Steam cleaner and steam cleaner nozzle attachment

Abstract

This invention is to a steam cleaner and steam cleaner nozzle attachment. The steam cleaner nozzle attachment has a scrubbing implement that is very effective in cleaning essentially any type of substrate that is in need of cleaning. It is particularly effective in removing water insoluble materials from a substrate surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/656,432, filed Feb. 25, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a steam cleaner and a steam cleaner nozzle attachment. In particular, this invention relates to a steam cleaner and steam cleaner nozzle attachment that uses a scrubbing implement to assist in the cleaning process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Steam cleaners come in a variety of types, including hand held steam cleaners, canister steam cleaners, hard floor steam cleaners and carpet steam cleaners. Regardless of type, steam cleaners are typically designed so that steam is contacted directly with the substrate surface that is to be cleaned.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,913 discloses a fabric cleaning device. The device has three main modes of operation. In the simplest mode, dirt is removed from fabrics by normal vacuuming. In another mode of operation, jets of water sprayed into the fabric loosen the dirt from the fabric. The water and dirt are then immediately vacuumed. In the third mode of operation, cleaning fluid is sprayed from a hand-held container into the fabric. Rinsing water is applied to the fabric to dislodge dirt and cleaning fluid. A mixture of cleaning fluid, rinsing water and dirt are then immediately vacuumed. Each mode may be used separately or combined sequentially with other modes to fully clean the fabric. The device uses a standard vacuuming wand as a cleaning head.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,144 describes a compact unit for the generating and releasing of steam. The steam-generating unit has a linear shape, is generally tube-shaped, and its upper end is shaped as a handle. Such a unit, provided with a housing, comprises a boiler, a thermoelectric resistance, a steam tube, a quick-action or quick disconnect coupling, an electrovalve for the release of the steam, two thermostats, a water level sensor, and a manometer. Different devices can be attached to the unit, including a brush either with or without bristles, a rag-holding accessory, a steam discharge nozzle, or an additional tube ending in a nozzle or a brush.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,478 discloses a steam disinfecting device in which steam is guided through a specially designed disinfection head. The disinfection head is movable, connected to an inlet hose for the steam via a holder with a handle, then connected via a preliminary chamber to a nozzle assembly, which maintains a distance of 2.5 cm from the surface to be disinfected and forms a steam chamber with the front section of the housing of the disinfection head. The disinfection head is surrounded by a suction bell and sucks away the condensed steam produced via suction nozzles on the disinfection head.

In general, steam cleaner design arranges the steam nozzle in a manner that allows the steam to directly contact the substrate surface to be cleaned and thereby use the steam to function as the primary cleaning force. However, the application of steam alone is often insufficient to properly clean a surface, and it is difficult to scrub a surface while it is being directly contacted with the full force of the steam. It is, therefore, desirable to provide a steam cleaner and attachment system that allows for a substrate surface to be scrubbed while the full force of the steam is applied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a steam cleaner nozzle, and a steam cleaning unit containing the nozzle. The steam cleaner nozzle includes a scrubbing implement that allows the steam from the steam cleaning unit to be largely displaced directly on the substrate surface rather than on the cleaning implement. The result is that the heat and vapor cleaning characteristics of the steam can be efficiently used to remove dirt and grime from the substrate surface.

According to the invention, there is provided a steam cleaner nozzle and a steam cleaner that incorporates the steam cleaner nozzle. In one embodiment, the steam cleaner comprises a steam cleaning unit having a steam discharge end, and a nozzle in fluid connection with the steam discharge end of the steam cleaner.

In one embodiment, the nozzle comprises a connection end having a coupling component for coupling to a steam cleaner. The nozzle includes a nozzle discharge end and has a steam channel extending from the connection end to the nozzle discharge end.

In one embodiment, the nozzle includes an implement holding surface that is at the nozzle discharge end, with a scrubbing implement attached to the implement holding surface. The nozzle can be attached directly to the steam discharge end or it can be coupled to a hose attachment and the hose attachment is attached to the steam discharge end. The hose attachment can include a cylindrical tube and handle arrangement.

