Steam cleaners for interior (and engine bay?!)

Was thinking to do a real interior deep clean on my 2001 taco.

Was looking at steam cleaners. The Harbor Freight one has excellent views - is like $130 with tax and shipping.

It isn’t a vacuum and streamer, just the latter, so I’d be using my shop vac to clean up any water.

I’ve also been consider cleaning my engine bay and the streamer seems like a better idea than a pressure washer.

Anyone use a steam cleaner for that?

 

this is the one the detail geek uses. Has a YouTube channel all about detailing cars.

$170 McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner with 20 Accessories, Extra-Long Power Cord, Chemical-Free Cleaning for Most Floors, Counters, Appliances, Windows, Autos, and More, 1-(Pack), Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G00BT72/?coliid=INBXC9UXMVXFY&colid=23RCB26CGGS5J&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

Once you use a steamer you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

 

Any advice on where not to use the cleaner? For instance, the shifter grip is really dirty. How tight is the switch for the Overdrive? I guess I can put some tape over it but wanted to give the shifter a good cleaning

 

I have that exact steamer, while I've never tried it on the engine, I know it's great for the interiors I do. In the past I have used hot water on engines, this particular unit would probably be slow. Just my opinion mind you.

For your shifter (or other heavily soiled areas of concern) you would probably be best to start with a dose of your APC, agitate with a towel or brush to remove the bulk. Once that is removed then follow up with the steam to remove any remnants and rinse the surface, follow that with a clean towel and move on.
Unless you really focus around switches/ electrical areas etc you won't have any problems. This particular steamer is effective, but not that powerful. In other words, don't be stupid with it.

 

I own a steamer and it does quite a few things extremely well, however some tasks are better other routes. For example it does things like cup holders that have sticky residue from spilt drinks better/ faster than anything else. I own motorcycles and it’s a must have getting into hard to reach areas. Like anything else you have to use common sense using one. It does put out very hot vapor, that can damage or discolor plastic pieces. Be careful when using around electrical items and seals.

 

what shampoo or cleaner do you use in conjunction with the steamer?

 

My "go- to" is simple green and oxi- clean mixture. Not exactly the lowest ph, but gentle (enough) and effective. That is for the interiors.
For engines I typically use a 3:1 or 4:1 simple green dilution.