By using the right home cleaning products, homeowners can ensure that their residence is free from the many threats that could lower the value of their most precious investment. With home prices down in recent years, homes that are well preserved may fetch higher asking prices than fixer-uppers, and as such, homeowners should spend time carefully considering the products they use to maintain a healthy home.

Whether you are wondering how to get rid of mold, how to clean tile grout or how to clean wood, the best answer may not be in typical chemical-based cleaning supplies.

In addition to maintenance concerns, a 2010 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that more than 11,000 children under the age of 5 years old experience injuries that are the result of a misuse of home cleaning supplies each year – with those under 1-to-3 years old making up a majority of the cases.

As a result, the best answer to both health and maintenance concerns may be for homeowners to use a powerful, versatile steam cleaner that’s able to handle the tough jobs needed to maintain a home while keeping kids, pets and parents safe from potential chemical harm.

An investment in a top-quality steam cleaner, such as those offered by one of the leading names in the industry, Sargent Steam, could be just what homeowners need to tackle problems on both fronts.

Keeping a home dry and clean

While cleaning with steam may not seem like the best way to keep a house dry, Sargent Steam cleaners use super-heated water vapor to offer a drier clean than liquid cleaners. The steam is delivered at 300 degrees. That temperature ensures that germs are killed instantly on contact. The moisture cools very rapidly so moisture can’t linger.

By comparison, cleaning products with harsh chemicals could dull floors, etch shower doors and other valuables. Scrubbing with soap and water may also be adding to homeowners’ efforts. With a Sargent Steam cleaner, there’s no need to spend time hunched over scrubbing or filling buckets with hot water when cleaning. A steam cleaner replaces all these outdated tools, simplifying the process so that individuals young or old can safely and easily clean their homes.

Keeping a home pest-free

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, damp houses can provide the perfect environment for roaches, rodents, mites, and mold of all types, which are all associated with various illnesses and long-term health conditions. In particular, these home invaders – and the traditional pesticides used to remove them – have been linked to exacerbating health problems in children.

While consumers normally turn to chemicals to clean these areas, steam can provide a safe solution. The 2010 CDC study indicated that 16 percent of injuries resulted from chemical burns, and by eliminating these solutions with safe steam, homeowners can better protect their families.

Why Sargent Steam is an all-purpose cleaning solution

When homeowners invest in Sargent Steam, they receive a home cleaning tool that can truly tackle any job. With a comprehensive set of accessories and brushes, our steam cleaner is ready for any home cleaning project, no matter how tough or delicate. For example, while our high-pressure steam can knock out the grime that collects in window tracks, toilet seat hinges and other hard to reach areas, it can also handle sensitive jobs, such as cleaning plants or antiques.

With our individualized steam cleaner packages, homeowners can find the best set of tools for their needs in their price range without going over budget. In fact, most realize a huge savings over time when they no longer waste money on consumable, disposable chemicals. They rWhaeap the long-term savings that comes only from using the power of safe, natural water to beautify, protect and cleanse their homes.

Finding out that your child has a staph infection can be really scary. And while this type of bacteria looks like bunches of grapes under a microscope, staphylococcus is anything but tasty. This germ can cause conditions like impetigo and scalded skin syndrome.

What is even more frightening about staphylococcus is that it can become resistant to drugs. In fact, a recent article published in the June issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine printed research on this fact. The report centered on family members of approximately 200 children who had staphylococcus infections in their soft tissue and skin.

Researchers discovered that out of the 600 household members who lived with the kids with the staph infection, an additional 21 percent had MRSA, a difficult-to-treat type of staph that is resistant to traditional antibiotics like amoxicillin and penicillin.

If dangerous bacteria can't be treated with medicine, then there's no telling what staph is immune to. Instead of treating staph infections, the focus should be on prevention. But, the big question is how do you kill this dangerous bacteria that can survive virtually in all parts of a home?

Store-bought cleaners smell badly and are filled with harmful chemicals, like ammonia and bleach. They are also expensive. A single family can spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars purchasing cleaning supplies, like disinfectants, mops and rubber gloves.