In another embodiment, the coupling component is a detent component. Alternatively, the coupling component is a screw component. The scrubbing implement can be removably attached to the implement holding surface or permanently attached to the implement holding surface.

The scrubbing implement can be of any form that is suitable for scrubbing. In one embodiment the scrubbing implement is porous pad. In another, the scrubbing implement is a plurality of brush bristles.

In an embodiment in which a pad is used as the scrubbing implement, the pad can have one or more than one layer. In one embodiment, the pad is covered with a mesh.

In one embodiment, the implement holding surface contains a hook arrangement for holding the scrubbing implement. Preferably, the scrubbing implement has an open channel that aligns with the steam channel. It is also preferred that the scrubbing implement extends from ⅛″ to 1 ½″ from the nozzle discharge end.

Preferably the connection end of the cleaner nozzle is made so that it is relatively cool to the touch as steam is flowing through the nozzle. In one embodiment, the connection end has a ribbed or finned surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of various embodiments of this invention are shown in the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a steam cleaner nozzle in which the scrubbing implement is made of a plurality of bristles;

FIG. 2 shows a steam cleaner nozzle in which the scrubbing implement is made of a pad;

FIGS. 3A-3C show a variety of pad type scrubbing implements;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a nozzle and pad in which the pad is removably secured to the implement holding surface using a hook type arrangement;

FIGS. 5A-5C show a nozzle and cleaning unit coupling arrangement in which both a detent and screw type coupling attachment are used; and

FIGS. 6A-6C show a variety of cleaning units to which the steam cleaning nozzle can be attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to steam cleaning. There is provided a steam cleaner nozzle that has a scrubbing implement that is very effective in cleaning essentially any type of substrate that is in need of cleaning. It is particularly effective in removing water insoluble materials from a substrate surface.

The steam cleaner nozzle is comprised of a connection end having a coupling component. The coupling component functions in attaching the connection end of the nozzle to the steam cleaner unit, and the attachment mechanism is preferably one that enables the nozzle to be easily removed from the steam cleaner unit.

A steam channel extends from the connection end to the discharge end where the steam is discharged from the nozzle. As the steam exits the discharge end, it preferably contacts the substrate surface that is to be cleaned without substantial condensation.

A scrubbing implement is attached to the steam cleaner nozzle by way of an implement holding surface located at the nozzle discharge end. The scrubbing implement is placed around or over the steam channel so as to maintain the steam in its vapor state, thereby contributing to minimal condensation. The positioning also allows steam to contact the substrate surface without substantial direct steam contact to the scrubbing implement. According to this invention, the scrubbing implement is placed in a position that allows the steam to be largely displaced on the substrate surface rather than on the cleaning implement. The heat and vapor cleaning characteristics of the steam can therefore be efficiently used to remove dirt and grime, particularly water insoluble materials, from a substrate surface.

The connection end can be made of any suitable material that can carry steam with minimal corrosive, erosive or undesirable heat effects. Preferably, the coupling component has sufficient insulating ability so as not to burn to the touch while the steam cleaning unit is in operation. Examples of such materials include various metals, preferably including an insulating outer surface, various ceramics and various plastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride.

In one embodiment, the connection end has a ribbed or finned surface. Such a surface is particularly beneficial in displacing heat and can aid as a gripping mechanism.

The connection end includes a coupling component for coupling the steam cleaner nozzle to a steam cleaning unit. The coupling component can be any type of coupling arrangement that enables the steam cleaner nozzle to be attached to the steam cleaning unit, preferably in a manner that prevents steam from leaking at the location of attachment.

In one embodiment, the coupling component is a detent component. In general, a detent component is a device for positioning and holding one mechanical part in relation to another so that the device can be released by force applied to one of the parts. Examples of such a device include a catch, dog or spring-operated ball mechanism. In general, a dog is considered any of various usually simple mechanical devices for holding, gripping, or fastening that consist of a spike, bar, or hook.

