Best Vapor Cleaner For Car Detailing...

**EMIN007** · 02-02-2010, 09:22 PM

Hi everyone,

wanted to see if anyone has any positive or negative with vapor cleaners. I`m currently looking to incorporate a vapor cleaner into my arsenal of tools. Current models that I am considering:

1. Vapor Clean Unilux 3000 Commercial Steam Cleaner

2. Vapor Clean TR5 Pro Stainless

3. WhiteWing vapor cleaner

4. Desiderio Auto

5. The Commercial 3000 Steam Vapor Cleaner

Any personal experience on any of these or any others not listed would be greatly appreciated!!!

**BobD** · 02-03-2010, 09:08 AM

I use a Lady Bug and really like it, but they are pricey.

**Greg Nichols** · 02-03-2010, 09:53 AM

I own the vapor VX5000 and love it! Steam Cleaner - Steam Cleaners - Vapor Cleaner - Commercial Steam Cleaners

Cheers,

GREG

**gmblack3** · 02-03-2010, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Greg Nichols

I own the vapor VX5000 and love it! Steam Cleaner - Steam Cleaners - Vapor Cleaner - Commercial Steam Cleaners

Cheers,

GREG

I agree with Greg. Got mine at the same place.

**DrivingImpressions** · 02-03-2010, 10:14 AM

I have used both the TR5 and the Desiderio. Both were very good, but both needeed repairs within 2 years of purchase. The Desiderio, in theory is great, and actually worked very well. But, the unit is very heavy and sensitive. There are sensors in the bottom area and when they get wet, they shut the vacuum down until they dry. So moving the machine is very touchy. The hose is bulky for steaming the interior and a pain to move around. The TR5 worked well also, but again had to be repaired sooner then expected. Shipping these units is not cheap. I am currently looking at the VX-5000.

Vapor Steamers - Car Detailing school

Steam Cleaner - Steam Cleaners - Vapor Cleaner - Commercial Steam Cleaners

I have read some great reviews here and other detailing sites. The extra heavy duty hose seems to be worth the extra price along with a DVD and some service benefits, from Attention to Details (detailingsuccess.com). Hope this helps.

**DrivingImpressions** · 02-03-2010, 10:16 AM

Hey gmblack3a and Greg, how is your hose holding up? That seems to be the big selling point for ATD, which is an extra $300 with the video.

**Greg Nichols** · 02-03-2010, 10:25 AM

I made a hose sleeving for mine for less than 60$. I have the DIY I think posted here on Autopia.

Cheers,

GREG

**EMIN007** · 02-03-2010, 11:40 AM

Thank you so far... How about the Vapor Clean Unilux 3000? anyone have any experience with that unit?

**Greg Nichols** · 02-03-2010, 01:24 PM

http://www.autopia.org/forum/profess...eavy-duty.html

Here is the DIY article on the hose reinforcement.

Cheers,

GREG

**Obsessive** · 02-03-2010, 03:04 PM

I`ve been using a Daimer continous fill steam for a few years now and couldn`t be happier with it.

**EMIN007** · 02-03-2010, 07:09 PM

Can Anyone Clarify: Is it essential to have a "continous fill" system in car detailing? I would pressume that when your detailing the engine compartment that this feature would be much better then a system that fades after a minuet or so. Please write in if you have any personal experience with this feature in particular.

I guess my confusion is do "continous fill" mean that you can fill the tank continously while leaving it on or does it mean it will supply a continous supply of steam/vapor if you hold down the trigger?...?

**gmblack3** · 02-03-2010, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by driving impress

Hey gmblack3a and Greg, how is your hose holding up? That seems to be the big selling point for ATD, which is an extra $300 with the video.

My hose is fine. I feel if you are the only one using the steamer, then you will take care of it and the hose. If you are in a shop and others use the steamer, then might not take care of it.

**Woob** · 02-03-2010, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by gmblack3a

I agree with Greg. Got mine at the same place.

Steve Cringan @ Steam Cleaners Direct is great and will answer all your questions. I just joined the VX5000 party (funny after gmblack/greg). If you do searches I haven`t heard of any broken VX5000`s, however have heard from Jimmy Buffit and many others on Mobileworks of Vapor Clean breaking down. I was thinking of the Unilux 3000 but decided the marginal differences in the numbers wouldn`t matter over reliability. Don`t quote me on the VM3000, but its literally the same unit as the VX5000 just a reinforced hose. Copy Greg`s DIY and you`ll have the same result.

OT: Thanks Greg for the DIY! I`m going to do it when I get a chance.

"Can Anyone Clarify: Is it essential to have a "continous fill" system in car detailing? I would pressume that when your detailing the engine compartment that this feature would be much better then a system that fades after a minuet or so. Please write in if you have any personal experience with this feature in particular.

I guess my confusion is do "continous fill" mean that you can fill the tank continously while leaving it on or does it mean it will supply a continous supply of steam/vapor if you hold down the trigger?...?"

Continuous fill allows you to literally fill the unit as you steam instead of say letting the VX5000 turn off and go to 0 bars of pressure. This usually takes 20 minutes or so to allow it to cool and add water. As a general time frame the VX5000 can steam for about 2 hours give and take a few minutes.

I`d vote for the VX5000, but I`m biased since I have the unit however its GREAT first vapor steamer. Don`t go cheap, as those units will break over time.