Everyone seems all excited about portable Steam cleaners all of a sudden (probably social media driven...), but got me curious.
Can you use a portable steam cleaner to clean the engine compartment? Is it safer than a Pressure Washer, Will it cut the layer of oil & dirt from my leaking valve cover gasket, Soak with degreaser first, wouldn't you still need to rinse it off (back to the pressure washer or a hose)? Safe to use on leather interior, AC vents, center console etc?

Assuming they can do some of the above, what size/specs/brand/etc.? I see small handheld, larger with tank & hose?

Mr Dubi just sprays my engine with cold water from the hose.

If it is greasy, may spot spray some de-greaser and/or use a hose from the water heater?

I think that mechanics will very hot steam clean engines to find oil leaks.

I've bought one of these around 5 years ago for this same reason

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G00BT72/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Definitely not a high end machine. It takes some time to actually clean a large area, but it does work. I typically ****** with brake cleaner first to get the bigger areas then hit with steam. You have to steam, wipe, steam, wipe, etc.

Walmart sells 100 count microfibers in a box that work great for this. I throw them away after I'm done.

DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER in the engine bay. That is how you screw up your electronics. I spray simple green or degreaser, let it sit for 30 mins, and then hose it off. Hit it with a brush if necessary. Steamer is unnecessary unless you just like gadgets.

Naveronski said:

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agnerd said:

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DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER in the engine bay. That is how you screw up your electronics. I spray simple green or degreaser, let it sit for 30 mins, and then hose it off. Hit it with a brush if necessary. Steamer is unnecessary unless you just like gadgets.

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You can use a pressure washer in the engine bay if you pay attention to what you're spraying and don't spray your computer or other sensitive bits.

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You should do all that anyway, but there's no reason to use a pressure washer in the engine bay. Using good chemicals, the right brushes, careful agitation and most importantly, careful cover (like you say) and spraying will get great results.

Pros that use a pressure washer on a car:
1. Use a good electric one;
2. Use it PRIMARILY to apply product;
3. Use it more for speed rather than for actual cleaning;
4. Know that it has limitations for cleaning.

91AggieLawyer said:

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Naveronski said:

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agnerd said:

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DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER in the engine bay. That is how you screw up your electronics. I spray simple green or degreaser, let it sit for 30 mins, and then hose it off. Hit it with a brush if necessary. Steamer is unnecessary unless you just like gadgets.

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You can use a pressure washer in the engine bay if you pay attention to what you're spraying and don't spray your computer or other sensitive bits.

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You should do all that anyway, but there's no reason to use a pressure washer in the engine bay. Using good chemicals, the right brushes, careful agitation and most importantly, careful cover (like you say) and spraying will get great results.

Pros that use a pressure washer on a car:
1. Use a good electric one;
2. Use it PRIMARILY to apply product;
3. Use it more for speed rather than for actual cleaning;
4. Know that it has limitations for cleaning.

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I know to cover "electronics" but never sure what all this entails? ECU and Fuse Boxes are a given what else needs it? FYI This is a 2004 Wrangler