Italy / English - CHANGE

FAQ

  1. General

    1.01. Where are the service centres?
    1.02. Where can I find accessories and parts?


  2. Vaporetto Lecoaspira

    2.01. What does the Vaporetto Lecoaspira suction up?
    2.02. Where does the suctioned dirt end up?
    2.03. Yes, but emptying and cleaning the tank must be an awful job… No way! It’s child’s play
    2.04. It suctions, it purifies... what else does it do? This is the best bit: the steam!
    2.05. But does steam really clean?
    2.06. But what can I clean with a Vaporetto Lecoaspira?
    2.07. What about delicate surfaces?
    2.08. So you’re always cleaning with clean water?
    2.09. That must mean everything gets wet… Not at all! It’s dry steam!
    2.10. So what does “dry steam” mean?
    2.11. So I vacuum first and then use steam? Or the other way around?
    2.12. But is it really recommended for people with dust mite allergies?
    2.13. That’s great… but who has the time?
    2.14. Why do some Lecoaspira models have a safety cap?
    2.15. Is it possible to reduce waiting time before opening the cap?
    2.16. What does automatic topping-up mean?
    2.17. But who makes it? And where?


  3. Vaporella

    3.01. What is an ironing steam generator and how is it different from a conventional iron?
    3.02. Why does one system have steam dispensing openings all over while the other has them concentrated at the tip?
    3.03. But is the principle behind ironing the same?
    3.04. Why is the plate made of aluminium?
    3.05. Yes, but does it glide over the material?
    3.06. Why is the handle made of cork?
    3.07. Let’s talk about electricity consumption… Why does the Vaporella absorb less current?
    3.08. Does lime scale corrode?
    3.09. How long can I iron for?
    3.10. But who makes it? And where?


  4. Vaporetto

    4.01. What is Vaporetto?
    4.02. But what can I clean with a Vaporetto?
    4.03. But does steam really clean?
    4.04. Where does the dirt end up?
    4.05. What about delicate surfaces?
    4.06. That must mean everything gets wet… Not at all! It’s dry steam!
    4.07. So what does “dry steam” mean?
    4.08. Does the Vaporetto replace the vacuum cleaner?
    4.09. But is it really recommended for people with dust mite allergies?
    4.10. That’s great… but who has the time?
    4.11. Why does Vaporetto have a safety cap?
    4.12. Is it possible to reduce waiting time before opening the cap?
    4.13. What is the boiler made of?
    4.14. But who makes it? And where?


  5. Lecologico

    5.01. What are the benefits of water filter vacuum cleaners?
    5.02. What does the Lecologico suction up?
    5.03. Where does the suctioned dirt end up?
    5.04. What is the EcoActive-filter?
    5.05. What benefits does the EcoActive Filter offer?
    5.06. Yes, but emptying and cleaning the tank must be an awful job… No way! It’s child’s play
    5.07. Is it true that the Lecologico helps you save energy?
    5.08. What is Bioecologico for?
    5.09. Does the Lecologico purify the air?
    5.10. Is Lecologico effective for preventing allergies?
    5.11. Is Lecologico suitable for vacuuming on delicate floors?


  6. AromaPolti

    6.01. Where can I buy AromaPolti capsules?
    6.02. What determines the taste of coffee?
    6.03. How long should it take to make the perfect cup of coffee?
    6.04. Is water temperature important when making coffee?
    6.05. Why use capsules?
    6.06. How should I store AromaPolti coffee capsules?
    6.07. Do you have any advice for maintenance of Polti capsule coffeemakers?
    6.08. Are MyTime, MySelf and MyRelax capsules compatible with my machine?
    6.09. Can I use other coffee capsules with the AromaPolti?


  7. Steam Disinfector

    STEAM AND SANITISATION
    7.01. What is the Polti Steam Disinfector?
    7.02. What does sanitising mean?
    7.03. What is the difference between the steam produced by the Steam Disinfector, and that of the Vaporetto or Lecoaspira?
    7.04. Isn’t Vaporetto or Lecoaspira steam enough to sanitise surfaces?
    7.05. Can I use the Steam Disinfector to sanitise the air?

