7
OTHER USES FOR THE STEAM PLATE
Artex®
: Normally Artex® can be removed using the same method as for wallpaper although the steaming time
will be longer. CAUTION: Some textured finishes may contain asbestos which may be hazardous to health and
which are subject to licensing controls operated by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive).
Vinyl Floor Tiles
: Vinyl floor tiles can aIso be removed if the plate is left long enough for the heat to penetrate
the adhesive. Once the adhesive is hot it softens and the tile can be peeled from the floor.
Sterilising Soil
: To sterilise soil in seed trays or greenhouses rake the soil to obtain a fine surface. Leave the
steam plate on each section for 2 to 2.5 minutes which should ensure that the steam has penetrated through
the surface.
Killing Weeds
: Steam will kill weeds on paths and patios without the use of chemicals. You will need to steam
the weeds for 1 to 1.5 minutes in order to kill them.
MAINTENANCE
To keep the unit and tools clean, wipe over with a clean, damp cloth. No other maintenance work should be
required. See the Trouble Shooting Guide if you experience any problems.
DESCALING
To maintain peak performance of the unit, particularly in areas of hard water, it may be necessary to descale
the element in the unit. Proprietary kettle descaling products can be used in your Steam Cleaning Kit - always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
LARGE STEAM PLATE - WALLPAPER STRIPPING
(OPTIONAL ACCESSORY - NOT INCLUDED IN ALL KITS)
CAUTION!
Check the state of your plaster before starting work. Steam can loosen weak,
porous or poorly bonded plaster - which also loosens readily if cracked, holed or if the
steam plate is held in place too long after the paper is soaked. Weak plaster can normally
be detected by tapping a few areas of wall. A hollow sound indicates that you should pro-
ceed only with extreme care - stopping immediately if you hear a cracking sound or plaster
starts to break loose. The steam stripper is safe for drywall/plaster board surfaces but what-
ever the material, it is always wise to check a small area before starting work properly.
Always obtain advice from an expert if unsure.
PREPARATION
To achieve fastest paper removal always gently score the areas to be stripped. With heavy
embossed, vinyl coated or painted papers this is essential. Either use a proprietary perfo-
rator tool or alternatively score the paper with the edge of a wall scraper in a criss-cross
pattern with 150mm (6 inch) spacing.
As with all decorating work be sure to protect carpets and furniture with covers.
STRIPPING:
Remember to check a small area first
.
Connect the large steam plate to the steam hose. Once steam is being produced at the
hand plate you are ready to begin. Operation is simple for both right and left handed peo-
ple. Simply hold the steam plate flat against the wallpaper for approx. 10 seconds. Now
move the plate to the spot immediately next to the one just steamed - from which the paper
should now easily come away with a little help from a wall scraper.
Working this way should enable continuous paper removal although it may be necessary to
steam for longer periods with some papers, or if not completely removed first time.
SMALL STEAM PLATE
(OPTIONAL ACCESSORY - NOT INCLUDED IN ALL KITS)
The small steamplate is used in the same way as the large steam plate to strip wallpaper
in awkward areas not easily reached with the large steam plate such as around door
frames, in corners, etc.
Always wear a glove or mitt for added protection.