If you are looking for an effective and economical way to clean, look no further than the Sargent Steam BRZ2. This steamer can disinfect without chemicals and kills hazardous bacteria in two seconds! Buying the BRZ2 will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck, as these cleaners are designed to last more than 20 years.

Cleaning with steam will help kill harmful bacteria that can make you and your family sick. It's so effective, it is even recommended by the Center for Disease Control as great way to kill nasty germs.

Nobody likes being sick. It keeps us out of work and school, prevents us from participating in extracurricular activities and forces us to eat tasteless food. But, rarely do we think of the long-term effects of being ill.

However, a recent study printed conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may make us rethink how well we are taking care of ourselves. The research showed that one of the greatest risk factors for colon, liver or stomach cancer is recurring inflammation of those organs, which is often the result of bacterial or viral infections, according to Science Daily.

These findings are scary, especially since bacteria seems to be wherever we are, including our office, the bathroom, in cars and on public transportation. If you have ever used store-bought disinfectants, you may not know how ineffective they can be.

And there is a reason for that: wipes and other sprays promise to kill bacteria in a simple swipe, but many take much longer to kill germs. Experts say it can take as much as four minutes of scrubbing with these products to kill bacteria.

For a more organic cleaning method, consider using the Sargent Steam BRZ2. Cleaning with steam is not only safe, it is effective. Steam has the ability to kill harmful bacteria in less than 30 seconds. No wipe or spray can do that.

Another great thing about using the BRZ2 is that you are using only one product to kill germs: water. You can finally say goodbye to the days when cleaning your home would lead to headaches, dizziness and nausea from inhaling fumes from store bought cleaners.

Using the BRZ2 will help disinfect virtually any surface, including countertops, bathroom sinks, toilets and door knobs. Start doing all you can to take care of your health and start cleaning with steam!

How To Buy A Steam Cleaner

Why Some Steam Cleaners Cost More Than Others And What To Look For To Really Get Your Money’s Worth

I am frequently asked how to buy a steam cleaner that’s right for my family and why some steamers cost more than others. You’ve seen the inexpensive ones on TV, in department stores and all over the internet so what’s the big difference? I’m sure you want to know if it’s really worth it to pay more money. You’re about to find out what’s actually going on behind the scenes from someone who’s been a pioneer in the steam cleaner industry for 17 years.

Over the last 2 decades I’ve bought products and gathered information from every seller who’s ever marketed a steam cleaner. I have personally seen, owned and used every type of steamer – everything from the “toys” to the “tanks” and the ones in between as they’ve come and gone. There are several reasons why some endure/perform and others don’t.

Before we go any further, I want to clarify what a true steam cleaner is and what it is not. It’s a power tool – a powerful replacement for harsh consumable/disposable chemicals and manual-labor-intensive gadgets. It cleans and disinfects nearly every surface in your home from floor to ceiling. It has several attachments that go beyond just floors.

It IS NOT a hot water/extraction carpet cleaner. Don’t get me wrong, a steam cleaner will do a great job on your carpets but not in the manner you may have used in the past. Carpet cleaning machines and floor polishers that claim to be steam cleaners are, in fact, not.

A true steam cleaner expels dry steam vapor and most do not provide suction like a vacuum. Instead, the steam loosens the dirt, blasts it out of its hiding place, kills the germs and then all of it (dirt, germs and moisture) is picked up in a towel. This may be done in a two-step process (spray and wipe) or cover the attachment with a cloth and make it a one-step process.

Now that we’re on the same page, let’s discuss how to buy a steamer and what you should spend on it.

The following is a list of features that determine a steamer’s cost.

Safety features - look for multiple independent mechanisms that assure your safety and that of your machine. Steamers function under pressure and you want peace of mind that yours is safe to use, especially around your kids. Extra safety features cost extra money.

Boiler tank material – high quality stainless steel is what lasts and it costs more than aluminum or low quality stainless steel. Just because it claims “stainless steel” don’t assume it’s high quality. Cheapy pay – cheapy get is very true here.  Poor quality stainless tanks are actually worse than the aluminum but both are prone to pin holes that leak over time.