    HOW IT WORKS AND HOW TO USE IT
    7.06. Can I use the Steam Disinfector if I don’t have a Vaporetto or Lecoaspira?
    7.07. How is the Vaporetto or Lecoaspira connected to the Steam Disinfector?
    7.08. Where can I use the Steam Disinfector system? In what locations?
    7.09. Can I use the Steam Disinfector system on any kind of surface?
    7.10. How long does it take to sanitise the home with the Steam Disinfector system?
    7.11. How long does the Steam Disinfector’s sanitising effect last?
    7.12. How often should I sanitise the home with the Steam Disinfector system?
    7.13. Is it possible to treat the refrigerator with the Steam Disinfector system?
    7.14. Must surfaces be dry to use the Steam Disinfector?
    7.15. What is the Steam Disinfector’s concentration steam application tool accessory for?
    7.16. What is HPMed, and what is it for?
    7.17. Can I use the Steam Disinfector without HPMed or replace it with another product?
    7.18. How long does a bottle of HPMed last? Can I leave it on the dispenser after use?
    7.19. Where can I find spare bottles of HPMed?
    7.20. Is HPMed flammable?
    7.21. Do I need to wear gloves or a mask to use the Steam Disinfector?
    7.22. Can I use the Steam Disinfector if there are children, seniors or animals in the room?
    7.23. Is it possible to control steam pressure? If I apply the Steam Disinfector to a Lecoaspira Intelligent, which has a pressure of 5 bar, will steam come out differently than if I use it with a 3 bar Vaporetto?
    7.24. Which programme should I choose on the Vaporetto Lecoaspira Intelligent when using the Steam Disinfector?
    7.25. If I have a Vaporetto Lecoaspira model 900, 910, or 910 kit, can I purchase the Steam Disinfector accessory for connection with the Lecoaspira?
    7.26. Can my service centre change the connection of the Vaporetto 2010?

    EFFEFCTIVENESS FOR KILLING MICROBES
    7.27. Why is it important to keep microbial contamination within safe levels?
    7.28. What kinds of microorganisms does the Steam Disinfector system work on?
    7.29. Can the Steam Disinfector system help prevent influenza?
    7.30. Is the Steam Disinfector effective against dust mites and allergens? Is it recommended for allergy sufferers??
    7.31. Is the Steam Disinfector system effective enough against bedbugs to make it unnecessary to use a conventional insecticide?


  8. Sani System

    STEAM AND SANITISATION
    8.01. What does sanitising mean?
    8.02. Where is it necessary to sanitise surfaces?
    8.03. Can sanitising replace wiping with water and ammonia that is often carried out in hospital environments after cleaning?
    8.04. Doesn’t normal cleaning sanitise?
    8.05. Why is it not possible to sanitise surfaces using a conventional steam generator?
    8.06. What does “superheated dry saturated steam” mean?

    OPERATION - USE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE SANI SYSTEM
    8.07. What is the Sani System?
    8.08. Who manufactures it?
    8.09. What is the principle on which its operation is based?
    8.10. What advantages does the Sani System offer compared with conventional methods (disinfectants)?
    8.11. At what temperature is the steam delivered by the Polti Sani System?
    8.12. Does the Polti Sani System have to be used with demineralised water or with tap water?
    8.13. What is HPMed?
    8.14. Is it possible to use the Sani System with the HPMed solution in the presence of people?
    8.15. What is the added value of HPMed during sanitising?
    8.16. Can the Polti Sani System be used without HPMed or replacing HPMed with other products?
    8.17. How long does a bottle of HPMed last?
    8.18. Is there a difference in performance between the Standard Sani System and the Check version of the Sani System?
    8.19. What is the purpose of the adaptor supplied with the Polti Sani System?
    8.20. Can I use Polti Sani System on equipment connected to the power mains?
    8.21. At what distance from the surface must the Polti Sani System be used?
    8.22. How long should one wait before using the instruments and rooms that have been sanitised again?
    8.23. Do rooms have to be aired after using the Polti Sani System?
    8.24. Is it possible to use the Sani System in the presence of people?
    8.25. Do the surfaces have to be dried after using the Polti Sani System?
    8.26. How does the Sani System behave in relation to delicate surfaces (fabrics, silk, leather)?
    8.27. How long can the Polti Sani System work on a single tank?
    8.28. How is the Polti Sani System powered?
    8.29. How much power does the system use?

    MICROBICIDAL EFFECTIVENESS
    8.30. Against what types of micro-organisms is the Polti Sani System effective?
    8.31. Why is it advisable to sanitise surfaces with the Sani System to prevent the risk of infections?
    8.32. Is the Polti Sani System effective against Staphylococcus aureus?
    8.33. Is the Polti Sani System capable of lowering the spore load?
    8.34. What happens to the micro-organisms exterminated by the Sani System Polti? Do they remain on the surfaces?
    8.35. For how long does a treated surface maintain an acceptable level of safety?



