Steam engine washing – why it’s worth spending a little money + video

Hi all! I think many of you have encountered the need or simply the desire to clean your engine of accumulated contaminants. That’s why today I propose to talk about such an interesting topic as steam engine washing.

There are a number of benefits to cleaning your engine bay. But at the same time, motorists are rightly wary of engaging in such procedures because of possible negative consequences. Mistakes are not allowed here. Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh, think and decide everything.

In theory, you can organize a steam washing yourself. But increasingly, as reviews show, drivers prefer visiting special services, where they are guaranteed to complete the task. Such car washes operate in Grodno, Moscow, Ivanovo, Minsk, Kiev, cities like Ryazan, Tver, beloved Volgograd, St. Petersburg, etc. If you know the addresses of good car washers, write in the comments. Together we will help our readers.

Steam technology

This is a new technology that is being actively introduced into the car care services segment. Steam allows you to give your car an excellent appearance in a short period of time and with minimal costs for consumables.

Special steam generators are used to create steam. This is quite expensive equipment, so buying it for personal use is impractical.

The steam generator is equipped with a hose of the required length and special nozzles. Water, mixed with additional substances to improve washing, evaporates and is supplied to the car in the form of steam through appropriate nozzles. The nozzle is selected depending on what area of the vehicle needs to be treated.

Steam is unique in that it contains a small amount of water. This allows the surfaces to be left virtually dry after treatment. Due to the high temperature and pressure, steam washing does not require a large amount of auto chemicals. In some cases it does not apply at all.

Steam is more effective than water because, in addition to removing dirt, it can sterilize surfaces and give them a natural shine.

Steam is supplied at temperatures ranging from 80 to 160 degrees Celsius, and under pressure from 9 to 12 atmospheres. There are also other models with slightly different characteristics. This is 140-160 degrees Celsius at a pressure of 2.5-6 atmospheres.

Such characteristics make it possible not to cause any harm to the paintwork of the car. Therefore, there is no need to worry about this. The steam flow is capable of reaching the most inaccessible places, which makes steam generators one of the ways to perform a truly high-quality wash. This is true when the car is being prepared for sale. Steam generators are actively used in services that specialize in engine detailing and washing.

But it is important to consider that not always and not all elements of a car can be treated with steam. Therefore, you need to delve into the features of steam car washing in more detail and take into account some precautions.

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Advantages

It is noted that steam penetrates much better into the structure of dirt and destroys it from the inside, that is, the dirt simply lags behind the surface. Also, steam easily penetrates into all crevices, washing away all contaminants.

High temperature leads to the fact that in addition to dirt, all fat deposits are destroyed, and the surface is completely degreased.

When steam washing a car body, microfiber rags are often additionally used, which allows you to completely remove dirt from the surface. Moreover, such cleaning can remove tarnish from chrome elements, giving them their original shine.

Steam washing practically does not require the use of chemicals. And only in case of severe contamination (traces of anti-corrosion treatment, bitumen, resin) it may be necessary to use cleaning agents.

This method of washing is performed manually, which allows for high-quality cleaning of the body surface.

It may take longer than washing with regular water under pressure, but steam cleaning can easily remove dirt even from the most difficult to reach places.

After all work, it is allowed to polish the body, which will keep the surface of the car clean for a longer period.

The high temperature of the steam disinfects the surface without the use of cleaning agents. Therefore, cleaning the interior with steam is safe, does not cause an allergic reaction, disinfects the surface, and neutralizes odors.

Although steam is supplied under significant pressure, due to its gaseous state, it is unable to cause damage to surfaces.

Thanks to this property, a steam cleaner does an excellent job of cleaning the power plant.

During the work, no engine preparation related to wiring protection is required. Steam is simply not capable of causing damage to the wiring, and its high cleaning properties can easily remove dust, dirt, traces of fuels and lubricants, etc. from the surface of the motor.

Ultimately, the engine, completely cleaned of dirt, looks like new. In this case, the steam will not wet the contacts, which happens when washing with water. The car can be driven immediately after cleaning.

And subsequent treatment of the engine with protective agents will ensure long-term cleanliness of the surfaces of the power plant and its auxiliary equipment.

Prices for steam generators for cleaning and washing

Name	Steam output	Max. power consumption	Dimensions	Price
16 kg/h;	12 kW	800x800x1040	Great Dane
16 kg/h;	12 kW	800x800x1040	Great Dane
16 kg/h;	12 kW	800x800x1040	Great Dane
24 kg/h;	18 kW	800x800x1040	Great Dane
24 kg/h;	18 kW	800x800x1040	Great Dane
24 kg/h;	18 kW	800x800x1040	Great Dane
15 kg/h;	3-12 kW	480x480x1040	85,000 rub.
30 kg/h;	6-23 kW	480x480x1040	95,000 rub.

Order

Steam washing

Steam washing is a unique technology for removing various types of contaminants (grease residues, grease, oil products, rust) from the surface of materials and equipment; it has become widespread in the West. Steam cleaning reduces water consumption by tens of times, significantly reduces it, and sometimes you can do without using cleaning agents at all.

The effectiveness of a steam generator for dry steam washing lies in the fact that high-temperature steam breaks the adhesion of contaminants to the surface, and due to the high pressure it easily knocks off dust and dirt. In addition, the steam evaporates instantly and the issue of waste disposal will not be so pressing, and if used carefully, the steam will not damage the electrical systems of the car engine.

Washing with a steam generator leaves surfaces clean, dry and grease-free.

