about 1- 2 minutes of use before the hose and machine warm up and start producing really dry vapor steam, clean an area where a little water won’t be bothersome (such as around sinks or toilets), or hold the nozzle over a sink and press the trigger for a few minutes.

Tool Usage:

Press down on the red button on the hose connection and securely attach hose to canister.
When using either the rectangular or triangular brushes, have them wrapped and ready for use so that you can quickly attach them and then the steam in the hose will not condense to water.
The rectangular brush will move more easily if you slightly tilt the brush back on its heel when pushing, and slightly tilt it up on its toe when pulling.
Remember that it is the heat and not the pressure that does the cleaning.
Also, you will find it easier to push and pull the brush using an extra 3rd extension.
First clean in 1 direction, front and back, and then do side to side to get all surfaces.

If there are drips or too much moisture:

Try to keep trigger depressed as much as possible so that the hose doesn’t cool off.
Try using less steam. Less is hotter and better than more.
There will always be a slight water drip when there are no tools attached.
When cleaning colder surfaces such as windows, expect some condensate.
Try turning the brush to a different angle.

If steam continues after the trigger is released:

Open the steam control wheel all the way to release the steam in the hose.
If it comes out with pressure, aim the nozzle into a sink and rapidly press and release the trigger a few times to dislodge any dirt that may be clogging the valve.

If cleaning appears to stop:

Move the brush or pad away from the area you are cleaning to allow that area to cool.
That surface may have become heated and is negating the effect of the heat of your brush.

General maintenance of steam cleaner:

Use potable (drinkable) water; if in doubt use plain bottled water.
NEVER add any chemicals to the water.
Keep all parts clean.
Whenever finished remove the hose, coil it loosely and hang it up so that it doesn’t crimp.
Every 2 months drain the boiler by unscrewing the boiler plug on the bottom of the unit.
(When replacing the plug, DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. Stop when you feel resistance.)

Steam cleaner accessories:

Accessories included with steam cleaner: Instructional video cassette and manual, clothes & upholstery steamer brush, large rectangular brush, 2 extension wands, crevice tool, steam nozzle, small nylon brush for tile and grout, 6 towelling cloths and a bottle of spot cleaner.

Optional steam cleaner accessories:

Tuff Kit contains additional brushes:
– 1 brass bristle brush for oven grating, heavily stained tile grout, etc.
– 1 small stainless steel nozzle brush
– 1 large round nylon brush
– 2 Stainless steel pads for cleaning oven insides and black iron items.
Extra Standard Nozzle/Brush Kit for separate brushes for bathroom or kitchen areas.
– 1 black plastic steam nozzle
– 1 small 1′ black nylon nozzle brush
– 1 medium 1.5′ black nylon nozzle brush
– 1 large 2.5′ round black nylon brush
Triangular Brush is more maneuverable than the large brush and can be used either as a bristle brush or can be wrapped with a towel. It is excellent for upholstery and corner type areas.
Window Squeege for windows and showers tiles. Comes with 2 different size blades.
Extension Wand gives you a longer reach than the 2 extensions that come with your machine. Makes it easier to push and pull when cleaning carpet.
Plumber’s Helper unclogs sinks and drains without chemicals.
Canvas Bag allows you to keep all of your tools together and close at hand.
Saves you from running from room to room to get the proper tool.