  1. General

    1.01 Where are the service centres?

    Polti provides post-sales service for its products through a wide-ranging network of service centres in all countries. Go to the “customer service” section to locate the centre closest to you.



    1.02 Where can I find accessories and parts?

    Polti accessories may be found in home appliance stores and authorised service centres.



  2. Vaporetto Lecoaspira

    2.01 What does the Vaporetto Lecoaspira suction up?

    Vaporetto Lecoaspira thoroughly suctions up everything the other quality vacuum cleaners suction up: dust, rice, coffee grounds, soil, pet and human hair, crumbs, etc. It suctions up coarse and fine dirt, including fine dust, pollen and dust mites. Without getting blocked up or losing power like other vacuum cleaners, because the water whirlpool keeps the air passageways free at all times.
    And when the other vacuum cleaners stop, Vaporetto Lecoaspira continues suctioning and collects up dirt that other vacuum cleaners won’t suction up, including wet substances like spilled tomato sauce, broken egg (shell and all) or liquids such as milk, juice, soft drinks…. including the bits of glass, if you’ve broken a bottle!
    All in a single go.


    2.02 Where does the suctioned dirt end up?

    The dirt is all trapped; in fact, it is locked away in the Eco-Active Water Filter. Once it goes in, this patented filtering system ensures that the dirt will not get out again and not even the tiniest dust mites will get back into circulation in the air. This is why we say the Vaporetto Lecoaspira purifies the air while you clean.


    2.03 Yes, but emptying and cleaning the tank must be an awful job… No way! It’s child’s play

    When you’ve finished working, you can take the tank out quickly with just one hand. No other tank is so easy to remove. And the Vaporetto Lecoaspira tank is emptied by just pouring out the water as if it were a jug! If you don’t believe it, try it. Unlike other vacuum cleaners with their dusty bags or the tanks on bag less vacuum cleaners in which dry dust gets everywhere BUT into the garbage – onto the furniture, the floor, into your nose.
    The best way to put your appliance away for storage is perfectly clean: after emptying the tank, suction up a litre of clean water by working the suction for a few seconds. And then empty it again. This ensures that the inside of the hose is clean and the gurgling water rinses out and cleans the tank.


    3. 2.04 It suctions, it purifies... what else does it do? This is the best bit: the steam!

    Inside the Vaporetto Lecoaspira is a hidden boiler for generating high pressure steam, perfect for dislodging even the most stubborn dirt from all washable surfaces in the house.
    This means nothing cleans as effectively as Vaporetto Lecoaspira, because steam offers benefits no other cleaning method can offer:
    • You can clean the whole house with steam only, without having to buy different types of cleaning products
    • Steam is water, so it doesn’t pollute and it won’t cause any kind of irritation or allergic reaction
    • Steam sanitises and destroys germs, dust mites and allergens (and this is certified)
    • Steam degreases without leaving residues or marks like cleaning products, so your home stays clean longer


    2.05 But does steam really clean?

    Steam cleans thanks to three “physical” properties: water, temperature and pressure, which work together to dislodge grease and dirt from every corner of the home.
    WATER: steam is made up of water molecules which bind to dirt molecules on contact, “softening” them.
    TEMPERATURE: steam comes out at a temperature hot enough to separate and dissolve even the most stubborn dirt and grease while destroying any bacteria.
    PRESSURE: under pressure dirt is definitively “detached” from surfaces, so all you have to do is collect it up with a cloth or by vacuum cleaning.


    2.06 But what can I clean with a Vaporetto Lecoaspira?

    Practically anything, thanks to the accessories available: floors, glass, mirrors, tiles, gaps between tiles (eliminating ugly black lines), cookers (removing grease and built-up dirt), bathroom fixtures, mattresses (eliminating dust mites and allergens), sofas, upholstery, carpets and rugs, parquet, the oven, garden furniture, roller blinds and shutters, heaters, defrosting the freezer, polishing gold, perking up plants, clearing blocked-up sinks, cleaning the inside of the car, removing grease from wheel rims… And if that’s not enough, you can even iron with ultra-powerful steam, if you add an iron accessory.


    2.07 What about delicate surfaces?

    When cleaning delicate floors such as terra cotta and wood, you can use a special model such as the Lecoaspira 705, Lecoaspira 712 or Lecoaspira Intelligent with a TERRACOTTA/PARQUET function automatically combining ultra-delicate steam with suctioning.


