2 replies to this topic

[crisR]

hey guys,there is a car wash franchise here in my city that uses steam for interior and exterior cleaning as well. I thought it would be a great idea since it is eco friendly, but I'm thinking if it will not damage the paint? Any of you here have tries steam cleaning for your minis?

[Senile Old Git]

These machine were called steam cleaners but in the trade they are now referred to as hot washers. Hot or cold water alone will not (regardless of pressure or temperature) remove traffic film, but will do a good job at blasting away thick grease deposits. To get a really good finish the water can be part diluted with cleaning chemicals, traditionally TFR (Traffic Film Remover) As long as the lance is not pointed directly at the paintwork it will be fine. Do the engine bay but be mindful that the dizzie with get wet so remember to wipe that out, if your car is an Mpi I personally would remove the ECU.

[darky32]

I will be steam cleaning my mini engine next week as its a great way to get all the oil and grease off prior to painting but i will turn the pressure down on the machine to do it , as said above just be mindfull of the electrics... hot water via a steam cleaner has been used for year in the trade to clean cars and always get a better finish than cold IMO when used by someone that know what they are doing with it