In another embodiment, the coupling component includes an end having a screw component to couple to the steam cleaner. The screw component can be either a male or a female type arrangement.

Steam is passed from the nozzle connection end through a channel and exits the steam cleaner nozzle at the nozzle discharge end. The nozzle discharge end can have any variety of shapes or sizes suitable for extending to and adequately contacting the substrate surface to be scrubbed or cleaned. For example, the discharge end can be square, rectangular, oval, circular, or polygonal depending upon the shape of the substrate surface that is to be cleaned.

The scrubbing implement is the actual element that is used to scrub the substrate surface. It can be made of any material suitable for scrubbing. The material from which the scrubbing implement should be suitable for the particular type of substrate being scrubbed and should be made of a material having a melting point greater than the temperature of the steam being discharged from the nozzle. Generally, the scrubbing implement has a melting point greater than 100° C. Preferably, the scrubbing implement has a melting point greater than 125° C., more preferably, greater than 150° C.

The scrubbing implement is affixed to the steam cleaner nozzle by being attached to an implement holding surface. The implement holding surface can be a surface region that is directly aligned with the exit opening of the nozzle discharge end of the steam cleaner nozzle or the holding surface can be located at a distance from the nozzle discharge end as long as the scrubbing implement extends a distance from the nozzle discharge end.

The scrubbing implement should extend far enough from the nozzle discharge end so that stream can escape from the nozzle, but not so far that extensive steam condensation has occurred at the substrate surface. If there is too much condensation at the substrate surface, then much of the effective scrubbing or cleaning heat of the steam will be lost.

In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement extends from ⅛″ to 1 ½″ from the nozzle discharge end. Preferably, the scrubbing implement extends from ¼″ to 1″ from the nozzle discharge end, more preferably from ⅓″ to ¾″ from the nozzle discharge end.

Examples of the scrubbing implement include brush bristles, scrubbing pads, etc. The implement can be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, rubber or natural fiber.

In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is comprised of bristles. The bristles can be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, rubber or natural fiber. The bristles can be arranged in any manner suitable for scrubbing. For example, in relation to the nozzle exit, the bristles can extend along an axis parallel to that of the exiting steam, or can extend at an inclined angle. The bristles can be arranged as individual fibers, mixed bristles or tufts of bristles. Typically, the bristles are affixed to the implement holding surface, preferably not being removable from the holding surface. The bristles can be affixed by using pitch, resin, cement or other adhesives. Alternatively, the bristles can be molded with the implement holding surface or welded onto the surface.

In another embodiment, the scrubbing implement is comprised of a pad or cloth like material, particularly a porous pad. The pad can be composed of any of a variety of materials, so long as the pad is resistant to the heat and moisture effects of the steam. Examples of such materials include synthetics such as polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, manufactured cellulosics (such as rayon), and blends thereof. Such synthetic materials may be carded, spunbond, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunched, or otherwise conventionally processed.

Other materials that can be used in the manufacture of the scrubbing implement include naturally occurring material (modified or unmodified), as well as synthetically made material. Examples of suitable unmodified/modified naturally occurring materials include cotton, Esparto grass, bagasse, kemp, flax, silk, wool, wood pulp, chemically modified wood pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate. Suitable synthetic or manufactured fibers can be made from polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics, polyvinyl acetate, rayon, polyethylvinyl acetate, non-soluble or soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyamides such as nylon, polyesters, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, and the like. The scrubbing implement can comprise naturally occurring materials, synthetic or manufactured materials, or any compatible combination of naturally occurring, manufactured, and synthetic materials.

The materials that can be used in manufacture of the scrubbing implement useful herein can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or a combination of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic material. Particular selection of hydrophilic or hydrophobic materials will depend upon the other materials included in the scrubbing implement, whether cleaning solvents are used in conjunction with the steam, and the composition of the substrate being cleaned. That is, the nature of the material will be such that the scrubbing implement exhibits the necessary scrubbing and other desirable characteristics. Suitable hydrophilic material for use in the invention include cellulose or modified cellulose, rayon, polyesters such as hydrophilic nylon. Suitable hydrophilic material can also be obtained by hydrophilizing hydrophobic material, such as surfactant-treated or silica-treated thermoplastics.