    2.08 So you’re always cleaning with clean water?

    Yes, or rather, with clean steam, because the water used to generate steam never comes into contact with the water in the dirt collection tank. It’s not like when you wash floors with a mop. This ensures maximum hygiene, especially if you have small children in the home.


    2.09 That must mean everything gets wet… Not at all! It’s dry steam!

    The steam produced by the Vaporetto Lecoaspira’s boiler is dry steam under high pressure. In contact with surfaces it does not condense, but dries immediately, leaving surfaces clean and dry.


    2.10 So what does “dry steam” mean?

    It means that Vaporetto Lecoaspira steam is generated at a high temperature under high pressure. This means it cleans without leaving surfaces damp.


    2.11 So I vacuum first and then use steam? Or the other way around?

    The great thing about the Vaporetto Lecoaspira is that you can use its functions however you like. If I only need to vacuum, I turn on the vacuuming motor. If I only need steam, I turn on the boiler. But if I want to, I can turn on both the motor and the boiler, and use steam and suction power as I wish (first one and then the other, or vice versa) or use them together in a single passage to dissolve dirt with steam, suction up the dissolved dirt, wash, dry and purify the air.


    2.12 But is it really recommended for people with dust mite allergies?

    The effectiveness of Vaporetto Lecoaspira against dust mites has been severely tested in multiple scientific studies. Cambridge University and Lyon Dermatological Hospital have demonstrated the effectiveness of Vaporetto Lecoaspira steam against dust mites (98% eliminated) and allergens (86% eliminated). Furthermore, British Allergy Foundation awarded Vaporetto Lecoaspira its “Seal of Approval” for its effectiveness in eliminating mites.


    2.13 That’s great… but who has the time?

    With Vaporetto Lecoaspira cleaning takes less time and needn’t be done so often. Yes, because the Vaporetto Lecoaspira dissolves and collects dirt more easily than other methods. And clean, degreased surfaces won’t attract dust and more dirt, so they stay clean longer.
    You use just one product to clean everywhere, without changing attachments all the time. With Vaporetto Lecoaspira you eliminate all the tools you would normally need to keep the house clean, that you need to pick up, wash, rinse, and put back in order: sponges, brooms, dustpans, buckets, brushes, cloths, feather dusters, carpet beaters, window cleaners, ladders for high surfaces, cleaning products for various different surfaces… All gone! And the power of steam makes it easy to dissolve dirt without scrubbing, so you work less!


    2.14 Why do some Lecoaspira models have a safety cap?

    These are the models that are not automatically topped up. In this case, when you need to add water to the boiler, you have to release all the residual steam before you can open the safety cap and add water. The safety cap, a world-wide POLTI patent, will not unscrew if there is any pressure at all in the boiler, even when the appliance is turned off. Along with a mechanical valve, it guarantees maximum safety and dependability against any form of unintentional opening.


    2.15 Is it possible to reduce waiting time before opening the cap?

    When the appliance is turned on, switch off the boiler and leave the accessory switched on, use the steam for a minute (or longer if necessary) until all steam remaining in the hose and accessories has got out and the pressure has decreased. You can now open the safety cap (if you notice it is difficult, press down gently while turning). Important: this “trick” also works with the Vaporella safety cap.


    2.16 What does automatic topping-up mean?

    To offer you unlimited autonomy, some models have an automatic topping-up system, so that water can be added at any time without waiting and wasting time. In these models, water is topped up from a tank next to the boiler. A pump will automatically take water from the tank to top up the level in the boiler as required.


    2.17 But who makes it? And where?

    Only Polti makes the Vaporetto Lecoaspira, in Como, Italy. Safety, quality and service all over the country are guaranteed by thirty years of experience by Europe’s leading maker of steam cleaning and ironing appliances.


  3. Vaporella

    3.01 What is an ironing steam generator and how is it different from a conventional iron?

    An ironing steam generator consists of an iron connected up to a boiler where steam is generated under high pressure by a heating element. The steam comes to the iron when it is ready for use and boiler pressure is high. This is why the steam given off by a pressure boiler is different from the steam in a steam iron.
    First of all, there is much more of it, it is dry and not damp, and the jet is more powerful, because it has been produced under pressure.


    4. 3.02 Why does one system have steam dispensing openings all over while the other has them concentrated at the tip?

