written by M LOW on 24/03/2011
I have borrowed steam cleaners from friends before but was delighted to get one of my own. I would say this is by far the most compact and easy to use steamer I have used. The steamer can be operated using one hand. (Some of them I have used required you to hold the steamer in one hand and a hose connected to it in the other which is very awkward). This allows you a free hand to steady yourself if you are reaching into corners or a free hand to clean with after using the steamer.
It comes with a range of attachments - these include a simple 15cm long nozzle, a small circular brush that fits on the end of the long nozzle, a window-cleaning attachment and a couple of elasticated flannel covers that fit into the window cleaner for use on furniture. Of course, you can also use the thing with no attachments at all. There is also a plastic beaker for measuring the correct amount of water that you can pour in to the tank (260ml).
For those of you who have not used steamers before it does not eliminate the need to use elbow grease but what it does do is make cleaning much easier and quicker. It is also great for crevices that are difficult to clean. The steam forces the dirt on allowing you to wipe it away.
I have used the steamer on tiles and shower screen in the bathroom. It is great for cleaning the scum of the grout. There is a round brush attachment that comes with the steamer but I always use an old toothbrush with the steamer for this job. It is also great for mirrors, sinks and toilets. What is does is removes the germs that you cannot see as well as they dirt you can see.
It great to cleaning the inside out outside of oven and grill doors but you cannot use it inside because of the danger with electrics and steam! I have also used the steamer to clean the kitchen tiles and the gas hob. It makes the job of cleaning anything greasy so simple, after a blast from the steamer you merely wipe away with a cloth.
The manual indicates that the elasticated covers can be used for mattresses as well as furniture. I found that the covers were of no use as it was not possible to make contact with the mattress. This would involve tilting the steamer forward which results in water dribbling onto the mattress. I did manage to steam the mattress without this simply by holding the steamer level and allowing the steam to fall onto the mattress. At least this freshened the mattress up and hopefully eliminated some bacteria.
I have a leather sofa so could not test this function out. I have used a steamer before to freshen my vertical blinds and this is the next item on my cleaning list.
A steamer is not a product that most people will use everyday. For some jobs it is invaluable and with the nice compact size, the S4 Grime Master is more likely to be used on a regular basis.
written by Leo710576 on 22/03/2011
The Vax S4 Grime Master is is the first steam cleaner that I have every used as I have previously been deterred by their bulky size.
On its first use, I decided to tackle my oven hob which I had neglected to give a deep clean for some time.
I found the steam cleaner easy to assemble/use, the cleaner quickly heated up and the results were very impressive. The cleaner comes with a variety of attachments including a brush which is great for any stubborn marks and also for cleaning the tiles/grout in the bathrooms.
The steam cleaner also had great results on my windows as it easily lifted away the debris between the frame and window.
All in all it is a very portable, lightweight steam cleaner which is a great addition to any house.
written by Dalesmum on 20/03/2011
VAX S4 GRIME MASTER
I was really impressed with this handy little steam cleaner. With a useful length cable, it is stable when standing and fitted comfortably in my hand so wielding it round the kitchen and bathroom was a breeze. The 260ml tank capacity gives sufficient steam for 10-15 minutes use and the push and turn screw makes it easy to tell whether it is fastened correctly. The 'ready to use' indicator came on within a couple of minutes of turning it on and I particularly liked the positive lock on the handle preventing accidental escapes of steam. A dial allows you to vary the steam from a gentle waft in order to sanitize work surfaces, loos, etc right up to a powerful jet to really blast away dirt. The useful tools/attachments include a filling jug, a scrubbing brush head and a window squeegee which separates into two parts, one of which becomes an upholstery attachment on which can be placed a cute washable fabric 'sock'.
It performed surprisingly impressively for me. Cleaning the windows was quick and easy and left them gleaming without elbow grease. Although it said it was not intended for outdoor use, my windows swing inwards so I was also able to tackle the outside and it cut through the grime easily and left them sparkling. Where it really comes into its own is blasting out gunge from otherwise impossible to reach crevices, such as under the taps, around the edge of the cooker or sink and around the edges of the double glazing. It cleaned up the kitchen and bathroom grouting a treat and I even used the nozzle to clean away the dirt around the edges of a light coloured carpet but if you intend to do this, follow the advice and do a patch test first. I used it to freshen up our mattress and I imagine those with toddlers/pets will find this useful to sanitize those little 'accidents' on the carpet!
It's great for a quick whizz round the kitchen or bathroom and really takes the time and effort out of other tasks, such as window cleaning, all without having to resort to chemicals. For me, it's a star performer and useful addition to my cleaning cupboard.
written by godolphin 123 on 19/03/2011
Having had a steam cleaner before I know that they are VERY usefull and I like
being able to clean without chemicals. The cleaner I had was a cylinder pull along, it fell over quite often, got caught in doorways and I fell over it
quite often. I also could not turn off the steam , the whole thing had to be turned off if the doorbell or phone rang.
Now on this Vax S4 Grime Buster the steam has a variable control, it is also controlled by a trigger which can be locked to prevent accidental use. What a joy, it isn`t as poserfull as the afore mentioned cylinder but it does the job
without belching so much steam into the room that you can`t see what you are doing. I did my whole kitchen from one fill of water, it cleans windows beautifully and its light, compact, easy to use and store. The instructions are easy to follow and the tools easy to use. I will use this on a daily basis and not dread having to drag a great heavy object out of the cupboard. Really useful for tracking the grandchildren`s finger marks!
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