Cylinder steam cleaners FAQs

Is limescale corrosive?

The mere presence of limescale will not corrode the tubes or the boiler. However, proper maintenance is required to prevent problems occurring due to limescale. Limescale build-up can reduce the release of the steam, thereby reducing its flow to the point of complete obstruction. To prevent this problem occurring, all you have to do is maintain the efficiency of the boiler by regularly rinsing it (in the models with safety cap or with the No Calc System device) and using tap water mixed with 50% demineralised water or combined with the natural anti-limescale product Polti Kalstop.

Attempting to remove limescale build-up with DIY remedies (vinegar, lemon) or, worse, with the anti-limescale detergents that are found on the market may lead to extremely fast corrosion (perforations in the boiler, dirt spillage, etc.).

Absolutely do not use distilled water, dryer condensate water, perfumed water, rain water, battery water, water from air conditioning systems and the like. Do not use chemical substances or detergents.

How is it possible to clean using only steam?

Steam cleans through three “physical” characteristics: water, temperature and pressure that, together, allow you to eliminate grease and dirt from every corner of your home.

WATER: steam is made up of water molecules which bind to dirt molecules on contact and start to “soften them”.

TEMPERATURE: the steam is delivered at such a temperature so as to be able to separate and dissolve the most stubborn dirt and grease and destroy any bacteria at the same time.

PRESSURE: the pressure definitely “detaches” dirt from the surfaces. You’ll merely have to collect it with a cloth or vacuum it.

What is the Polti Vaporetto?

It is the steam cleaner par excellence. With just the power of steam, it cuts through grease, cleans, sanitises and neutralises dust mites and allergens. Tests conducted by independent laboratories on the most common micro-organisms attest to the fact that Polti steam cleaners kill and eliminate up to 99.99% of viruses, germs and bacteria*. It provides deep cleaning, quickly and naturally.

*Tests conducted by independent laboratories on the most common microorganisms attest to the fact that Polti steam cleaners kill and eliminate up to 99.99% of viruses, germs and bacteria.

How long does it take to steam clean?

With the Polti Vaporetto, you can clean quicker and the results last longer because you dissolve and collect dirt much more easily compared to other systems. What’s more, clean, degreased and sanitised surfaces do not attract dust and new dirt, so they remain cleaner for longer. A single product that reaches everywhere, cleanly and without the need for constant changes. With the Polti Vaporetto, you can get rid of all the tools you usually use to clean your home, which need to be washed, rinsed, retrieved from their place and put back in order: sponges, brooms, dustpans, buckets, mops, cloths, brushes, cobweb dusters, feather dusters, carpet beaters, squeegees, ladders for high surfaces, detergents suitable for various surfaces, and so on and so forth - all gone! What's more, the power of steam dissolves dirt easily, without the need to scrub and so entailing less effort.

Does Polti steam disinfect?

Yes, Polti Vaporetto products that are used with the Vaporflexi brush are SDDs - Steam Disinfection Devices in accordance with the AFNOR NF T72-110 - March 2019 standard, certifying that they have been tested for medical use and demonstrate virucidal, bactericidal, sporicidal, fungicidal and levurocidal effects and also work on mould.

What is the safety cap?

The safety cap, a Polti global patent, cannot be unscrewed if there is still pressure inside the boiler, not even if the appliance is turned off. Combined with an independent mechanic valve, it guarantees maximum safety and reliability against any kind of unexpected opening.

Where does the dirt go?

The dirt is gathered by the cloth, which is either attached to the accessory or held in your other hand. By passing through the fibres of the cloth, the steam creates a sort of electrostatic effect (similar to the process used by humidifiers) which is why dirt instantly attaches to the cloth and is retained.

And for delicate surfaces?

You just need to set the pressure to minimum, or use the cloth, folding it a few times. For extremely delicate surfaces, avoid direct contact with the steam: spray the steam onto the cloth and then clean.

Does the steam leave the surfaces wet?

The steam produced by the Polti Vaporetto boiler is high pressure and dry. It dries quickly when it comes into contact with surfaces, leaving them clean and streak-free.

What does “dry steam” mean?

It means that the Polti Vaporetto steam is produced at a high temperature and with high pressure. So it cleans, but does not leave surfaces wet.

Does the Polti Vaporetto replace a vacuum cleaner?

The Polti Vaporetto does not replace a vacuum cleaner, but is an excellent companion to it. Once you have vacuumed dirt and “visible” dust from floors and carpets, you can clean, sanitise, and degrease any surface in the home with the Polti Vaporetto.

Why is the Polti Vaporetto recommended for dust mite allergies?

The acaricidal effectiveness of the Polti Vaporetto is illustrated by several scientific studies. The University of Cambridge and the Dermatological Hospital of Lyon have attested to the effectiveness of Vaporetto steam against dust mites (98% elimination) and allergens (86% elimination). The British Allergy Foundation has also awarded the Polti Vaporetto its seal of approval, as an effective product in eliminating dust mites.

Who makes the Vaporetto?

The Vaporetto is only made by Polti. Safety, quality and widespread support within Italy are guaranteed by the more than 40 years of experience of a leader in the manufacture of steam appliances for cleaning and ironing.

What does SDD mean?

SDD means Steam Disinfection Device. Polti Vaporetto products that use the Vaporflexi brush are SDDs in compliance with the AFNOR NF T72-110 - March 2019 standard, certifying they have been tested for medical use and demonstrate virucidal, bactericidal, sporicidal, fungicidal and levuricidal effects and also work on mould.

Is cleaning with the ECO function effective?

The ECO function has been designed to provide the correct level of hygiene and effectiveness in situations where an extremely strong cleaning action is not necessary, such as in the case of stubborn dirt. It has been designed to ensure high cleaning performance along with energy and water savings.