    There is an important difference between a good steam generator iron such as the Vaporella and a conventional home iron.
    The steam generator irons with steam pressure. The steam generated in a boiler under pressure comes out DRY and POWERFUL. Vaporella steam is so powerful that it penetrates the fibres (allowing you to iron multiple layers of fabric, such as folded sheets). The pressure straightens out wrinkles. Not the damp.
    A conventional iron, on the other hand, irons wet: the wetter it is, the more wet steam it will produce.


    3.03. But is the principle behind ironing the same?

    Steam generator irons and conventional irons are two different systems using two different ironing techniques:
    With a conventional iron, you move the iron forward and back. The steam has to be spread around to soften the fibres, and then the hot plate dries them and fixes them in place. This is why there are openings all over the plate.
    With an ironing steam generator, you only pass over the fabric once: the part with the steam openings straightens out wrinkles by injecting steam, while the rest of the plate makes the effect of ironing permanent. This is why the steam openings are concentrated at the tip of the iron. And this is why it takes you only half the time to do your ironing.


    3.04. Why is the plate made of aluminium?

    Because aluminium has a good ability to conduct heat, and aluminium’s thermal conductivity is definitely much higher than steel’s (only copper and silver are better than aluminium).
    If a material has good thermal conductivity, heat will be distributed uniformly over its entire surface. This explains why professional chefs use copper or aluminium pots and pans, never stainless steel: good conductivity means that food won’t burn in some areas and stay raw in others. And aluminium is also lighter, making the job easier.


    3.05 Yes, but does it glide over the material?

    The problem of gliding comes up when using a conventional iron, where the plate must be very hot to dry the moisture and can stick to the fabric.
    With a professional iron maximum glide is guaranteed by steam pressure ON ANY FABRIC, even delicate ones. The jet of steam creates a sort of cushion that raises the plate above the fabric so that the iron slides easily over it.
    To experience this, just take a Vaporella with an iron and a continuous steam production system, turn it on and rest the iron on the ironing board: just push it with one finger and the iron will glide along as if on wheels.


    3.06 Why is the handle made of cork?

    If you will be ironing for a long time, cork is the perfect material, guaranteeing maximum comfort because it insulates – so your hand doesn’t get warm – and transpires so your hand won’t sweat.


    3.07 Let’s talk about electricity consumption… Why does the Vaporella absorb less current?

    The Vaporella consumes less because it is more efficient. We have already seen how aluminium can conduct heat, so that it heats up faster. This applies to the plate of the iron and to the boiler too.
    This is why the heating element of the Vaporella aluminium alloy boiler uses less current than a stainless steel boiler to produce a given amount of steam. After hours of ironing, the difference is noticeable. Especially in the electricity bill…


    3.08. Does lime scale corrode?

    Lime scale does not corrode, because Vaporella boilers are corrosion-proof and cannot be damaged by lime scale. But if a lot of lime scale builds up, it may obstruct steam passageways, reducing steam intensity and pressure. To prevent this problem, simply keep the boiler in efficient condition with periodic rinses (in models with a safety cap or No Calc System) and use 50% tap water and 50% demineralised water or add Kalstop to your water to prevent lime scale naturally.


    3.09 How long can I iron for?

    The boiler iron not only guarantees professional results but does away with the problem of continually having to top up the water tank on the iron.
    The boiler’s autonomy depends on its capacity, which is normally 1 or 1.5 litres, enough to iron for an hour or an hour and a half. When the boiler is empty, you have to turn off the heater (on the boiler, not the iron; this is why the Vaporella has two switches) and release the pressure so that you can open the patented safety cap. To speed up this process, there are models with an automatic topping up system, in which water is topped up automatically as needed and may be added at any time. All Polti models in the Forever line offer this function, and to save you more time, they are ready to use only 3 minutes after turning them on.


    3.10 But who makes it? And where?

    Only Polti makes Vaporella, in Como, Italy. Safety, quality and service all over the country are guaranteed by thirty years of experience by Europe’s leading maker of steam cleaning and ironing appliances.


  4. Vaporetto

    4.01 What is Vaporetto?

    It is a steam cleaner. With the use of steam alone it removes grease, cleans and gets rid of dust mites and allergens. It cleans thoroughly, naturally and quickly.


