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Kärcher SC2.500C review thread. Non-testers: Tell Kärcher about the cleaning tasks you avoid for a chance to win a SC2.500C Steam Cleaner! NOW CLOSED

370 replies

AngelieMumsnet · 15/04/2014 14:50

This thread is for the 15 Mumsnetters who are currently testing out the Kärcher SC2.500C Steam Cleaner.

Kärcher say "The Kärcher SC2.500C Steam Cleaner makes light work of grease, dirt, stains and even limescale, delivering deep cleaning results with no chemicals or scrubbing. It kills 99.9% of bacteria with just the power of steam, and can be used on most surfaces around the home"

Non-Testers: What cleaning tasks do you have trouble with? Maybe you avoid cleaning the oven or dread scrubbing the bathroom? Are there any tasks that you think a steam cleaner could help with? Whatever your cleaning woes, Kärcher would love to hear about them.

Everyone who leaves their response on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one lucky MNer will win their own Kärcher SC2.500C!

Testers: We'll be asking you to add feedback twice - we'd like your first impressions now and in a week we will add some more questions.

So, for your first impressions, Kärcher would love to know:

  • Did you find setting up the Steam Cleaner easy, were the instructions helpful?
  • What were your impressions from the first few uses?
  • Where have you used the Steam Cleaner?
  • What cleaning chore have you been most pleased with the results from using a Steam Cleaner?
  • Did you you use this for more functions than you originally planned?

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

OP posts:
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18
Carolann99 · 06/05/2014 08:45

Non-Tester. Burnt on splashes in oven, oven shelves & grill especially. Also WC, bath, shower & tiling - problem with horrible mildew/mould in grout between tiles and limescale (around taps & on showerhead) Having pets, carpets smell doggy - steam cleaner would I am sure refresh without the need of carpet/fabric sprays or air fresheners (I dislike chemicals) We have a pet parrot and plug in air-fresheners & other aerosol sprays are a no-no (certain chemical fumes from sprays & oven cleaners can kill cage burds) A steam cleaner would solve so many problems.

thesoupdragon44 · 06/05/2014 09:27

I would love to try a pressure washer for cleaning my windows and especially the outside of my conservatory which gets green but I avoid doing as it is such a horrid task.

unadulterateddad · 06/05/2014 14:53

non-tester, the job I hate most is cleaning up after the cats have had a "takeaway" that I'd not found until it had dried onto the floor.

I'm sure they take pleasure in trying to find obscure areas to leave the remains of their furry dinners.

Spirael · 07/05/2014 09:49

CakeyCakeyCakey, DD has independently dubbed our steam cleaner "Dragon" as well. Grin I can see where they get the idea from, it does look and sound a bit like a dragon! Maybe Karcher ought to capitalise on this and produce a green/red version with decorative wings and a tail. That'd be awesome, I'd buy it.

Anyway, I have now tackled various other things and can report back on them!

The most impressive one was the microwave after it suffered from a butter explosion. It took DH no time or effort at all to wave the steam cleaner around inside and the microwave has never sparkled so much in its life. Shock For safety we did turn the power off first and let it thoroughly dry out before plugging it back in.

Not so successful on our oven door, it helped loosen some of the dirt a bit but it wasn't the quick and easy miracle clean like it had been in the microwave. I had a go with various nozzles, but I think perhaps our lack of scourer might have been the problem? I will invest in some and then give it another try with the brush attachment.

I also had a go in the washing machine. I removed the plastic drawer and washed that separately, but then used the steam cleaner to clean inside the hole left behind, if that makes sense? It had gone rather vile gunky over the years of abuse and really needed a good clean out!

Didn't have massive success with the pressurised jet, it just moved the gunk around. However attaching the brush and giving it a scrub worked fantastically well. Grin I was able to give the nozzles where the water enters the washer a big scrub and now the washing machine is working fantastically again, rather than the rather lackluster attempts to fill with water it had been doing.

