Does this only clean with tapwater? Does this use only the hot tap water?
1357725
I too was confused by the title of "Steam Cleaner". It seems to be a standard phrase, but I have yet to find an actual STEAM cleaner unless you find an industrial piece of equipment. Then you're talking several thousands of $s. This one, like all residential units that I've ever seen, or researched, has a tank that you fill with water. Hot if you'd like, but just be aware that by the time the "hot" water reaches the carpet, it is just tepid, and the tank will quickly cool. Some other brands offer a "heater" to heat the water & cleaning solution. I've never used one, but have been intregued by them. The comments I've read indicate that the "heater" just keeps the water from cooling off so quickly, but after 3 min's, their testing showed the water temperature in the tank had dropped over 19 degrees, and was quickly cooling, despite the "heater". This unit & for the other new Hoover products are using the term "HEATED CLEANING". What the heck does this mean? According to their web-site, and from my experience with this machine.....all they do is direct the discharge air from the motor and vent it out at the carpet level (vent on the bottom of the machine near the brush head). It's kind of like a warm breath of air. Trust me....if your motor ever got hot enough for the air discharge to provide any "heated cleaning", you'd better call 911 because it would have to be on fire.
514459
I love it too! I use distilled water so don't have a lot of clean-up. Just use a bit of vinegar occasionally to wipe out the inside and to clean the little metal piece in the bottom. See directions that came with it.
2072009
Maybe it's in the water you're using from the tap. Try using purified water. Mine has never done that and I definitely don't clean it as much as you do.
1152488
Yeah, I use tap water for mine. Just be sure to follow the 24-hr soaking instructions on the main filter unit if you're starting with tap water.
223609
I usually just use hot tap water. Sometimes I've use water from the instant hot water tap (near boiling) but it's a little hard to handle and I can't tell that it makes any difference in taste at all.
175373
You use hot water from your tap. The hottest you can. That's it. It doesn't maintain the temperature, it's not heated.
1785125
It uses hot water. I love this carpet cleaner it extracts the water better then others I have used. My carpet dries in no time. Does a beautiful job at cleaning. I have two dogs and a three year old grandson that lives with me with cream colored carpet. I have owned a Hoover carpet cleaner before this one and loved it but this one beats that one in cleaning and extracting the water. If you are looking for a carpet cleaner you can't go wrong with this model.
1487810
So far it has been holding up. You do not need to use cleaning products. Tap water with a sponge is all you need. Very easy to clean
518410
I use water from the tap and have had no problems with it. I've had it for a while now and still love it as much as when I first got it.
2086875
I have used it quite a bit and have only used tap water and haven't had a problem. I don't know if you with more use and time.
1170944
We have very hard water and have cleaned our unit a couple of times with vinegar. It works fine. About a quarter cup of vinegar and fill the unit with cold water. Turn it on and let it shut off automatically. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. I may use Louise's suggestion to run plain water in the unit but I haven't had a problem. this is a great unit. We use it several times a day.
1204457
So far I've just run hot water through it with a little dish soap. No build up in the few days I've been using it. I don't see how else you could clean it though.
1571407
It says only hot tap water. On a couple of occasions I have heated the water a little more than that because the tap water just isn't hot enough in the bottle. I use mine on my lower back while laying in the recliner and it seems that my body heat keeps it slightly warm for a long time, even hours, but it's not enough warmth to be therapeutic. I don't fill it more than 1/3 full when doing that, though, as it's not comfortable to me when it has more water in it.
1818994
No, they say hand wash only. I use just hot water pressure. It's very fragile.
1263663
I use tap water, I was using filtered but the units (I have 2) use a lot and my filters run about $50. So I started using tap water. Just keep them clean.
336423
I use tap water, but we have a water softener. I have steam cleaned white, cushioned (seat and back), high-top bar stools and pillows and the machine works well. I clean my tile and wood floors and have cleaned the tile grout with good results. I am pleased with the machine. The only problem is keeping a constant tight grip on the "on" button while moving the mop while it steams. Would be better if it had an auto on and "pause" design.
910517
No it does not, I just use very hot water to rinse and put on a towel to drain. Hope this helps.