    4.02 But what can I clean with a Vaporetto?

    Practically anything, thanks to the accessories available: floors, glass, mirrors, tiles, gaps between tiles (eliminating ugly black lines), cookers (removing grease and built-up dirt), bathroom fixtures, mattresses (eliminating dust mites and allergens), sofas, upholstery, carpets and rugs, parquet, the oven, garden furniture, roller blinds and shutters, heaters, defrosting the freezer, polishing gold, perking up plants, clearing blocked-up sinks, cleaning the inside of the car, removing grease from wheel rims… And if that’s not enough, you can even iron with ultra-powerful steam, if you add an iron accessory.


    4.03 But does steam really clean?

    Steam cleans thanks to three “physical” properties: water, temperature and pressure, which work together to dislodge grease and dirt from every corner of the home.
    WATER: steam is made up of water molecules which bind to dirt molecules on contact, “softening” them.
    TEMPERATURE: steam comes out at a temperature hot enough to separate and dissolve even the most stubborn dirt and grease while destroying any bacteria.
    PRESSURE: under pressure dirt is definitively “detached” from surfaces, so all you have to do is collect it up with a cloth or by vacuum cleaning.


    5. 4.04 Where does the dirt end up?
    The dirt is collected from the cloth fastened to the accessory or held in the other hand. As steam passes through the fibres of the cloth, it produces a sort of electrostatic effect (similar to the process used in humidifiers) so that dirt is immediately attached to the cloth and will not be released.


    4.05 What about delicate surfaces?

    • if the Vaporetto has steam control, set pressure to the minimum
    • if it does not have steam control:
    - stay far away from the surfaces (so that pressure decreases)
    - or use the cloth, folding it over if necessary.
    On particularly delicate surfaces, avoid direct contact with steam: spray the cloth and then wipe.


    4.06 That must mean everything gets wet… Not at all! It’s dry steam!

    The steam produced by the Vaporetto’s boiler is dry steam under high pressure. In contact with surfaces it does not condense, but dries immediately, leaving surfaces clean and dry.


    4.07 So what does “dry steam” mean?

    It means that Vaporetto steam is generated at a high temperature under high pressure. This means it cleans without leaving surfaces damp.


    4.08 Does the Vaporetto replace the vacuum cleaner?

    The Vaporetto is not a replacement for a vacuum cleaner, but its ideal complement. Once you have used a vacuum cleaner (such as the Lecologico…) to remove “visible” dust and dirt from floors and carpets, use the Vaporetto to clean, sanitise, degrease and deodorise any surface in the home.


    4.09 But is it really recommended for people with dust mite allergies?

    The effectiveness of Vaporetto against dust mites has been severely tested in multiple scientific studies. Cambridge University and Lyon Dermatological Hospital have demonstrated the effectiveness of Vaporetto steam against dust mites (98% eliminated) and allergens (86% eliminated). Furthermore, British Allergy Foundation awarded Vaporetto its “Seal of Approval” for its effectiveness in eliminating mites.


    4.10 That’s great… but who has the time?

    With Vaporetto cleaning takes less time and needn’t be done so often. Yes, because Vaporetto dissolves and collects dirt more easily than other methods. And clean, degreased, sanitised surfaces won’t attract dust and more dirt, so they stay clean longer.
    You use just one product to clean everywhere, without changing attachments all the time. With Vaporetto you eliminate all the tools you would normally need to keep the house clean, that you need to pick up, wash, rinse, and put back in order: sponges, brooms, dustpans, buckets, brushes, cloths, feather dusters, carpet beaters, window cleaners, ladders for high surfaces, cleaning products for various different surfaces… All gone!
    And the power of steam makes it easy to dissolve dirt without scrubbing, so you work less!


    4.11 Why does Vaporetto have a safety cap?

    The safety cap, a world-wide POLTI patent will not unscrew if there is any pressure at all in the boiler, even when the appliance is turned off. Along with a mechanical valve, it guarantees maximum safety and dependability against any form of unintentional opening.


    4.12 Is it possible to reduce waiting time before opening the cap?

    When the appliance is turned off, switch off the boiler and leave the accessory switched on, use the steam for a minute (or longer if necessary) until all steam remaining in the hose and accessories has got out and the pressure has decreased. You can now open the safety cap (if you notice it is difficult, press down gently while turning). Important: this “trick” also works with the Vaporella safety cap.


    4.13 What is the boiler made of?

    Vaporetto uses two types of boiler:
    • Extra ALP aluminium alloy which is corrosion-proof and lime scale-proof. This material guarantees good thermal conductivity, perfectly even heat distribution over the surfaces and excellent resistance to corrosion. The properties of aluminium have always been well-known, and this material is used in different applications (such as professional cookware!)
    • Stainless steel 18/10. Designed and manufactured on the basis of the strictest industrial standards, the boiler has the same qualities as the aluminium alloy boiler with thinner walls, so that even bigger boilers have less bulk, to guarantee optimal performance: it is immune to lime scale build-up and destined to last a lifetime.