Love the hose extensions too, using just one of them meant I could reach right to the back without risking steaming my hand off in the process. But it wasn't so long it was unwieldy. It is a little hard to see what you're doing though when you're staring into a small space filled with steam that also steams your glasses in the process. Wink But that's a flaw of using steam!

For the additional questions:

- After a few uses, has your Steam Cleaner changed your cleaning regime at all? If so, how?

Yes. It is going to live downstairs and become my floor cleaner of choice - the old mop has been relegated to the back of the cupboard. For other jobs such as cleaning work surfaces, etc, it'll be used for the bigger weekend cleans but not a daily wipe down, mostly due to amount of time to get set up and store again afterwards.

- Are there any applications that you've used where you've been impressed with the results? For example, was the steam cleaner particular useful for cleaning baked on grease, or whole bathrooms?

I already mentioned the sparkling shower screen, now I can add the sparkling microwave to the list! It seems to cut through grease very easily, though the tough really cemented on stuff inside the oven gave it a bit of trouble. Maybe my oven is worse than most.

- If it came up in conversation, would you recommend or lend the Kärcher steam cleaner to a friend or family member or not?

Yes, I definitely would. DH and I have been amazed at the constant, high pressure steam it can produce. It feels like a quality piece of kit that should last us for ages. I like the variety of attachments you can get for it as well, such as the wire brush with scraper and even the wallpaper remover!

I am tempted now to look at the Karcher pressure washer to tackle our patio. But I've been wondering whether to let the steam cleaner have a try first...

Fortunately, all our family live hundreds of miles away so I probably won't have to share with them. Grin Would lend to a friend however if they had a specific need for a deep clean. I'd likely offer to help out so I could keep an eye on my steam cleaner and bring it straight home again afterwards.

One attachment I'd like to see is a carpet/fabric glider of some type, as there doesn't seem to be one of those available?

CrackedNipplesSuchFun · 07/05/2014 12:40

I truly despise cleaning the oven. I generally like cleaning and do get a sense of achievement for it . However, the oven is just a pain the in the arse. I normally get DH to do it and then complain (in my head) that he's done a fairly poor job. But considering I can't even be bothered to do it I don't dwell on it for to long and give him a cuppa for his efforts Smile.

I have never owned a steam cleaner or had a go. Only seen them in action elsewhere. I would love to get one as anything that makes cleaning easy is good with me.

Macdog · 07/05/2014 14:11

Non-tester

Always the bathroom.
Tiles walls, tiled floor, plastic ceiling and just seems to be an endless round of scrubbing.
Mould seems to sprout overnight, and that orange water stains are endless.
I'd love the steam cleaner to make it an easier task

JustGotMyBabyOnBoardBadge · 07/05/2014 14:12

Non-tester

Worst cleaning jobs are the underside of the toilet lids (DP likes to sit down to wee...not got best aim) and generally around that area...as you're cleaning away you know EXACTLY what it is you're cleaning which makes it ever so grim....would the steam cleaner at least make me feel less icky about the germ side of that do you think??

annalisejane · 07/05/2014 14:30

i would use it for cleaning everything i have a floor steam cleaner and that works great on floors but my main problems are the tiles in the bathroom building up with dirt it seems no matter how hard i scrub nothing seems to happen it still looks as bad as when i 1st started it just wont budge
the other is the oven i hate using chemicals in it but it seems thats the only way i can clean it to a standard of cleansliness is with the use of them would be great to win a Kärcher SC2.500C to tackle it

KateOxford · 07/05/2014 17:03

I avoid cleaning the hob. It's really fiddly and food deposits get stuck around the plates and grid that site on top. I also don't enjoy cleaning the sink because it takes so much scrubbing and the fridge because is there is always something that's leaked!

PurpleCrazyHorse · 07/05/2014 20:49

After a few uses, has your Steam Cleaner changed your cleaning regime at all? If so, how?
Yes. I've been steam cleaning more because it's so quick to start up the Karcher (3mins) and I know I can clean as long as I want as it's so easy to fill up. It fits nicely in my understair cupboard so it's ready to use in a moment.