Steam generator for car washing

Professional steam cleaners use high pressure steam to clean the car body, engine and interior. They remove dirt, stains, and grease from any surface even without the use of chemical cleaning agents, as it has high steam pressure and temperature. Washing an engine with a steam generator is completely safe. Another important feature is that they are environmentally friendly.

Professional steam generators for washing cars in the yard or at car washes are an excellent solution because they:

consume a tiny amount of water, which means no waste water;
does not cause scratches and does not damage paint;
disinfects areas and eliminates unpleasant odors;
due to the absence of chemicals, there is no negative effect on the protective coating and car body;
Dry hot steam does not require protection of the electronic components of the machine engine from water;
reduces the need for chemical detergents (or does without them);

If dry cleaning of a car is required, then PGE PROF steam generators have the function of supplying chemicals.

Washing a car threshold in 1 minute without chemicals	Before	After
Cleaning the engine with a steam generator in 7 minutes without chemicals	Before	After
	Before	After
	Before	After
Car wash in 1 minute without chemicals	Before	After
Washing a local area of the car in 1 minute without chemicals	Before	After

Professional steam generators for cleaning allow you to quickly cope with cleaning:

carpets, chairs and ventilation ducts;
cleaning elevators, washing windows and mirrors.
disinfection of tile and ceramic surfaces;
removing resin from floors and upholstery;
sanitary and hygienic cleaning of bathrooms and toilets;
restoration of shine of chrome pipes and surfaces;

Preparing the surface for painting

Steam generators for car washes - features of complex car washing with steam

Steam washing - modern and economical

Steam washing, or steam washing, is a unique technology for removing complex contaminants (grease, grease, oil products, rust) from equipment surfaces.
Steam cleaning reduces water consumption tenfold compared to a high pressure washer. An important advantage is that in most cases, steam washing takes place without the use of chemical cleaning agents. The effectiveness of a professional steam generator for steam washing lies in the fact that high-temperature steam breaks the adhesion of dirt to the surface, and due to high pressure it easily knocks off dust and dirt. Washing with a steam generator leaves surfaces clean, dry and grease-free.

In addition, the steam instantly evaporates and the issue of wastewater disposal becomes irrelevant. When using steam, the electrical systems of the car engine will not be damaged. The possibilities for using a car steam generator are truly endless; just a few of the use cases are described below.

An industrial steam generator for washing and cleaning solves a number of problems:

Steam washing of car bodies, motorcycles, special equipment, buses, ships, etc.;
Cleaning and disinfection of car interiors (seat upholstery, covers, mats, luggage compartment windows, etc.)
Cleaning wheels, tires, wheel arches, moldings;
Cleaning and disinfection of air ducts;
Gentle and safe engine cleaning with dry steam;
Preparation of metal and other surfaces for subsequent painting (for example, powder-polymer paint);
Cleaning industrial equipment, components and parts from grease and oil contaminants;
Cleaning moving parts and mechanisms of various equipment (rollers, seals, conveyor belts, etc.);
Cleaning ventilation system elements from grease contamination;
Cleaning carpets, stone floors, tiles, tiles; cleaning of various interior elements, windows and facades of office, administrative and commercial buildings;
Cleaning of city infrastructure facilities (cleaning of bus stops, removal of graffiti, cleaning and disinfection of all types of public transport, public places, monuments, removal of ice and much more).

Steam generator for washing the engine and car body

Professional industrial high-pressure steam generators are successfully used to clean the car body and engine. “Steam wash” removes dirt, stains, and grease from any surface, even without the use of chemical cleaning agents. Washing an engine with a steam generator is gentle and completely safe, unlike high-pressure washers.

Often, motorists do not immediately decide to try this type of vehicle washing, fearing that high-pressure steam can harm the car body by destroying the paintwork. In fact, this judgment is not true. In fact, the traditional option with chemicals causes much more damage to the car's paint.

Advantages of steam car washing:

They consume very little water, therefore there is no need to dispose of wastewater;
Gentle cleaning, does not cause scratches and does not damage the paint;
Due to the absence of chemicals, there is no negative effect on the protective coating and car body;
There is no risk of damage to the electrical wiring and electronic components of the machine's engine;
The need for chemical detergents is significantly reduced;

Electric steam generators are used both indoors and outdoors. The service of on-site car washing with a steam generator is becoming increasingly popular. Taxi services are purchasing steam generators to keep their fleet clean.

What should a steam generator be like for a car wash?

Performance:

Often, different manufacturers offer models for car washes with a capacity of up to 5 kg of steam per hour, powered by 220V; this power will only be enough for cleaning the interior or for an on-site car wash. For better and faster cleaning of the engine and body, at least 15 kg/hour is required. It should be taken into account that such units need to be connected to a three-phase 380V network.

We recommend equipping stationary car washes with steam generators with a capacity of 15 kg/hour, or better yet 30 kg/hour, with a pressure of 10 atm. The costs of such a device are more than covered by the high speed and quality of washing.

Steam pressure:

The pressure of a professional automotive steam generator must be at least 5 bar, the average pressure of such equipment is 5-8 bar. A high-pressure steam generator of 10 bar will allow you to clean any dirt with great comfort.

Buy a reliable steam generator for car wash

We offer powerful steam generators for cleaning and steam cleaning made in Russia. For example, the price of a similar Bieffe model (Italy) will cost 5-6 times more.

Features of the models:

Productivity: 15, 30 kg/hour;
Working pressure - 5.5 or 10 atm;
Equipment: 10 meter steam line, steam gun, wheels for ease of movement.
Low price;
High reliability and simplicity of design;
High maintainability.