Wiring gauge – heavy duty is what works and lasts and it costs more than thinner wire. There will be considerable electrical current running through your steamer and you’ll want to be confident that its wiring is sufficient.

Switches – an instantly-on and instantly-off switch on the hose puts you safely in control. High quality multi-setting switches that adjust steam pressure output (letting you choose high, medium or low) is even better.

Insulation type and amount – Heavy insulation surrounding the tank helps the water heat faster and keeps the heat in the tank, rather than transferring to the housing (you don’t want to get burned if you touch the housing.)

Attachments - high quality, well-designed, durable attachments make a HUGE difference. Compare a lower price brand over a higher and even a novice can see and feel the difference. The quality of the results you will get is in the attachment and its intended application. Efficiently-designed and well-manufactured brushes mean you get your tasks finished quickly and easily. Poor quality or badly designed attachments will drive you crazy.

Heating units - mounted inside the tank work best and last longer. Units with this feature may cost more initially but offer longer lifespan over those with separate heating elements not protected inside the stainless steel tank.

Unit size and weight – it should be appropriate to your intended use. Bigger here is NOT always better! A huge machine that is not maneuverable will frustrate the homeowner who wants to take their machine upstairs, downstairs, out to the car or to their daughter’s house. It also may be way too hot and actually melt the varnish on your cabinets, not just clean them. On the flip side…a steamer that’s too small will frustrate you to no end with wimpy pressure, wet steam and constant refilling. DO NOT underestimate the power and performance a mid-sized steam cleaner can provide.

Water Capacity - enough to keep you working without adding unmanageable weight. Refilling a unit that only holds a cup of water every 15 minutes will frustrate if you’re trying to clean a large house exclusively with steam. A steamer with ½ a gallon water capacity and the ability to refill without waiting for the unit to cool down will keep you working steadily and limit down time.

Wattage - the amount of electricity provided in wattage determines 2 things…the steam temperature and the amount of pressure. The lower the wattage, the lower the steam temperature and the wetter the steam. Higher wattage (in proportion with tank size) can produce dryer, more effective steam and more pressure. You’ll get your projects done faster with less wiping.

Heating capabilities – the hotter the temperature the dryer the steam. On this issue BEWARE! Every seller makes claims as to heat inside the tank verses at the tip and almost no one can prove their numbers. Water boils at 210 degrees and produces steam at that point.  Don’t stress over 290 vs 298 vs 305 degrees. The number you need is at least 210 degrees. Machines that produce a higher temperature will cost more.

Durability - Is it constructed to last? Housing options are plastic or metal. Plastic does not immediately indicate that it’s not as durable as metal. Metal can be much heavier and if banged into your walls or dropped on your tile can do considerable damage. Both plastic and metal housings can sustain scratches or dents so don’t make your decision on one or the other. It’s not a factor for durability. How the whole unit – including the housing, interior, attachments and hoses – are made determines durability.

Engineering – who built it and what do they know about steamers? Have they been engineering and building their own steam cleaner products for a good long time or have they knocked off an expert’s design? Do they produce steam cleaners exclusively or a plethora of unrelated products? Are the “bugs” worked out of their design or are they still testing?

If all these features are top quality, your machine is likely to last 15-20 years and provide a pleasant experience as you use it.

Skimping on any of the features is likely to cause dissatisfaction in the following areas:

• Replacing your unit several times in the same 15-20 year span
• Frustration when you experience diminished performance (wet or weak steam)
• Wasting time waiting for heat up or cool down
• Buying too small a unit (or too big a unit) for the application you intend
• Wishing you had tools or accessories that were not included with your unit
• Wishing you didn’t have to figure it all out on your own (couldn’t someone have warned me how not to scratch my paint and melt my mini blinds?)
• Loosing time and money in the repair shop because the design still has flaws
• Getting little value from your investment because you didn’t think to use it in the thousands of ways it will perform
• Missing out on the expert’s design because the manufacturer was not the designer

So I’ll ask you, when deciding how to buy a steam cleaner and looking to make an investment, what’s most important to you?