Are there any applications that you've used where you've been impressed with the results? For example, was the steam cleaner particular useful for cleaning baked on grease, or whole bathrooms?
It's been great at cleaning grime in the washing machine drawer and the hob top came up a treat. In fact we had great cleaning overall in the kitchen. It was good on the tiles and work surface (using the small brush with the cloth) and really good on the floor. The only thing we struggled to clean was the glass in the oven door. This didn't really clean at all, although I will give it a go with a scourer.

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend or lend the Kärcher steam cleaner to a friend or family member or not?
Definitely. I already have several people interested in borrowing it to see if it's for them. I'm really keen on advocating the endless cleaning re-fillable water tank, this has been great and means I don't need to worry about the steam running out mid-clean.

I particularly like that all the attachments fit onto the cleaner. It's really compact and I know when I wheel it out I have everything I need. My only comment would be to pack two of each cloth with the cleaner rather than one. It's okay having the endless water tank but when you've only got one cloth of each size it's a bit pointless. Somewhere to wind the cord would also be useful.

CommanderShepard · 08/05/2014 12:56

[non-tester] I hate cleaning the hob. I've found a paint scraper really helps but it never looks as good as I'd like it and I can't bring myself to buy those protectors you can get in the 'innovations' supplements that come free in the paper!

idleweiss · 09/05/2014 20:48

Non-Tester

My bathroom is wall to wall (and floor!) tiles..and as much as I love them...they are a bugger to clean..it takes forever too!! I am using the excuse of being heavily pregnant to avoid doing them at the moment..so I don't have to get on a stool to get to the tiles higher up!!

AnneEyhtMeyer · 09/05/2014 21:19

- After a few uses, has your Steam Cleaner changed your cleaning regime at all? If so, how?

There are now tasks where I automatically use the steam cleaner rather than what I used to, and I can't see this changing. It is a lot quicker to clean the bathroom.

- Are there any applications that you've used where you've been impressed with the results? For example, was the steam cleaner particular useful for cleaning baked on grease, or whole bathrooms?

Using the steam cleaner with a scourer on the oven door was incredibly impressive. I'm surprised at how effective it was on the bathroom mirror tiles too. Whatever I have used on these before has still left little dark marks that have been there since we bought the house and I thought the mirror tiles were damaged and would need to be replaced. The steam cleaner has got them looking like new with no effort, I'm astonished.

- If it came up in conversation, would you recommend or lend the Kärcher steam cleaner to a friend or family member or not?

Yes I would, and have already, recommended it. I would lend it out if asked by someone I knew would be careful with it.

In addition to the questions posed, I would say my biggest disappointment is that you can't clean the interior of the oven with it, but I suspect I will still give it a go on the floor and sides when I pluck up the courage to try it! On the other hand it has been amazing at tasks I didn't think about using it for previously, so it is definitely a must-have appliance in the house now.

Thank you very much for letting me test this!

StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 10/05/2014 06:31

Non-tester. I avoid cleaning the oven and the bathroom, apart from the bath/sink/toilet. The bathroom is getting a big clean this weekend & I'm really not looking forward to it. I hate all the stupid little shelves & mopping the floor.

HALA · 11/05/2014 09:34

My oven is the thing I find the hardest to do, and keep putting it off.

SagaNorensLeatherTrousers · 11/05/2014 09:40

After a few uses, has your Steam Cleaner changed your cleaning regime at all? If so, how?

Yes, completely changed how I clean my floors. I used to use a mop and bucket and now I use the Karcher, as it's more hygienic, less messy, etc.

Are there any applications that you've used where you've been impressed with the results? For example, was the steam cleaner particular useful for cleaning baked on grease, or whole bathrooms?

I still remain incredibly impressed with the grout in our bathroom. It's not 100% back to white grout, which would be impossible I think without re-doing the grout, but it looks SO much better.

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend or lend the Kärcher steam cleaner to a friend or family member or not?

We have already been asked to borrow it from a few family members and our tenets who are moving out and want to do a final clean. I would definitely recommend, however I don't know if any of my friends are in a position to spend £200 on a steam cleaner.

crazybutterflylady · 12/05/2014 10:05

After a few uses, has your Steam Cleaner changed your cleaning regime at all? If so, how?