To purchase a steam generator for car washing, contact us in a way convenient for you:

Tel. in Moscow:	+7(499)112-45-65
Tel. in St. Petersburg:	+7(812)507-62-25
Tel. in Novosibirsk:	+7(383)209-99-75
Email

We also offer diesel steam generators for car washes made in Italy.

How we work with clients

Time is the most important resource, so we value your time: We respond to your email request within 10 minutes; We ship products from the warehouse within 1 business day after payment.
We organize delivery to all cities of Russia and the CU country at the best prices: We know the tariffs and actual delivery times of transport companies; We will select the best delivery option based on price/urgency.
We provide a full set of closing documents, certificates, and warranty cards.

You may be interested in checking out other options for using steam generators:

Steam generators for food production

Steam generators for the production of concrete and reinforced concrete products

Steam generators for construction work

Steam generators for car washes (engine and body washing)

Steam generators for steaming chambers

Steam generators for heating tanks with petroleum products

Steam generators for dry cleaning, cleaning

Steam generators for defrosting pipelines

Steam generators for hammam baths, saunas

Steam generators for agriculture

Steam generators for chemical production

Steam generators for sterilizing containers

How often to carry out

A controversial issue is the frequency with which it is necessary to wash the car area under the hood. Here, even specialists find it difficult to come to a consensus. Let's start with why this procedure is carried out at all and what can happen to a motor that has never been washed.

A clean engine demonstrates optimal heat transfer, does not overheat, the oil lasts longer, and the engine itself has a more impressive service life.
On a clean unit, leaks of liquids will be immediately visible, which indicate the presence of malfunctions in its operation.
In a car with a clean engine compartment, electrical problems are less likely to occur, especially in winter.
A clean surface retains less dirt, slush and salt spray.
Clean and convenient maintenance is only possible with a washed engine. Even basic manipulations will be much more pleasant if the engine has been previously cleaned.

Previously, cleaning a car engine was carried out before sale or in case of repair. Only a few particularly careful car owners polished up the engine compartment once every few years. This was explained by the high risk of malfunctions in the most expensive part of the car. Cleaning with a dry, powerful stream of steam is safe for the power unit and all parts of the engine compartment. Therefore, it can be carried out much more often, as needed or depending on the degree of contamination of the engine. This procedure becomes especially relevant before the onset of winter, which poses a challenge to all drivers. The problem is the considerable cost that is typical for cleaning the engine with steam.

TO WASH OR NOT TO WASH IS A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION

There is a certain narrow category of motorists who believe that engine washing is not necessary at all. This is a mistaken opinion, which often leads to various types of technical malfunctions.

LET'S LIST THE ADVANTAGES OF A CAR WITH A CLEAN UNDERHOOD:

1. Safety factor - the likelihood of a short circuit is significantly lower. If this phenomenon occurs, the engine often starts to burn. As you know, a car burns out within minutes.

2. Engine cooling parameters are significantly improved. No amount of “synthetics” poured into the engine or state-of-the-art antifreeze will help cope with the risk of overheating if the power unit is covered with a significant layer of dirt.

3. It is much easier for a motorist to independently identify periodically occurring defects associated with leaks of oil, antifreeze, and power steering fluid. There is a true axiom that says that identifying defects at an early stage is cheaper for the motorist financially.

4. Many of our regular customers have successfully sold their cars thanks to the perfect cleanliness in the engine compartment. We recommend such an event as an important part of pre-sale preparation.

Advantages and disadvantages

This process, however, like any other, is characterized by positive and negative characteristics. In order to make the right decision regarding washing the engine in this new way, it is necessary to study all the characteristics of this issue. The list of advantages is as follows:

The likelihood of water penetrating inside the power unit is reduced. In this case, there are no conditions for the formation of a short circuit in the wiring, flooding of the motor, or the occurrence of other dangerous situations.
The high safety of the procedure does not compromise the performance of the unit.
Under the influence of a steam flow, complex contaminants (grease stains, oil residues, bitumen, resin and stubborn, old dirt) are easily removed.
Easy cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.
Fast cleaning performance.
No need to use chemicals or special cleaning agents.
Clean work, after which there are no puddles or dirt.

This list of advantages should be diluted with negative aspects, which are also characteristic of this process. The list of shortcomings consists of the following points:

The considerable cost stops many motorists. Price formation is influenced by the need to use expensive equipment and the features associated with the technological side of this process.
The danger of the process lies in the use of high temperature during cleaning.

Technology in action

Washing a car with a steam generator involves using hot steam (160 °C), which is supplied under pressure through a hose with a nozzle. Any surface of the machine can be treated:

external;
internal;
chassis;
bottom.

Due to the high temperature and significant pressure, steam copes well with dirt of any complexity, breaking down even old oil, bitumen and organic stains.

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dirt reduces the quality of heat transfer;
pollution causes a drop in power;
fuel consumption increases;
wear of lubricants accelerates;
malfunctions in the operation of the motor appear;
debris eats into the components of the engine compartment;
the wear rate of parts increases;
harmful fumes from pollution penetrate into the cabin;
the likelihood of breakdowns increases.

And when selling a car, at a minimum, an engine that is too dirty will not attract potential buyers.

Disadvantages of the method

It is worth focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of such a procedure.

This will let you know how good steam is at cleaning the engine compartment. Or it is better to give preference to an alternative method.

There are 3 main ways to wash a car engine.