Suitable hydrophilic or hydrophobic thermoplastics can also be used in the manufacture of the scrubbing implement. Such materials include polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. Foamed thermoplastics are particularly desirable.

Wood pulp can also be incorporated into the scrubbing implement. Such material can be obtained from well-known chemical processes such as the Kraft and sulfite processes. These wood pulp materials can also be obtained from mechanical processes, such as ground wood, refiner mechanical, thermomechanical, chemimechanical, and chemi-thermomechanical pulp processes. Recycled or secondary wood pulp material, as well as bleached and unbleached wood pulp, can be used.

Chemically stiffened cellulose can also be used. As used herein, the term “chemically stiffened cellulose” means cellulose based material that has been stiffened by chemical means to increase the stiffness of the material under both dry and aqueous conditions. Such means can include the addition of a chemical stiffening agent that, for example, coats and/or impregnates the material. Such means can also include the stiffening of the material by altering the chemical structure, e.g., by crosslinking polymer chains.

Thermoplastic materials useful in the present invention can be in any of a variety of forms including particulates, fibers, foams or combinations thereof. Various examples include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, copolyesters, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics, polyamides, copolyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and copolymers of any of the foregoing such as vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate, and the like. Suitable thermoplastic materials can also include hydrophobic fibers or material, such as surfactant-treated or silica-treated thermoplastics derived from, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. The surface of the thermoplastic can be treated with a surfactant, such as a nonionic or anionic surfactant, e.g., by spraying with a surfactant, by dipping into a surfactant or by including the surfactant as part of the polymer melt in the production process. Upon melting and resolidification, the surfactant will tend to remain at the surfaces of the thermoplastic. Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as BRIJ® 76 manufactured by ICI Americas, Inc. of Wilmington, Del., and various surfactants sold under the PEGOSPERSE® trademark by Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Conn. Besides nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants can also be used. These surfactants can be applied to the thermoplastic at levels of, for example, from about 0.2 to about 1 g/cm² of thermoplastic material.

Suitable thermoplastic materials can be made from a single polymer (monocomponent), or can be made from more than one polymer (e.g., bicomponent or multicomponent). In one embodiment, a bicomponent fiber is used such that the fiber is comprised of a core fiber made from one polymer that is encased within a thermoplastic sheath made from a different polymer.

In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is made of a polyurethane foam. In a particular embodiment, the foam is a polyol based polyurethane foam, in another embodiment a polyester based polyurethane, and in another a polyether based polyurethane.

Depending upon the composition of the scrubbing implement, it can have a variety of desired characteristics. The characteristics differ depending upon the substrate that is to be cleaned. For example, highly abrasive materials can be used to clean metal surfaces where scratching of the metal is not a concern.

In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is a pad having a porosity appropriate for cleaning the substrate surface. Preferably, the pad has a porosity of at least 5 pores per inch, more preferably at least 30 pores per inch, and most preferably at least 60 pores per inch. Porosity as used herein is determined according to a linear cell count, i.e., number of cells in a linear unit of measurement.

The scrubbing implement in certain embodiments, e.g., pad form, can also be defined according to density. Preferably the scrubbing implement has a density of from 0.5 to 15 lbs per cu ft, more preferably from 1 to 10 lbs per cu ft, still more preferably from 1.2-5 lbs per cu ft, and most preferably from 1.5 to 2.5 lbs per cu ft. Density is preferably measured using test methods of ASTM D3547.

The scrubbing implement, preferably in pad form, also has a desired hardness range. In on embodiment, the scrubbing implement has a hardness of from 0.1 to 1.5 pounds per square inch, preferably from 0.2 to 1.2 pounds per square inch, and more preferably from 0.3 to 1 pound per square inch. Hardness is preferably measured using the method of ISO 3386.

