Steam Vapor cleaners are a new introduction to the US market. They differ from conventional steam cleaners in many important respects.

Conventional 'steam cleaners'- for use on carpets mainly-don't use any actual steam in the cleaning process. Instead, clean water is sprayed into the carpet and dirty water is sucked back up.They need special chemicals to work effectively.

Steam vapor cleaners use high temperature, low moisture vapor to loosen dirt and washable pads to pick up the dirt. No cleaning chemicals are required.

If you looking for a carpet steam cleaner you could try this page: http://hubpages.com/hub/Steam-Vacuum-Cleaners

How they Work and What they Do

• These cleaners use very little water- usually only a few liters in an hour.
• They produce a high temperature, low moisture vapor that sterilizes any surface it is used on. The vapor will penetrate porous surfaces killing bacteria, molds, fleas and house mites effectively, reducing allergen levels.
• Surfaces that are cleaned will feel dry in a few minutes. Often manufactures talk about ‘dry steam cleaning’.
• On hard surfaces, the vapor will loosen dirt and grease without the need for chemicals. Steam vapor cleaning is more effective and less hard work than a mop. Grout on tiled floors comes up like new (although black mold in bathrooms is resistant). With most models, the dirt is collected on machine washable pads.
• They can be used on most upholstery where they will loosen and remove dirt quickly.
• Effective way to kill house mites on carpeting, bedding or clothing without damaging surfaces.
• They are light and easy to use almost anywhere.
• They use no chemicals, so leave no residues.
• They can be used to clean carpets in combination with surfactants and heavy vacuum cleaning.
• People have found many non-cleaning applications like stripping wall paper, defrosting freezers, thawing frozen pipes, cleaning barbeque grills and even polishing jewelry.

Limitations

• Heat sensitive surfaces such as silk, thin plastics, car paint work and some types of velor might be damaged. If you are unsure test an out-of-sight area first.
• Can take the shine off some but not all vinyl flooring.
• Will stiffen some carpet fibers making them uncomfortable to touch..
• Most reviewers agree that using a steam vapor cleaner is a laborious way to clean a carpet.

Steam Vapor Vacuum Cleaning Machines in the US

Most steam vapor cleaners don’t have a vacuum cleaning capacity. They work on hard floors like mops but use steam instead of chemicals for cleaning.

There are some machines on the market that produce high temperature steam and also work as vacuum cleaners. The problem for the US user is that these kind of machines were developed in Europe which uses a 220 V electrical system. The 110 V systems in the US do not deliver enough power to produce the steam and run a vacuum at the same time.

This means that the steam vapor vacuum cleaners in the US have to be switched between steaming and vacuuming making them slower and less effective than they could be. The steamer cools whilst you vacuum and needs time to get back up to speed. Even with this limitation, some people like them as vacuum cleaners that can also sanitize.

Is a Steam Vapor Cleaner Really Worth Buying?

The steam mops genuinely do take the labor out of hard surface floor cleaning and they get rid of the need for harsh cleaning chemicals. There’s no doubt that they are effective sanitizers. They will also reduce allergen levels anywhere they are used. It’s not hard to give them a thumbs up and I’ve included the best models below.

For carpet cleaning, conventional steam vacuum cleaners are a better choice.

Thing to Look Our for When Choosing

• Tough construction. Some models are very flimsy.
• Swivel heads. They make cleaning under tables and kitchen appliances so much easier
• Quick warm up times. This usually means a powerful heater.1500 watts is recommended.
• A long cable if you have big floors. Extension leads are a nuisance and can be dangerous,
• Plenty of heads for different cleaning jobs.If you are dealing with sanitizing or allergen problems rather than simply looking for an efficient mop, a big range of tools is recommended.
• Water tank size. There is a trade off between weight and the number of times you need to fill the tank. If you are cleaning large areas, a bigger but heavier tank might suit you.
• Machine washable cleaning pads.

Recommended Buys

The three models below are the most popular steam vapor cleaners to buy online. If you buy from Amazon (click link below) you can read the reviews of people who have already bought the particular model. It's a great way to make a choice and buying on line will usually save you a lot of money.

Haan Slim & Light Steam Cleaning Floor Sanitizer and Vapor Steamer, Model SI-35

• 1200-watt heating system,
• heats up in less than three minutes
• 15 evenly spaced steam jets release a steady stream of 212-degree F steam, which kills 99.99 percent of germs and bacteria.
• super-absorbent,  microfiber cleaning pads reduce friction, lock in dirt, and leave floors dry to the touch.
• ,hook-and-loop system allows for hands-free attachment and removal of the machine-washable pads.
• works with regular tap water,
• removable water tank provides up to 20 minutes of continuous steam before needing a refill.
• low-profile swivel steam head;
• nonslip, ergonomic grip to reduce hand and wrist stress;
• an "on" indicator light;
• a lightweight design at less than 4 pounds (with a full tank of water); and a convenient storage hook for hanging when not in use.
• Includes on shipping One floor-protector pad, two ultra-microfiber pads, a gliding tray for sanitizing and refreshing carpeted areas, and a user manual come
• a one-year limited warranty.

Haan Deluxe Total Home Steam Cleaning System

This includes an Upright Steam floor mop and steriliser and a handheld steam cleaner for jobs like upholstery cleaning.The floor mop takes 3 minutes to heat up to 212 degrees and can be used for 15 minutes without needing a refill. Needs no cleaning chemicals.

The complete system lets you clean and sanitize the following surfaces:

• linoleum, ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate, marble, slate, and vinyl floors.
• Glass
• Upholstery
• Car Interiors

Included Accessories

Funnel, Measuring Cup, Carrying Pouch, 2 Hard Bristle Detail Brushes, Counter Attachment,Upholstery Attachment, HAAN MicrochamTM Towel ,MicrochamTM Sponge, Glass & Mirror Squeegee,Microfiber Cloth Attachment, L-Shaped Angle Nozzle,Turbo Steam Nozzle. Extended Flexible Nozzle. 

Vapamore MR-100 Dry Steam Vapor Cleaner Cleaning System.

• includes a wide range of attachments to clean virtually anything.
• 1500w heating element
• Stainless boiler -
• Up to 50 minute operation time
• 1500W  Heater. A full tank takes 15 minutes to heat up.
• Adjustable pressure control for cleaning delicate items
• Convenient on-board accessory storage.
• Steam Pressure:54 PSI*
• One Year Limited Warranty

Useful Links on the benefits of Steam Vapor Cleaning

http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(08)00557-9/abstract

Study published in the American Journal of Infection control on the power of chemical free steam cleaning in rest rooms.

http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/a_565-Use_Dry_Steam_Vapor_Treatment_for_Healthier_Carpet_Upholstery

Article on the control of mold in carpets using a low moisture steam cleaning system.