• Price
• Quality
• Service
• Education
• Support
• Features

A Sargent Steam machine fits on the high side of the scale in all these areas. A hand-held model fits on the low end of the scale in all these areas. I have yet to find a steamer that offers the lowest price and the highest quality, service, support, features or education.

When buying a steamer make sure the company provides service, education and free support because there is a learning curve when you’re new to steaming. How to buy a steam cleaner.

How to Buy a Steam Cleaner and Who to Buy It From is Easy

If you order a machine in a box and have to figure it out alone, your experience will be very different than if you bought from a knowledgeable, helpful, supportive team of people who actually use their own products and really know what they’re doing. You’ve got dirt and you want to steam it out. We can walk you through any project.

Buying from someone who will find out what you are going to need and then help you get only what you need will actually cost you a lot less over time. One size does not fit all.

Comparing Apples To Apples By Brand

We’ve talked about the “toys” the “tanks” and “tweens” but what does that actually mean? There are 5 types I want to sort into categories so your comparisons will make sense. Put any feature (say price) up against steamers that straddle categories and it just won’t compare.

Understanding what the industry has to offer will make your buying decision easier. The following is a short list of steam cleaners by category, brands and price point.

I don’t recommend making your decision by price point alone. Be sure to re-read the list of features we went through previously so you get what’s important to you.

All steam machines produce steam and help eliminate harsh chemicals. Obviously, I’d love you to choose Sargent Steam so I’m absolutely committed to providing you with the best price in our category. I’ll also give you the best service, quality, education, support and features available in any category!

If you have any questions about how to buy a steam cleaner, call me. I’m very happy to share my knowledge of this industry with you. Call 800-SGT-STEA(M) 800-748-7832. I’ll ask you a ton of questions about what your needs and concerns are and I’ll be very honest with you about what to purchase. If  we determine my products do not meet your needs, I will recommend one that does.

That’s my promise.

Cleaning a cell phone

Cleaning a cell phone.
Think of how many times you and your children use a cell phone everyday. Whether you are calling your husband, ordering takeout or texting your kids to see what time they need to be picked up from the movies, it’s hard to deny how much we use these gadgets.

Rarely do we ponder how many germs our mobile phones collect or bother to give them a good cleaning. However, a recent study by a Northern Ireland Hospital did some research on this topic and came to an alarming conclusion. Our cell phones had evidence of bacterial growth: the study found that around 15 percent of mobile devices were growing bacteria that could cause illness.

If after reading this, you are a bit grossed out and want to clean your cell, you probably aren’t alone. However, when cleaning a cell phone you may want to think twice before reaching for store-bought disinfecting wipes and sprays. Not only are these products filled with chemicals, experts say that these products can take up to four minutes to actually kill any germs or bacteria.

If you are looking for an all all natural cleaning method, look no further than the Sargent Steam BRZ2 steamer. This steamer kills bacteria in under two seconds and only uses one product – water.

To get rid of germs on your cell phone, all you have to do is start by turning off your phone. Then, hold the steam nozzle to the side and make sure it is at least four inches from your mobile device. Use a microfiber cloth to gather all the germs and moisture.

Before you know it, the germs and the fingerprint smudges on your phone will be gone. Cleaning a cell phone with steam is the easiest and most effective way to get rid of germs in just a matter of seconds.

Pets have the unique ability to brighten up the whole family’s day. Whether it’s greeting dad with his favorite slippers or providing the perfect playmate for young children, there are hundreds of reasons why cats, dogs and other animals are allowed to roam freely about a home.

However, while pets are often a source of joy, they can also leave behind messes that can ruin carpets and stain floors. Any unsightly “nose art” or paw prints on your sliding glass door?

Left unattended, these little messes can become big expensive problems. For example, a 2010 study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that a medium-sized dog can cost homeowners $1,600 in the first year of ownership alone, excluding the extra spending that goes toward home repair and other unforeseen expenses.

Finding the right cleaning products for pets


Finding the right cleaning products for pet messes used to be challenging. When purchasing cleaning products, we pet owners want to be sure we are using something that can get out tough stains while keeping our pets safe.

According to the U.S. Humane Society, pet owners should avoid using strong cleaning chemicals that not only kill germs but could also endanger the lives of their pets.

