Best device for general cleaning --> steam or other?

[Danny Troy]

I'm thinking about getting an inexpensive (under $250.00) cleaning device and was wondering what people are getting good results with. I was thinking about the small steam cleaners, but I'm worried about doing the berths and other surfaces that may have foam backing. At the 260+ steam temperature I'm afraid I'll be getting the fabric clean, but melting the padding. Of course the steam cleaners are also useful for cleaning all hard surfaces, and probably easily taking care of any mold spots that develope, so that's why they are high on my list of possibilities.

Any ideas?

 

[sbw1]

I'll take at stab at this. My 37 SR had an annoying habit of spilling rusty water from the a/c drip pan onto the white carpeting when cruising in rough water. I bought a Bissel steam cleaner to remove the stains and used it with no luck. Next step was to hire a local carpet cleaning company that did an amazing job of making the carpet look brand new for around $100. I used the company once a year with outstanding results. For me, the machine was a waste of money.

 

[beachcombersc]

Make sure to not get the target area too wet. Mold is harder to remove than the dirt. Dry as quick as possible after cleaning.

My $.02

Dyson makes great vacumes, Not sure about cleaners.

 

[Danny Troy]

It looks like there's no magic device that will do everything I want it to do, and the steam may actually do damage. I can't imagine what 260 degree heat might do to vinyl seats if held on longer than a few seconds. I actually have an old Bissel canister type carpet cleaner, and might just try using that. The carpeted area is so small I really don't want to pay anyone to do the job, and it's really not that badly stained. Ah, I'll have all winter to think about it!