After reading the reviews I wasn't sure what to expect or if I would even be happy my purchase. I think part of the expectations is the buyers motivation for wanting such a device. The only 2 motivations that I can think of is get away from chemicals in your home or a device to ease with cleaning. If you are trying to get away from chemicals, I think you will be happy. If you're motivation is the latter, you may or may be not happy, I think then it boils down to what you're expecting it to do. If you are expecting not to put any effort into cleaning, you may be happier hiring a cleaning service. Otherwise I still think you may be happy with it on certain jobs.
My personal motivation is that I am trying to get away from the use of chemicals in my home. With that said, at the very least I figured I could clean with water, elbow grease, E-clothes (micro fiber clothes), and then go back over to steam what I cleaned to kill any germs or bacteria.
This device is not a miracle worker, but some of the things I have cleaned where much easier and quicker than a traditional way. Other things it did not take off. I myself wasn't expecting a miracle worker. The other thing I would add on this is that once cleaned, I suspect if the Haan steamer is used to maintain, one should not have to put as much effort into cleaning.
Some examples:
I cleaned under my stove. If anyone is like myself and neglect this task or one like it (under the refrigerator), you'll know what I am talking about. It was MUCH quicker and easier with the Haan. I swept first. Then I went over it with the steamer, wiped up the mess with a towel. Then for good measure I went back over one more time, even though, it didn't look like it needed it. It was so quick I wondered why I had neglected it as it was no big deal. Without the Haan that would have taken a bucket of detergent, scrubbing, rinsing, wiping, scrubbing, wiping, wiping... And more time spent doing it.
Mineral deposits that had gotten pretty bad around the water faucet, it didn't' take off. It cleaned the rest of the sink nicely, but I have not been able to get these deposits off without chemicals.
Carpet cleaning. It worked nicely on some spots, by steaming and blotting. One was used immediately and the others were not ones I had worked on so they were newer. On another bigger carpet spot, which I believe is due to carpet cleaning chemical residues, it lifted some but didn't remove completely.
Other types of jobs, were quicker than a traditional way. The stove - all I can say is WOW! I still had to put some elbow grease into it, but it did not take as long as it normally would or as much effort.
I cleaned the shower with clothes, and used the Haan for steaming germs and spots. Again it didn't get the mineral build up spots, but it did get other spots of soap scum, that I didn't get up with the microfiber. I suppose a big job like the shower, one could be disappointed as far a steam running out or if you're expecting a miracle and to put no effort into it.
Finally I have read comments on the steam running out too quickly. I guess if you run a continuous stream of steam, it will run out. But honestly I don't know why you would do this other than maybe a big window job. Because you still have to wipe up what you're steaming, you can get a good amount off, stop wipe (see where you're at with the job), and then start steaming again. Haan HS-20 Deluxe Personal Sanitizing Handheld Steam Cleaner with Attachments
A Journalism Professor of mine once said that when writing a recommendation, one should make a distinction as to whether they are going to write a "review" or a "critique".
The "Reviewer", the Professor went on to say, tells the audience WHAT they should see; while the "Critic" should tell the audience WHY they should or should not see. As a reviewer I must join the many users of this small steam wonder who think it's the best thing since sliced bread. Not perfect, but it truly is a time saver and a blessing for those of us to which "clean" MEANS clean and not "Pretty good except for that one spot...". The HS-20 is easy to fill with plain water, (no additives needed - I prefer distilled water though)It heats up in a very reasonable time and absolutely gets in to clean every spot imaginable for a thorough (especially around the bases of bathtubs and toilets)cleaning.
For those of us with mobility problems it's even better. Combined with it's bigger brother (or sister if you prefer) the Haan slim & light floor sanitizer, I am finally able to get my home really clean with a minimum amount of strain on my spine and knees. Even though I can only work for 10 0r 15 minutes at a time, that brief cleaning time results in excellent results.
Having said that, let me switch to some minor criticism of the Haan HS-20 Deluxe Personal Sanitizing Hand Cleaner with Attachments. Remember I love this little dynamo so don't let these comments stand in the way of your purchase. Instead, I hope the folks at Haan can pick up on these and maybe do some tweaking.
I have a couple of issues. First is with the user's manual. The manual does not explain all the attachments and how they can be used clearly enough. The explanations are implied rather than spelled out. For example, the set up comes with two items that are called a Microcham Towel and a Microcham Sponge what are these for? Are they meant for use with the steamer for cleaning purposes? Is the Microcham towel meant for cleaning some type of surface or is it a base onto which one should put the steamer itself? I just couldn't find clear explanations for their use. I think it might be helpful for the folks at Haan if they would review the users manual, with an mindset toward more detailed, yet simple explanations. That would make it easier for the user to follow, and understand the attachments
The second thing is that while the "Extension Hose" allows the user into tight places very well, it is still a bit awkward to handle. I had trouble maneuvering it into tight places. It felt as if the extender was crimping and pulling the unit over. I don't know the mechanics or engineering here but, if some sort of swivel could be built into a slightly longer and more flexible attachment, it would allow for getting into tight spots (like around the toilet at the floor( and under the toilet rim). A longer extension hose with a swivel would also help those of us who have mobility problems and trouble getting to low places (like floors and corners).
So, there you have it. Even though to some, the price of these products is small; for me, they represented a serious investment of my limited retirement income. I did my homework first and found both of these products to be among the best if not THE best items of their type on the market. Be patient with the users manual and be patient using the smaller HS-20 personal sanitizing hand held steam cleaner. They truly are products that I can swear by and recommend highly. - Steam Cleaning - Steamer - Handheld Steam Cleaner - Haan'
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