Traditional method. It involves manual, professional washing or visiting a self-service car wash to carry out the appropriate manipulations. But here water is used, which is extremely dangerous and undesirable for the engine;
Method based on chemical reagents. Using chemicals without protection and experience working with it is extremely dangerous for the motorist himself. Yes, and other components may suffer due to aggressive components;
Use of steam. The safest and most preferred option.

There are several weighty arguments in favor of this method, in addition to the fact that it is the safest for the motor itself.

But there are also some disadvantages. Let's start with them.

The main disadvantage is the high cost. Car services offer such services, but the price tags are impressive due to the use of expensive equipment, as well as the peculiarities of the procedure itself.

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Advantages and disadvantages

While not every car wash offers steam cleaning, this service is gradually becoming popular.

To learn even more about this method of machine processing, it is worth taking a look at the strengths and weaknesses of using steam generators.

Let's start with the advantages. A steam wash, or simply a steam wash, provides the following positive aspects for cars:

steam is able to penetrate the structure of materials and destroy contaminants from the inside;
steam penetrates into crevices better than any brushes and removes dirt from there;
high temperature allows you to destroy fat deposits;
steam copes well with the problem of tarnished metal and chrome parts;
returns the original appearance to plastic elements;
steam has a powerful antibacterial effect;
copes well with the problem of foreign odors in the cabin;
steam washing requires minimal use of auto chemicals;
you can handle the steam generator yourself;
steam does not provoke allergic reactions;
with the correct choice of temperature and pressure, there is no harm to the surfaces of the car;
minimal water consumption;
a steam generator is one of the best ways to safely wash your engine;
steam does not harm the car wiring;
With the help of a steam generator, the car can be washed on the street and in the garage.

Due to the small amount of water, it does not drain from the car and does not pollute the street, which is important during regular washing. Therefore, you can steam wash your car in the yard; it will not be considered a violation of the law.

Usually polishes, wax, etc. are used. Keep in mind that you need to use appropriate products to polish different surfaces.

But the steam wash also has a downside. Its disadvantages include the following:

some parts may be damaged by high pressure;
certain materials cannot be processed at high temperatures;
Sudden temperature changes are not allowed, and steam generators cannot be used when washing cars outside in winter;
there are not so many qualified specialists who work efficiently with steam generators;
the equipment is expensive and is rarely purchased for personal use;
It takes more time to clean a car compared to using water and car shampoo;
During operation, the steam generator creates additional noise.

How significant these shortcomings are, everyone decides for themselves.

The steam washing machine is only at the initial stage of introduction into domestic car washes. But this method has proven its effectiveness and necessity.

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The same applies to self-processing of the engine compartment. To be able to clean the engine with steam, you need to buy expensive equipment (steam generator). It is noticeably more expensive than the foam generators discussed earlier, as well as high-pressure washers, which are popular among car enthusiasts, about which you can learn more by following the links. In rare cases, it makes sense to buy an expensive steam generator for personal use. But if your budget allows, and for some reason you like to wash the car yourself, then feel free to buy a good unit.

Steam is also supplied at high temperatures (about 160 degrees Celsius), which is extremely dangerous if it comes into contact with the skin. You need to be extremely careful when working with the steam generator.

Steam is probably not as dangerous as aggressive chemicals. But it definitely poses a greater threat than regular car shampoo with water. Therefore, here everything is learned by comparison.

Current benefits

If these shortcomings are not significant for you, then you should pay attention to the strengths.

As for the advantages, they are:

Steam does an excellent job of breaking down fat, oil, resin and other types of contaminants, including regular dust;
Steam can penetrate into the most inaccessible places;
Processing requires a minimum of time;
In terms of energy consumption (effort expended), this is the simplest type of self-wash;
Steam does not necessarily require the use of additional chemicals;
The only equipment needed is a steam generator;
Steam cleaning can be done anywhere since you are not pouring liters of water on the ground;
After cleaning, no dirt or puddles form under the car.

As you can see, the advantages are more than significant. With special equipment and careful handling, you can achieve excellent results in a matter of minutes.

Features of steam cleaning

I would like to describe the sequence and features of steam cleaning of the engine compartment, which is carried out by specialists at the appropriate car washes where such a service is available.

There is nothing complicated about it. In many ways, what stops motorists from cleaning the engine compartment themselves is the high price of the equipment. Alternatively, you can borrow a steam generator from a friend, visit a self-service car service that has such equipment, or still buy a device for creating dry steam and supplying it under high pressure.

Step by step steam cleaning of the motor looks like this:

First, the car must be de-energized by disconnecting the terminals from the battery. Some even remove the battery, although this is not necessary;
Next, the steam generator is turned on, and under pressure through a hose it is supplied to the engine compartment;
Primary treatment is needed to remove the main layer of contaminants;
That’s why car service centers often apply special cleaning compounds in the form of auto chemicals;
The chemical is kept for 5-10 minutes, and then the remaining product is removed again with steam;
At the final stage, finishing is carried out with compressed air;
Good car washes additionally treat plastic and rubber parts with special silicone polishes.

If we talk about the technology for self-steam cleaning of a car engine, then the stages of professional processing are simply repeated, often skipping the process of applying cleaning auto chemicals.

Whether to use chemicals or not largely depends on the degree of contamination. In home or garage conditions, it is superfluous. Often, a motorist only needs one steam generator. Although no one is stopping you from further treating the engine compartment with special care products for plastic and other surfaces.