Definitely: I clean a lot more frequently because it's less of a chore. I can do it in a lot less time which means I utilise the 10 mins or so I get here and there. I think I put jobs off much less and clean things that I'd normally leave as long as possible.

Are there any applications that you've used where you've been impressed with the results? For example, was the steam cleaner particular useful for cleaning baked on grease, or whole bathrooms?

I was really impressed with how quickly the grease came off the oven door with the addition of a metal scourer, this method also worked wonders on my hob (electric). I was also massively surprised at how well it cleaned a stain off the carpet. It was a cat sick patch which had dried and came off in about 4 strokes. Amazing!

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend or lend the Kärcher steam cleaner to a friend or family member or not?

Without hesitation - it is perfect for any and every household. It makes cleaning jobs a breeze and actually enjoyable. It's cathartic I reckon!

Bingbongbinglybunglyboo · 13/05/2014 14:50

Non Tester,

I avoid cleaning the grout in my bathroom, some eejit decided tiny tiles would be a good idea. It isn't because there is loads more grout to clean than with big tiles.

MummyBtothree · 16/05/2014 17:06

Non-Tester - I really hate cleaning the grout in-between the kitchen/bathroom tiles, cleaning the windows and most of all, cleaning the oven!!!

EvilHerbivore · 17/05/2014 16:18

After a few uses, has your Steam Cleaner changed your cleaning regime at all? If so, how?

It has in that there are somethings I know the steam cleaner does 'best' so I don't do those bits at the same time as everywhere else iyswim - I'll clean the kitchen but avoid doing the cooker top or the floor and do it with the steamer afterwards rather than at the same time - means its quicker in that once the cleaner is on it can do those bits in seconds rather than me take 10 minutes scrubbing it but sometimes is a hassle getting the cleaner out if I want to do a quick job

  • Are there any applications that you've used where you've been impressed with the results? For example, was the steam cleaner particular useful for cleaning baked on grease, or whole bathrooms?

The babys highchair! Hadn't thought of it at all but DS2 is blw and therefore spends most of the time smearing himself and his surroundings in cak but a quick blast with the steamer and its gone!

  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend or lend the Kärcher steam cleaner to a friend or family member or not?

I don't think i'd recommend as it is quite expensive but I would definitely lend to someone careful! as the results are impressive

miljones1 · 18/05/2014 07:22

I dread cleaning the floors - wooden, tile carpet, everything! A steam cleaner would make this a lot easier!!

VivaLeBeaver · 18/05/2014 07:51

I'm a non tester but have been looking at steam cleaners.

I put off most of the cleaning if I'm honest, the shower, the oven and the inside of the bin are the main things I can think of which are currently in need of a clean. A steam cleaner would make it so much quicker.

asuwere · 18/05/2014 17:50

non tester. I dread most cleaning to be honest, unless I'm really in the mood for it, I tend to do as little as possible! Worst job is definately the oven - I put that off for a long time and then when it's done, it looks shiny and new and I have to avoid using it for a few days! :)

gazzalw · 19/05/2014 08:17

Non-tester....cleaning bathroom tiles is really one of my bug-bears. And the cooker top ;-(!

But not very keen on cleaning at all to be quite honest Blush!

MyLeftElbow · 19/05/2014 12:38

Tester:

After a few uses, has your Steam Cleaner changed your cleaning regime at all? If so, how?

It has, yes - it has made it easier to do deep cleans. Instead of it being a once every couple of months event - I can do a decent deep clean in one day, once a week.

Are there any applications that you've used where you've been impressed with the results? For example, was the steam cleaner particular useful for cleaning baked on grease, or whole bathrooms?

My upvc window frames, they were gunky and pretty nasty and I've been putting it off and putting it off - and the steam cleaner just blasted the heck out of them! :D

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend or lend the Kärcher steam cleaner to a friend or family member or not?

Definitely, in fact my Mum is coming to borrow it tomorrow!