In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is made of a foamed thermoplastic material containing cells. The cells preferably have an overall or average effective cell diameter of from 0.005 to 0.175 inches, preferably from 0.01 to 0.15 inches, and more preferably from 0.015 to 0.15 inches. The effective cell diameter can be calculated as:
d_eff=(l*h*d)^1/3
wherein l=cell length, h=cell height, and d=cell depth.

The scrubbing implement, particularly in pad form, can also be wrapped in a mesh layer. Any type of polymer suitable for such purpose can be used, including the polymers noted above, and in particular the thermoplastic materials.

The thickness of the scrubbing implement in pad form or the length of the scrubbing instrument in bristle form is not particularly important except to the extent that the scrubbing implement retain its appropriate resiliency and other desirable characteristics. In addition, the scrubbing implement should not be too thin or short to impede steam from escaping the steam nozzle, or it should not be too thick or long such that steam condenses and cools too quickly to effectively clean substrate surface. In instances where the scrubbing surface of the scrubbing implement is too distant from the end of the steam nozzle, the steam can cool and condense to the point that the scrubbing surface is contacting warm water rather than the relatively hotter steam.

In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is a pad or cloth having one layer. In another, the pad or cloth has at two or more layers. Each layer can be made of the same or different material, depending upon the characteristics that are desired for scrubbing. The layers can be held together using a suitable adhesive or other type bonding or attachment method.

In another embodiment, the scrubbing implement is a pad or cloth covered with a mesh material. The mesh material can be made of any composition suitable for scrubbing the particular substrate surface. Examples include metal, ceramic, plastic or rubber type compounds.

In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is arranged around and/or over the steam channel so that the steam exiting the nozzle discharge end is largely unimpeded from directly contacting the substrate surface. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement comprises a plurality of bristles arranged at a distance from or around a periphery of the channel at the nozzle discharge end. In another embodiment, the scrubbing implement comprises a pad type arrangement (synonymous with a cloth type arrangement), with the pad having a channel extending through the pad for the steam to pass. Preferably, the pad has an open channel that aligns with the steam channel.

The scrubbing implement can be permanently affixed to the implement holding surface or it can be removably attached to the implement holding surface. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is comprised of a plurality of bristles and the bristles are permanently attached to the implement holding surface. In another, the scrubbing implement is comprised of a pad and the pad is removably attached to the implement holding surface.

Any attachment mechanism can be used to reasonably secure the removably attached scrubbing implement to the implement holding surface. For example, a screw, snap, hook or button type means can be used.

In one embodiment, the implement holding surface contains a hook arrangement for holding the scrubbing implement. In this embodiment, the scrubbing implement preferably has a surface that is capable of attaching to the hook arrangement. For example, the scrubbing implement can be a pad having fibers that are capable of catching to the hook arrangement or the pad can have cells that effectively couple to the hook arrangement. In one embodiment, the surface of a pad includes loop type fibers. An example of a particular type of hook and loop arrangement is VELCRO®.

The steam cleaner nozzle of this invention is suitable for use on any type of steam cleaner unit. The unit can be of any size from commercial scale to a hand carry model. In general, the steam cleaning unit has a steam discharge end, and the nozzle is in fluid connection with the steam discharge end of the steam cleaner. The nozzle can fit directly to the steam cleaner unit or can be attached through a hose or wand arrangement. The hose attachment can be of any standard type arrangement, including a cylindrical tube and handle arrangement.

Various embodiments of the steam cleaner nozzle and steam cleaning unit of this invention are shown in the Figures. FIG. 1 shows a steam cleaner nozzle having a connection end 10 and a scrubbing implement 12. The connection end 10 includes ribs or fins 14 to dissipate heat more easily. The scrubbing implement 12 is shown as being made of a plurality of bristles, with the bristles being attached to an implement holding surface 16. Steam is passed from the connection end 10 to a nozzle discharge end 18 by way of a steam channel running through the nozzle (not shown). The scrubbing implement extends a distance from the nozzle discharge end so that insubstantial steam condensation occurs.