If you want to clean the engine compartment and receive a quality guarantee that protects against possible negative consequences, contact the professionals. Read reviews of car washes available in your area, find out which ones offer steam cleaning, and how well they do their job.

Have you ever encountered steam cleaning of an engine? Or maybe you have your own steam generator. What can you say about this procedure?

Engine washing and consequences: is it dangerous to wash the engine with steam?

Before we talk about steam engine cleaning, let's take a look at all the available methods for cleaning an internal combustion engine. Let's start with washing the engine with Karcher, since this service is very common. It is quite obvious that water entering the engine compartment is undesirable. Many drivers are well familiar with the problem of electrical equipment flooding with water, short circuits, errors and engine failure to start after an unprofessional engine wash by Karcher. This happens at a car wash; problems often arise after trying to wash the engine of dirt with a high-pressure apparatus with your own hands in your own garage.

Please note that this does not mean that the engine cannot be washed with Karcher, water under pressure or any other similar method. The point is that this procedure must be carried out correctly.

Given the labor-intensive nature of the process, most car washes simply neglect basic rules.

The owner is warned in advance that the car service does not bear any responsibility for possible consequences after washing the engine with Karcher, that is, all actions are carried out at your own peril and risk. Then the power unit is washed in the same way as the body, applying shampoo and generously pouring a stream of water over the space under the hood. When washing yourself, the main cause of problems is usually the lack of awareness of car enthusiasts about possible problems or deliberate failure to comply with the rules for preparing the car for engine washing.

As for manual washing, that is, without the use of water under pressure, this procedure is less risky, but often has an exclusively cosmetic effect. The fact is that on most modern cars, access to many elements under the hood is very difficult. It turns out that getting to many hidden or hard-to-reach surfaces and cavities under the hood with your hands and a brush is extremely problematic.

Taking into account the above, it becomes clear that there is simply no safe way to wash the unit relatively quickly and at the same time efficiently until a certain point. Note that the situation has changed for the better after the offer of steam engine washing appeared on the auto services market. The main advantage is minimizing the amount of water that gets under the hood. Now let's look at the pros and cons of this process in more detail.

Why wash the engine at all?

Of course, keeping an eye on the condition and cleanliness of your “iron horse” is not just a whim, but a necessity, and the motor is no exception. However, this procedure should not be done in parts, and it can only be entrusted to good craftsmen, so that later you do not have to buy a new part. Also, do not forget about the cleanliness of the power unit: if a car is put up for sale, no matter how good it is, customers will still look, first of all, at what the engine looks like. A dirty, unkempt engine with traces of oil and everything like that is unlikely to inspire confidence in anyone.

In addition, excessive contamination will negatively affect its performance. Thus, heat transfer may deteriorate, it will become less powerful, but the “eat” fuel will become much more agile. In addition, malfunctions in its operation are possible, and problems such as leaks of oil and other liquids will be more difficult to detect, because a clean engine is an excellent indicator of such problems. Abundant oil drips can even cause a fire, and dirty elements always wear out much faster than clean ones.

Reasons that force car owners to wash the engine

Do-it-yourself or professional engine washing is a regular procedure that allows you to operate your car normally. The most common reasons for washing are:

The car owner needed to clean the car engine of oil to eliminate engine overheating. All deposits impair heat dissipation, which causes the temperature to exceed the operating range. After washing the engine, there will be no contaminants left on the surface, which will allow the power plant to return to its previous operating mode;
When visiting a service station, it became necessary to wash the internal combustion engine for maintenance. This situation especially often arises when the car is under warranty and the service refuses to carry out work until the owner washes the engine compartment of oil and dirt;
The problem of how to wash a car engine also arises during state maintenance. Passing a technical inspection is only possible if the engine is clean on the outside.

Appearance of a dirty motor

Fire danger is another reason why car owners are thinking about how to clean the engine from oil and dirt. Automotive chemicals allow you to get rid of contaminants on both metal surfaces and electrical wiring. The engine, having gotten rid of dirt deposits and oil, becomes much safer.

Features of using steam washing

A car can be divided into several elements and components. But for all of them, steam washing can be used when processing cars, which should be taken into account.

Specialized services that have such equipment note that washing any car with hot steam under pressure is used to treat some components.

It is necessary to separately consider in what cases steam can be used. And in which there is a high risk of damaging machine parts that are exposed to high pressure, humid environment and temperature.

Body. Washing the main body parts in pairs is not usually done. Steam generators with attachments are used only for hard-to-reach body parts. Steam cannot remove all contaminants without the additional use of auto chemicals and the usual water treatment method. Steam treatment is relevant for internal parts of the body. These are door fastenings, pillars, tailgate, etc.
Engine and engine compartment. Steam washing, compared to conventional water treatment, involves the use of much less moisture. This protects against short circuits and increases safety. Experts advise using steam to clean the engine. But only in combination with dielectric auto chemicals for washing engines with subsequent treatment with preservative compounds.
Ceiling in the salon. Steam removes dirt well, does not leave streaks behind, and has an antibacterial effect due to high temperatures. This is one of the effective ways to eliminate unpleasant odors. But different types of glue can be used in the ceiling cladding. High temperatures can cause the ceiling to sag. Steam generators are used very delicately in order to carry out antibacterial treatment.
Floor in the cabin. It has the same beneficial properties as ceiling washing, but with fewer risks to the coating. At the same time, you need to use vacuum cleaners to remove large debris.
Velor and fabric upholstery of seats. Steam cleans these materials well, does not leave streaks, and eliminates unpleasant odors. It is better to use steam after cleaning with special auto chemicals for washing the interior.
Leather, eco-leather, etc. Steam easily removes dirt, eliminates odors, and carries out antibacterial treatment. But you cannot heat the skin to 100 degrees or more, otherwise it will lead to damage and deformation.
Plastic elements. Steam will do an excellent job of removing dirt and will not leave streaks. The plastic returns to its original shine. But it is important to set the steam generator to a temperature of no more than 80-90 degrees Celsius.