Fortunately, there is an effective and safe option – a steam cleaner from Sargent Steam is the perfect chemical-free solution.

Strong enough to tackle a variety of difficult pet stains without putting our “occasionally unruly” pets in danger.

Steam makes it easy to preserve  the health and safety of furry family members because it works without harsh, toxic chemicals.

Tips for cleaning pet stains quickly and effectively

When pet owners spot a pet stain, they need to do their best to clean up this area as quickly as possible. Having a steam cleaner at the ready can be a big benefit. For instance, the longer a mess stays on a carpet or floor, the better chance it has of creating lasting damage. With their simple design and functionality, the cleaning solutions provided by Sargent Steam may be the right fit for this challenge, as they can be readied for use in just minutes.

This purchase will also help those looking to start saving money on cleaning supplies. Since a steam cleaner functions as a multi-purpose home cleaning tool that can tackle everything from window cleaning to mold cleanup, homeowners who chose to purchase any of Sargent Steam’s diverse products are gaining a solution that can help them reduce their cleaning expenditures long-term.

Sargent Steam cleaners, the perfect home maintenance accessory

While Sargent Steam Cleaners can be a great purchase for those who have pets, these products are capable of so much more. Whether it’s cleaning kitchen items such as ovens, refrigerators or tile flooring, household items such as ceiling fans, blenders and blinds, or collectibles such as antique dolls, kids’ toys and golf clubs. Sargent Steam cleaners offer a one-size-fits-all solution to dirt, mold, dust, grease and grime that collect anywhere in a home.

Homeowners who want to experience all of these benefits can choose from a variety of cleaner packages. The Deluxe Steam Cleaner Package, for instance, comes with attachments for cleaning every surface from floor to ceiling at an affordable price.

In addition, at the Sargent Steam website, visitors will be able to view our hints and tips section which features information on how to tackle a number of household cleaning jobs. There are video tutorials on how to clean hundreds of areas like microwaves, cars and showers included in an easy-to-use informative online guide.

]]> http://www.sargentsteam.com/pet-messes/feed/ 0 http://www.sargentsteam.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bedbugs-using-steam/ http://www.sargentsteam.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bedbugs-using-steam/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2012 07:28:37 +0000 admin http://www.sargentsteam.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bedbugs-using-steam/ What is really gross about these pesky bugs is that they feed on the blood of the host, which is usually a human.]]>

There are many different types of bugs that can be a pain to get rid of, especially once they have made their way into our home. But, some of the most stubborn and ruthless of these creatures are bedbugs.

Bedbugs are tiny, brown insects that are less than half an inch. What is really gross about these pesky bugs is that they feed on the blood of the host, which is usually a human. Once they strike and bite someone, they can cause rashes that are incredibly itchy and other skin irritations. They are known for invading mattresses and boxsprings.

Once bedbugs have laid eggs inside your home, they are almost impossible to get rid of. Their larvae are virtually impossible to detect with the naked eye and they can lay up to 500 eggs in one lifetime.

If you discover that your home has bedbugs living inside it, you should take immediate action to get rid of them. However, knowing how to kill them can be a bit confusing. Your friends may tell you to call an exterminator, and while there is nothing wrong with doing so, having a professional come to your house can be expensive and invasive.

In fact, many bedbugs experts say it can cost a family up to $5,000 to get rid of these awful bugs. Another downside to calling an exterminator is that they may use chemicals that can leave you and your family with headaches and nausea.

For a much more economical and eco-friendly way to clean, use the Sargent Steam BRZ2. This steamer is as effective in killing bedbugs as a professional is, and the BRZ2 won't cost your family an arm and a leg.

What's even better about the BRZ2 it is an all natural cleaning method. The only ingredient needed is tap water. So, if you are looking for a way to say goodbye to bedbugs forever, simply use the BRZ2!

Steam Cleaner Reviews
Steam Cleaner Reviews for Sargent Steam cleaner BRZ2…

A few things we really loved:

• Things that are very hard to clean (i.e. rust in our shower from an old shower stand) become manageable
•  It’s FUN – so much so that I found myself cleaning things I would never think about cleaning: doors and door frames, window frames, walls, etc.
• How you feel after – if I spent all day yesterday breathing chemicals (especially the harsh ones it would take to get the rust off the shower), I wouldn’t have felt very good, not to mention the potential impact on my long term health.

