Steam Cleaner Review - Tidyvap

Machine for steam cleaning tile grout, carpet, floors, more

by Public Message Board - Anonymous

I recently got my vapor steam cleaner this week, here is a review of it on multiple surfaces. For those bottom liners: I recommend getting a vapor steam cleaner especially if you have hard to clean surfaces/crevices, etc. I would recommend getting the best machine you can afford as the hotter the steam and better the PSI, the more effective and less messy the task. This machine is a 285 degree/up to 58 psi.

The Tidyvap was discontinued in 2005. We recommend the ladybug 2150 as an alternative.

INFO LINKS Vapor Steam Cleaners Overview - view all Vapor Steam Cleaners sold by AllergyBuyersClub.com Vapor Steam Cleaners Comparison Chart - a comparison with pluses and minuses of all the best Vapor Steam Cleaners Vapor Steam Cleaning most frequently asked questions - Answers what is vapor steam cleaning, common cleaning uses, & more Best Steam Cleaner Articles - Editor's top picks on steam cleaner info

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 TidyVap, from the review on AllergyBuyersClub.com. $750.

General:

One advantage to the really high priced steam cleaners 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: removed adhesive caulky gunk that was there before we moved in - from some old shower caddy. Never could budge it with scrubbing, vapor steam cleaning 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, unwaxed): 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: could "sanitize" my wood and marble chopping blocks, I never feel I get those clean enough. (Though read post on temperature and true sanitation, interesting)

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 it’s amazing to feel how clean it is!

The Tidyvap was discontinued in 2005.
We recommend the ladybug 2150 as an alternative.

First Published: January, 2002
Updated: September 2003

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