Difference between a „normal“ steam cleaner and a dry steam system
What exactly is the difference between a „normal“ steam cleaner and a dry steam system?
The steam quality makes the difference. Water vaporizes at 100 °C, resulting in wet steam with a high moisture ratio – just like in a cooking pot. That’s how conventional steam cleaners work and that’s why the treated surfaces are sopping wet afterwards. Another drawback: As soon as the steam comes in contact with the air, the temperature drops too much for it to have a disinfecting effect.
When steam is produced in an enclosed and accordingly robust boiler, higher temperatures and pressure can be reached. The higher both are, the lower is the steam’s water saturation. Once that comes close to zero, the state of “dry steam”, with tiny steam molecules, is achieved. The Thermostar produces this high quality steam at about 170 °C and 6 bars of pressure. Crucial advantages of dry steam include minimal surface tension (which renders the use of chemical surfactants to release it unnecessary), excellent creeping properties even under dirt encrustations and into tiny surface structures, and fast, streak-free drying.