I will say that there probably is nothing else that could replace getting one’s hands on the machine and using it in your own home.  Apart from that, I think one thing we can all relate to is the pervasive influence that water, in all its forms, has on our lives.  The problem is when we think “clean,” the public has a very biased definition of what that means: paper towels, chemicals, etc.  If everything you do fights that perception and shows people in a tangible way the difference of cleaning with steam, you’ve won. Steam Cleaner Reviews

Everything that I touched after cleaning with the BRZ2 felt cleaner than it’s ever been before, and that’s something that you really just have to experience.

Can’t thank you enough!
Micheal in Boston

Steam Cleaner Reviews for Sargent Steam cleaner BRZ2…

I had a mess with some window screens that had ivy growing all over them. The aphids had gotten in the ivy and incidentally left a sticky mess all over my screens. By using my Sargent Steam I tackled the screens and had them clean in a fraction of the time and effort!

Thank you!
Lisa in Utah

Steam Cleaner Reviews

How many times have you been walking by a cosmetic counter in the mall only to be offered the chance to try on some lipstick? Or have you been known to test some different colors yourself when you notice that your makeup is looking a bit drab?

While you may have done this without a second thought, you could have actually taken more than a big style risk: That Bubblegum Pink lip gloss or Video Vixen Red blush may have exposed you to harmful bacteria.

Good Morning America recently tested department store makeup testers from 10 different stores in two U.S. states and sent the results to New York University's microbiology department. The conclusions that researchers came to were shocking.

One out of every five samples showed a large amount of mold, fecal matter and yeast that was growing on these makeup testers. How disgusting!

I don't know about you, but the idea of putting other people's germs on my face grosses me out. However, instead of getting freaked out, let these findings be a lesson. Your makeup case should always be cleaned off and disinfected, even if you are the only one using it.

If you've been purchasing store-bought cleaners for some time, you probably think they are effective, especially because many products advertise that they kill 99.9 percent of germs immediately. But, this simply isn't the case. Disinfecting sprays and wipes can take up to four minutes to work.

If you are looking for a way to kill bacteria on your makeup immediately, look no further than the Sargent Steam BRZ2 steamer. This amazing machine kills germs and nasty microorganisms in two seconds. Forget about waiting for steam to start getting rid of bacteria. When you use the BRZ2, the germs are gone before you can even count to five.

Using the BRZ2 is both fun and effective. To clean your makeup, simply blast some steam onto the ultra-absorbent microfiber clothes. Then wipe down the outside of foundation, eyeshadow, blush, eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick cases.

You'll be amazed at how new your makeup cases look after just one BRZ2 steaming session.

We've all heard that bathrooms and counter tops are the filled with bacteria, but did you ever ask yourself what other areas in your home are a notorious breeding grounds for germs? If you have, your kitchen sink probably didn't come to mind. After all, you've probably used soap or detergent that you thought killed any microorganisms living here.

But, you may want to think again. A past article in Health Magazine revealed something that would make many people cringe. There are typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the drain alone! And that isn't even counting germs lurking in your sponge, basin and faucet handles!

If in the past, you've tried to sanitize your kitchen sink using store-bought disinfectants, like chlorine, you know how awful it smells. Plus, many of these chemicals can irritate skin, which can make cleaning a very unpleasant time.

If you want to experience the best way you can disinfect your kitchen sink, use the Sargent Steam BRZ2. This steamer is an organic cleaning method that will kill disgusting bacteria in two seconds. Did you know that many store-bought sprays and wipes can take up to four minutes to work?

Another benefit to using the BRZ2 is that it use just one ingredient: water. The steam steam nozzle is so powerful that it kills germs on contact. This is one machine that will allow you to get rid of all your other products including disinfectants, brushes and sponges.

If you want your kitchen sink to look as good as it did the day you moved into your home, kiss all those other products goodbye and say hello to the Sargent Steam BRZ2!