Washing with a steam generator is really quite effective and useful. But you see that it cannot always be used and not all problems can be solved by gaseous water under pressure. Steam is an auxiliary tool in the process of detailed cleaning of a car from dirt. But its use allows you to replace some expensive chemicals and significantly reduce time by eliminating manual cleaning methods.

Technologies do not stand still

Almost all car owners try to keep their car clean. Some people wash their cars themselves, using a bucket of water, a rag and detergents, while others periodically visit car washes, where they use washing equipment to remove dirt from the surface of the body and dry clean the interior.

Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages.

Carrying out a car wash yourself saves money, but at the same time it is not always possible to clean the car properly.

At a car wash, the car will be treated better, since most modern equipment supplies water under pressure - a powerful jet effectively washes away dirt from the body.

And dry cleaning of the interior will clean the interior much better. But at the same time, exposure to high water pressure if done incorrectly can damage body parts or paintwork.

And recently another way to clean the body has appeared - using steam.

This method is now actively advertised, all its positive qualities are indicated. Let's try to figure out whether steam washing is really such a great way to wash a car.

Step by step steam cleaning

Steam engine washing can be presented in two options - without the use of chemical solutions to cover the power compartment of the machine, as well as with the use of appropriate products that are applied in advance to speed up the separation of oil fractions from the engine compartment and engine elements.

The general step-by-step process of dry cleaning in these cases does not have any fundamental differences, however, when using chemical detergents, after applying them you must wait and then remove them. Only after this does steam treatment come into play.

The rest of the steam cleaning is represented by the following step-by-step actions.

Taping visible sensors after opening the hood. The battery must be protected with a bag to eliminate the possibility of current leakage and discharge. After all manipulations, the battery will need to be wiped with a damp cloth and then used with a dry one.
At the next stage, the power unit is pre-treated with a steam jet for 30 seconds. Next, you need to wait a couple of minutes until the oil fractions and dirt peel off from the surface of the engine compartment. At the same stage, chemical treatment of engine parts occurs, if necessary.
Next, the engine compartment is subjected to steam treatment; you must act carefully and carefully.
At the final stage, a dry rag is used to wipe all cleaned elements, after which they are blown with air under low pressure.
After cleaning work, you can remove the protective film from the sensors and open the battery. Everything is wiped again with a dry cloth and blown with air.

How to make a foam generator with your own hands? Read about all the nuances and rules of this process in the article by our specialist.

We also recommend reading our expert’s article, in which he talks about the best high-pressure car washes on the domestic market.

How does steam engine cleaning work?

Steam engine washing can be of two types: the first is a steam wash with preliminary use of chemicals to quickly separate dirt - oil fractions from engine elements and the engine compartment as a whole, and the second is a steam wash without the use of preliminary coating of the car's power compartment with chemical solutions. Accordingly, when washing an engine with the above types, the general process is the same, except that before washing the engine with steam using chemicals, it is necessary to apply a layer of chemicals and wait for some time, and then remove and treat with steam. And so the general process of washing an engine with steam consists of the following steps:

Having opened the hood, it is ideally necessary, just as when washing the engine with a Karcher, to cover possible visible sensors with tape, and cover the battery with a bag (it is better to wipe it with a damp and then a dry cloth) in order to prevent battery discharge and current leakage;
First, treat the engine compartment with steam for 30 seconds and wait a few minutes for effective separation of dirt and oil fractions from the elements of the engine compartment. If washing with steam using chemicals, then you must first apply a chemical solution and then also wait a few minutes;
After this, you can begin a thorough but careful steam treatment of the engine compartment;
The next and final step is to wipe all the elements with a dry rag and blow all the elements with air under low pressure. After this, remove all covering films from the sensors and the closing element from the battery and also wipe with a rag and blow with air.

Video on the topic “Washing a car under the hood with steam”

Is it possible to steam wash an engine at home?

As you can see, the days when the engine was given a marketable appearance with the help of diesel fuel and gasoline are already far behind us. Moreover, various chemicals are also a thing of the past. Today, steam engine washing is becoming more and more popular every day. In order to carry it out, you will need a steam generator and a specialist who knows his business.

Carrying out a steam wash on your own is extremely unsafe!

Of course, you can try to do everything yourself at home. But, firstly, it is not safe, since you will have to work with very high temperatures (more than 160 ° C). And secondly, whatever one may say, a specialist will still cope with the task much faster and with better quality, and there is no point in renting expensive equipment.

The technology itself is that absolutely all places in the engine compartment should be treated with dry steam. To do this, you need to direct the hose, from which steam comes under very high pressure, under the hood of the car and process the engine compartment in all directions. In general, this type of engine washing has many advantages and should not be neglected!