    4.14 But who makes it? And where?

    Only Polti makes the Vaporetto, in Como, Italy. Safety, quality and service all over the country are guaranteed by thirty years of experience by Europe’s leading maker of steam cleaning and ironing appliances.


  5. Lecologico

    5.01 What are the benefits of water filter vacuum cleaners?

    First of all, it’s important to know that most conventional vacuum cleaners, with bags or bag less, release a lot of the dust they suction up back into the air, so that dirt, germs and bacteria stay in circulation. But the water filter “captures” and “traps” dust. It works by generating a special water whirlpool that pushes dust toward the bottom of the tank and holds it inside without dispersing it.
    And in conventional vacuum cleaners with bags, it is necessary to change the bag periodically, inevitably releasing dust. Even bag less vacuum cleaners with dry dust containers release a lot of dust when emptied, as the dirt is not even held in by a bag. With the water filter, however, when you’ve finished cleaning you simply pour out the water and dust and dirt are all washed away, without being released back into the air.


    5.02 What does the Lecologico suction up?

    Lecologico thoroughly suctions up everything the other quality vacuum cleaners suction up: dust, rice, coffee grounds, soil, pet and human hair, crumbs, etc. It suctions up coarse and fine dirt, including fine dust, pollen and dust mites. Without getting blocked up or losing power like other vacuum cleaners, because the water whirlpool keeps the air passageways free at all times.
    And when the other vacuum cleaners stop, Lecologico continues suctioning and collects up dirt that other vacuum cleaners won’t suction up, including wet substances like spilled tomato sauce, broken egg (shell and all) or liquids such as milk, juice, soft drinks…. including the bits of glass, if you’ve broken a bottle!
    All in a single go.


    5.03 Where does the suctioned dirt end up?

    The dirt is all trapped; in fact, it is locked away in the Eco-Active Water Filter. Once it goes in, this patented filtering system ensures that the dirt will not get out again and not even the tiniest dust mites will get back into circulation in the air. This is why we say Lecologico purifies the air while you clean.

    5.04 What is the EcoActive-filter?

    The EcoActive-filter is an exclusive Polti patent. It's not an ordinary water filter. The EcoActive-filter is a true dust barrier thanks to the whirlpool effect created by letting air into the water through the suction hose. The whirlpool of water captures dust when you vacuum and you just throw it away when it is dirty, without getting dust everywhere (such as in your nose).


    5.05 What benefits does the EcoActive Filter offer?

    The EcoActive filter eliminates bothersome bag changes, so that no dust is released and germs and bacteria cannot reproduce in the bag. All you have to do is rinse it, and the Lecologico is clean, ready to be put away or used again!


    5.06 Yes, but emptying and cleaning the tank must be an awful job… No way! It’s child’s play

    When you’ve finished working, you can take the tank out quickly with just one hand. No other tank is so easy to remove. And Lecologico tank is emptied by just pouring out the water as if it were a jug! If you don’t believe it, try it. Unlike other vacuum cleaners with their dusty bags or the tanks on bag less vacuum cleaners in which dry dust gets everywhere BUT into the garbage – onto the furniture, the floor, into your nose.
    The best way to put your appliance away for storage is perfectly clean: after emptying the tank, suction up a litre of clean water by working the suction for a few seconds. And then empty it again. This ensures that the inside of the hoses is clean and the gurgling water rinses out and cleans the tank.


    5.07 Is it true that the Lecologico helps you save energy?

    After 10 minutes of use a regular vacuum cleaner's dust bag or dust compartment is full: the motor’s suction power is reduced and it consumes more energy.
    Yes, it’s true: Lecologico has less power than other vacuum cleaners on the market, expressed in watts. But the Watt measures only the vacuum cleaner’s electricity consumption; attempting to state how well a vacuum cleaner performs on the basis of the amount of electricity it absorbs is a bit like measuring how well a car runs on the basis of its petrol consumption. The important thing is that the Lecologico’s suctioning power stays constant over time, thanks to the water filter, so less power is enough (saving electricity with the same vacuuming power!).


    5.08 What is Bioecologico for?

    Bioecologico is a natural anti-foaming solution and, at the same time, it is a very nice room deodorizer. Specifically studied to be used in Lecologico’s water filter, Bioecologico prevents foam and eliminates bad smells, releasing a nice perfume of clean in the environment.