FIG. 2. shows a nozzle 20 that has attached thereto a pad 22. The pad 22 is adjacent to a nozzle discharge end 24. Steam passes from a nozzle connection end 26, through a steam channel 28, and out of the discharge end 24. The steam then passes through a channel 29 in the pad 22 to contact a substrate surface.

FIGS. 3A-3C show a variety of pad type scrubbing implements. FIG. 3A shows a single layer pad having a channel running through the pad (the channel being depicted by dashed lines). FIG. 3B shows a two layer pad, with each layer being made of a different material. FIG. 3C shows a pad being covered by a mesh material to enhance scrubbing ability.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a nozzle and pad in which the pad is removably secured to the implement holding surface using a hook type arrangement. In FIG. 4A steam emerges from the nozzle by way of a channel 40 at a discharge end 42. Hooks 46 are secured to an implement holding surface 44, and the hooks are used to hold the scrubbing implement. In FIG. 4B, the nozzle is shown as a side view.

FIGS. 5A-5C show nozzle and cleaning coupling attachments. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a detent type of coupling attachment In this arrangement, a protruding point or prong 50 extends from the cleaning unit coupling attachment. The prong 50 is to be slidably inserted into channel 52 to secure the nozzle to the cleaning unit. FIG. C exemplifies a screw type couple in which the cleaning unit coupling attachment functions as male screw component 54.

FIGS. 6A-6C show a variety of cleaning units to which the steam cleaning nozzle can be attached. FIG. 6A is a hand held steam cleaner in which the nozzle is coupled to a hose. FIG. 6B is a hand held steam cleaner in which the nozzle is coupled directly to the steam cleaner. FIG. 6C is a canister type steam cleaner in which the nozzle is coupled to the canister by way of a hose and wand device.

Having now fully described this invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can be performed within a wide range of parameters within what is claimed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A steam cleaner nozzle, comprising:

a connection end having a coupling component for coupling to a steam cleaner;

a nozzle discharge end;

a steam channel extending from the connection end to the nozzle discharge end;

an implement holding surface at the nozzle discharge end; and

a scrubbing implement attached to the implement holding surface.

2. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the coupling component is a detent component.

3. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the coupling component is a screw component.

4. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the scrubbing implement is removably attached to the implement holding surface.

5. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the scrubbing implement is pad.

6. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 5, wherein the pad has more than one layer.

7. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 5, wherein the pad is covered with a mesh.

8. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 5, wherein the pad has an open channel that aligns with the steam channel.

9. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the implement holding surface contains a hook arrangement for holding the scrubbing implement.

10. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the scrubbing implement is comprised of bristles.

11. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the scrubbing implement extends from ⅛″ to 1 ½″ from the nozzle discharge end.

12. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the connection end has a ribbed or finned surface.

13. A steam cleaner, comprising:

a steam cleaning unit having a steam discharge end; and

a nozzle in fluid connection with the steam discharge end of the steam cleaner, wherein the nozzle comprises connection end having coupling component for coupling to a steam cleaner; nozzle discharge end; steam channel extending from the connection end to the nozzle discharge end; implement holding surface at the nozzle discharge end; and scrubbing implement attached to the implement holding surface.

14. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the nozzle is attached directly to the steam discharge end.

15. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the nozzle is coupled to a hose attachment and the hose attachment is attached to the steam discharge end.

16. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the hose attachment includes a cylindrical tube and handle arrangement.

17. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the coupling component is a detent component.

18. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the coupling component is a screw component.

19. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the scrubbing implement is removably attached to the implement holding surface.

20. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the scrubbing implement is a pad.

21. The steam cleaner of claim 20, wherein the pad has more than one layer.

22. The steam cleaner of claim 20, wherein the pad is covered with a mesh.

23. The steam cleaner of claim 20, wherein the pad has an open channel that aligns with the steam channel.

24. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the implement holding surface contains a hook arrangement for holding the scrubbing implement.

25. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the scrubbing implement is a plurality of brush bristles.

26. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the scrubbing implement extends from ⅛″ to 1 ½″ from the nozzle discharge end.

27. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the connection end has a ribbed or finned surface.