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Advantages and disadvantages of the steam method

Towing a car with a CVT: what you need to know

There are no fundamental differences between steam dry cleaning and the use of water to wash the engine, since steam is basically represented by tiny drops of water. Following, the preliminary preparation of the power unit before cleaning is no different, however, dry processing still has its advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of dry washing

The following points help to understand that steam engine cleaning is better than water cleaning:

The cleaning efficiency is much higher since the steam temperature reaches 160 degrees Celsius.
In most cases, the surface can be cleaned without the use of chemical solutions. The effectiveness of dry washing without special products is equivalent to cleaning with water using them. If the stains are so complex that it becomes necessary to use cleaning solutions for steam cleaning, then using them with water will not have any effect at all.
Saving water in a car wash.
The steam mixture is supplied to the engine at such a speed and in such quantity that the likelihood that the engine will not start after washing is reduced to zero.
The speed of the demineralized steam jet is not as high as in the case of washing with water, and the temperature of 95 degrees Celsius does not harm the electrical wiring and motor components, therefore, dry washing is safer.
Oil and mud fractions in hard-to-reach places are peeled off and removed much more efficiently.
Elements of the engine compartment are not damaged, since a point jet is not used.
There is no need to install a wastewater treatment area on the site.

Flaws

Since ideal methods for cleaning an engine do not yet exist, there are certain disadvantages in the case of dry cleaning:

The steam generator is much more expensive than standard car wash units, therefore the cost of the service itself is also much higher.
The work is labor-intensive and can take up to 2 hours to complete.
Low-quality steam equipment in most cases does not meet environmental standards.
Dry cleaning is safe for the car, but not always so for the employee, since without proper skill there is a risk of burns.
Rubber and plastic elements and the paintwork of the engine compartment can still be damaged if a car wash employee does not adhere to technological standards when working with steam.

Steam generator in the food industry

Scientific research in industry has shown that it is during preparation and packaging that a significant portion (more than 90%) of all food contamination occurs. In accordance with sanitary standards and regulations, cleaning consists of the following stages: wash with water using detergents, disinfection using special chemicals, rinsing with water and subsequent drying.

The use of a dry steam generator in the food industry makes it possible to simplify, speed up, and most importantly guarantee complete disinfection by removing microorganisms. At the same time, the surfaces remain dry, areas that remain inaccessible with other types of washing and cleaning are disinfected.

For example, the confectionery industry, bakeries, production of pasta, cheese, butter, meat and sausages, food storage and packaging:

sanitary treatment of work tables and refrigeration equipment;
disinfection of working scales and dispensers;
cleaning moving parts and mechanisms of various equipment: rollers, seals, conveyor belts;
removing grease and oily contaminants from electrical switches, panels and panels;
cleaning and disinfection of workplaces, air ducts;
removing grease from washing equipment

steam generator for glass. Operation in beverage filling lines

There are practically no barriers to dry, saturated steam; it penetrates into every crevice and thoroughly cleans every component, preventing the formation of fungus and mold. The low water consumption of the steam generator allows you to clean various electrical parts and panels.

For example, bottling lines, as well as production and packaging of drinks, juice and milk:

disinfection and sanitary cleaning of the filling line
sanitary treatment of surfaces and floors
washing and cleaning of equipment

Industrial steam generators in production

Pre-treatment of various materials to remove grease, oil, rust and various types of contaminants. The use of a dry steam generator can significantly reduce water consumption, as well as eliminate or significantly reduce the use of chemical cleaning agents.

When using high pressure steam generators, surfaces remain clean, dry and grease-free.

For example, hotels, conference rooms, apartments:

preparation of materials by removing residual lubricant;
cleaning electrical parts, blocks, electric motors;
removal and cleaning of rust;
cleaning molds;
restoration of shine of chrome pipes and surfaces;
washing and cleaning of equipment and workplaces;

Production of steam generators

Steam washer

What is the point of this type of general cleaning of the engine compartment? A special apparatus generates steam, which is supplied under high pressure to the part requiring cleaning. A vapor pressure of about 8 atmospheres leaves little chance for virtually all types of pollution. Washing an engine with steam costs about one and a half thousand rubles, depending on the location and type of washing. Why are motorists increasingly resorting to this method of washing? The answer is obvious - almost complete absence of water. Companies providing this type of service promise the client high quality of work done and a large list of contaminants to be washed. It seems that the couple is afraid of oil, bitumen, and a great many other types of pollution that our four-wheeled friend encounters every day. The risk of damage to expensive sensors and other parts of the car that are afraid of water is also reduced. Everyone has at least once encountered such a picture - a car with an open hood stands near a car wash, and its “happy owner” frowns with displeasure. Washing the engine with a large amount of water can lead to this result. And there is no one to ask, because washers prudently warn about possible malfunctions and a careless motorist has to order the procedure at his own peril and risk.

Engine washing and engine compartment preservation***

Engine washing is carried out using Koch Chemie* technology using Golden Star dielectric compound. The composition is applied using a special pneumatic tool exclusively to a cooled engine! Water is used only at the stage of flushing the composition, at minimum pressure. The composition is washed off using a hot shower. Drying after washing is carried out with compressed air with an extended nozzle. Upon completion of the work, the surfaces are preserved with Motor Plast from Koch Chemie*.

Class
1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th
3490	3490	3490	3990	3990	3990

***Friends! When washing an engine using Koch Chemie technology, we fill it with water! We cannot provide a guarantee for the performance of the engine and electronic systems after this service has been provided. Therefore, this type of engine washing is carried out at your responsibility. In case of incorrect operation of the internal combustion engine and its electronic systems, claims will not be accepted!

