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The other day, I had a severe disapointment. My pump went out in my Namco steam iron. I have used it for 2 years now and for part of the time made the mistake of using tap water in it. To that end it fried the motor with calcium deposits. I remember though that when it worked good, it would REALLY put out the steam. However, I ordered a new pump for it and was sent the new iron with the metal fitting. When I went to use it on a red dye spot today, in comparison, there is hardly any steam that comes out of it even when both dials are turned on to the highest setting. I was leaving it on the stain for up to 4 minutes and it was not heating up nearly like the Namco iron. I could tell because right afterwards I could touch the carpet and it was still fairly dry and not as hot as it would get with the Namco iron. It seems to be using a drip system verses a forced water or pump. Also, there is alot of steam that escapes on the back of it where the iron fits into, and actually through the hole where the cord goes in. This makes the handle extremely hot almost to the point of having to wear gloves. Also, the metal fitting holds heat for several, several minutes afterwards making it somewhat dangerous to the unsuspecting person. I am usually a huge proponant for changes, but…… Have any of you noticed this? I am not trying to complain here, just trying to find out if anyone else has had this problem, and to see what we can do to remedy it.
We use an iron and towel if it is one small spot, but for larger spots use a wallpaper steamer. Larger “head” on the steamer so we can get more spots at a time and also puts out a lot of steam (hence the name). Downside is it takes about 10 mins to heat up so you have to plan ahead to stay efficient.
The Namco is a bad piece of equipment. I hope we stop selling them. I had 2 of them and neither one lasted through 6 uses. Steam iron with the new stand is the answer at this point.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=40627-000000097-0282018&lpage=none
This is what I use. Previous HB owner that I bought out had a refurbished one that he got for like $20. We are still using that same one. I have not purchased the iron/plate combo for two reasons. First, the above mentioned steamer still works. Second, I have no idea what the new steamer/plate combo looks like as there is no picture of it on our catalogue. I can easily assume what it looks like, but I can also assume what a car, a microwave, or even a pen looks like. Doesn’t mean I’m buying it sight unseen. I still do not understand how we can have products that are not pictured. You can read about this subject on the new thread I start under the MISC section.
I can understand completely ddevlin. I may end up going your route with the steam issue. As for the unpictured items, I can agree completely. On my last order, I ordered a bottle I was sure of that ended up being something else. I can still use it, but will have to order the right one next time which takes longer.
Had the Namco as well and it didn’t care for it, always had issues with it. Now use the new steam iron and plate.
I purchased the new style iron and plate several months ago. It does the job , but isn’t quite the final answer. It needs to be refilled a little to often if dealing with multible spots ,also it is a little small . On the good side it is low tech,and inexpensive.
I still use the old method, but if you recall awhile back, couple years ago I believe, someone had mentioned that he (or she) would sometimes just spray the area with red dye remover rake and walk away then contact the customer a few days later and if needed go back and repeat. Well I tried this and it does work. Of course this was done after removing most of the original stain.This method works great for removing the remaining tint in the carpet.
Hey Dave I just picked up that wallpaper remover you posted on here. Just wondering if you can give any pointers on how you use it?????
As I said, it takes about 10 min to heat up, so plan ahead. I purposefully fill it only a little above the minimum water level line with as much water as I need so it heats up faster. Nothing too special to use, just spray spot with red dye remover and set the steam plate on the carpet where you sprayed. Mulitask if you like as you don’t need to move it around like the iron. I usually check it at least every minute up to the recommended 3 minute dwell time. Sometimes it will leave that yellow residue on the carpet that is usually picked up on the towel with an iron. Usually you can just wipe that yellow up with a towel or when you extract and flush the spot. Note that it does put out a lot of steam, so make sure not to leave it for too long. I have seen it on rare occasions buckle the carpet a little, but that usually goes back down when the carpet cools. Also, be careful when you use it around wood stain or paint on walls or furniture as it will remove the stain/paint due to the amount of steam it produces and heat of the steam. If you have red spots near stain/paint, I usually try to angle the plate so any escaping steam is not coming in contact with it (no multitasking here). Try it at home without using any cleaning product and you will figure it out quickly. Another bonus, it has a long electrical cord and long extension neck, so you can reach most areas of a room or stairs without needing an extension cord like the iron. Call me if you have any questions.
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