Methods for washing a car engine

If you exclude washing with your own hands using a bucket of water and a rag, today there are three main methods of washing the engine:

Pressure washing

This service is offered by almost any car wash. The engine is most often filled with car shampoo first, and then the shampoo is washed off with a high-pressure stream of water. The method is effective: the engine compartment looks shiny and beautiful after it, but it has a significant drawback: there is a very good chance that the engine either will not start immediately after washing, or will get a whole bunch of problems after a while . That is why at any such car wash there is an announcement in large letters stating that the administration is not responsible if the engine does not start. Which brings a pleasant echo of Russian roulette into the procedure. Let's take a closer look at what problems may arise in connection with this washing method:

A jet of water under pressure can flood any unit of the car associated with electrical or electronics. Of course, you can cover the battery, generator, fuse and relay box with polyethylene, wrap all the connectors and ignition coils in polyethylene, but, firstly, all these elements will then remain dirty (and the engine compartment as a whole will not look so clean), and -secondly, it is unlikely that the average car wash will resort to such tricks. Meanwhile, a very small amount of water in the spark plug well is enough so that over time the spark plug gets a breakdown of the insulator (and the motor, as a result, “seizes up”).

The compositions of substances used during washing are very aggressive chemicals, which can also penetrate into connectors, sensors, and any other places in the engine compartment. And if there are no problems immediately after washing, then over time the remaining active substance will begin to oxidize the electrical connection, which will lead to difficult-to-explain malfunctions in the operation of the car’s electronic systems. We will not talk about the potential cost of work to find the causes of these failures.

DIY steam generator

Steam generators are products that use intense heating to produce steam from water. As a rule, they are used in a bathhouse or car wash. Such devices have such advantages as compact size and mobility. In addition, thanks to its simple design, anyone can make a steam generator independently, without the help of a specialist.

How to choose the right device

The modern market is literally oversaturated with a wide variety of products, and this fully applies to the devices under consideration. There are both domestic and foreign versions of these products, which are quite worthy of attention.

To buy a device that can bring you and your business maximum benefit, you need to pay attention to the following main nuances:

Working volume. If your task is to regularly clean large vehicles, then it is better that the water container is as large as possible. Here you need to look for a reasonable harmony between the duration of operation of the device without refilling water and its mobility;
Heating element power. The more powerful the heating element is installed in the device, the faster the water will heat up to a boil and begin to turn into a working substance - steam. Power also affects the jet pressure - if it is too low, then when using even the narrowest nozzle, the pressure of the extracted steam will be low;
Steam humidity control function. A very important parameter, as it allows you to select optimal operating modes for cleaning both the body and external parts of the car, as well as its interior, trunk, and any fabric products that do not require a large amount of moisture;
Container material. It is better to choose aluminum products, as they heat up the fastest and resist scale formation well;
Operating pressure. It must be at least 6-8 bar, otherwise old and hardened accumulations of dirt, grease and other substances cannot be easily removed.
You also need to ensure that the device has additional functions that ensure its extremely comfortable and safe use. For example, the presence of a safety valve is important.

In general, now you can choose quite functional models for relatively little money.

Some popular models

It’s difficult to even list all the brands of steam cleaners that currently exist, but among them there are many truly high-quality devices that are definitely worth paying attention to. Here are some of them:

Karcher. Very high-quality and durable devices that have gained lasting popularity in the domestic market. Most models have increased power and operating pressure, which allows you to effectively clean almost any type of contaminant. The set includes some of the most popular attachments;
Wagner. Excellent steam cleaners, which can easily deal with even greasy and oil stains, are well suited for washing panels and trim;
McCulloch. Good devices that were developed specifically to work with all kinds of equipment: cars, motorcycles, boats, etc. The set of popular models, for example, McCulloch MC 1275, includes a large number of universal attachments of various shapes.

What are the benefits of properly washing the engine?

It is the most expensive component of a car, which requires proper, regular and timely maintenance. One of its important points is the removal of contaminants. During operation, greasy stains and oil streaks appear on its surface, onto which dirt sticks on top. In this way, a “crust” is formed, which interferes with normal heat exchange. Results:

loss of power;
increased fuel consumption;
systematic overheating.

The latter can lead to serious damage, the elimination of which will be very expensive... However, these costs can be avoided by washing the engine every six months. It optimizes the cost of its maintenance and will have a positive effect on the operation of the car, because:

Prevents the destruction of wire sheaths and electronic module housings under the influence of dirt;
Eliminates short circuits caused by oxidation of contacts and the risk of fire due to them;
It will help to quickly identify malfunctions based on oil leaks that appear;
Ensures efficient operation of the engine cooling system;
Will increase the market value of the car;
Optimizes fuel consumption.

Steam car wash as a profitable business

The innovation in use and environmental friendliness of steam washers make them an attractive business idea. Among the many advantages, the main ones are the low cost of investment, the ability to create a mobile or stationary modern car wash, a wide range of services, and high performance of the device. Everyone knows that a good business idea is half the success. Let's consider several options.

MOBILE STEAM CAR WASHES

Lack of permits.
Mobility – increases competitive advantage and makes it easier to respond to market needs.
Eco-friendly - safe for the environment.

STATIONARY STEAM WASHING UNITS

In a simple form, stationary car washes can be set up in almost any convenient location (even a simple tent will do). Due to the low cost of investment, as well as low operating costs, you can achieve much higher profits than traditional car washes. Benefits (except those listed above).

Easy to install - does not require installation of wastewater disposal or other installations typical of traditional water car washes.
Low cost of investment - no installation of auxiliary equipment is required, which generate additional costs.
Innovation - simplicity of service, combined with high demand for washing, will over time create a large base of regular customers.