    5.09 Does the Lecologico purify the air?

    All vacuum cleaners vacuum, but Lecologico purifies as it cleans. Its filtering system includes the EcoActive-Filter and the HEPA filter, effective enough to retain even the tiniest impurities and return healthier air into the room. The HEPA filter is normally used in professional applications requiring the utmost hygiene, such as hospitals. Its filtering power is certified.


    5.10 Is Lecologico effective for preventing allergies?

    Of course, because thanks to the water barrier and the EcoActive Filter, not even microscopic dust mites get back into the air. Dust is not released even when emptying the tank, unlike other bag less vacuum cleaners. This is why the British Allergy Foundation, which certifies products of use to people with allergies by reducing or eliminating allergens in the environment, has given the Lecologico its “Seal of Approval” as a product for effectively eliminating dust mites. If you’re allergic to animal hair, the accessories that come with the new Lecologico offer the perfect solution, including a mini turbo brush which is perfect for removing animal hair and dust from carpets and upholstery like sofas and car interiors.


    5.11 Is Lecologico suitable for vacuuming on delicate floors?

    Lecologico is perfect for all floors, ideal for cleaning even the most delicate parquet thanks to the parquet accessory, which may be mounted on the joker brush provided. And the useful felt-covered front wheel covers prevent the wheels from leaving marks on the floor.


  6. AromaPolti

    6.01 Where can I buy AromaPolti capsules??

    AromaPolti capsules and Polti capsule coffeemakers can be purchased online from www.aromapolti.com


    6.02 What determines the taste of coffee?

    The taste of coffee is determined by the blend. A good blend such as the Coffee Arabica in the Sublime blend ensures that coffee is flavourful and aromatic. But the water is important too. To make a good cup of coffee, use light, clean water; it must not be hard or brackish, as this could spoil the coffee’s flavour. Always use cold water; if you think you can speed things up by using water that is already warm, you will ruin the process of extracting the coffee’s aroma.


    6.03 How long should it take to make the perfect cup of coffee?

    The parameter normally accepted for a cup of espresso made in a coffee bar is 20 seconds to make 30/35 cc of coffee. Polti machines are designed to make the most of the 7 g of blend contained in AromaPolti capsules; they therefore take 18 to 20 seconds to make 33 cc of coffee.Coffee made in this amount of time has rounded aromatic, deeply intense flavour. The goal is to enjoy coffee at home that is as good as an espresso at a bar.

    6.04 Is water temperature important when making coffee?

    Water temperature when making coffee is very important for making the most of your chosen blend. Polti machines are designed specifically to make the most of AromaPolti’s Sublime, Elisir, Crema and Deca blends and Gourmet line. The coffee powder contained in the capsules is infused with water at a temperature of 82°C to 85°C: the perfect temperature for making the most of the flavour in AromaPolti capsules.


    6.05 Why use capsules?

    The capsule contains just the right amount of coffee, at just the right grind, and ensures that the quality of your coffee stays constant at all times. Moreover, capsules are very easy and clean, preventing you from spilling hard-to-remove coffee grounds on the counter and making it unnecessary to empty the filter. Capsules preserve all the coffee’s fragrance, as if it were freshly ground.


    6.06 How should I store AromaPolti coffee capsules?

    Unlike coffee beans or ground coffee, which is normally kept in a jar in the refrigerator and loses its aroma and fragrance after it is opened; AromaPolti capsules preserve the aroma of freshly roasted and ground coffee with their special packaging. AromaPolti capsules may be kept anywhere at room temperature.


    6.07 Do you have any advice for maintenance of Polti capsule coffeemakers?

    First of all, be sure to empty and wash the capsule collection tray frequently. As capsules accumulate they not only slow down the machine but allow bacteria to reproduce in the capsule tray, as coffee is an organic substance that deteriorates rapidly after use. For the same reason, perform washing cycles at least every two or three days using the empty capsules supplied with the machine and with CleanEspresso supplies. Periodically empty and clean the trip tray.


    6.08 Are MyTime, MySelf and MyRelax capsules compatible with my machine?

    Capsules of soluble products are compatible with all AromaPolti machines except the Espressì 550.


    6.09 Can I use other coffee capsules with the AromaPolti?

    Polti machines are guaranteed and tested exclusively with AromaPolti capsules; use of other capsules may result in malfunctioning and will result in immediate forfeit of the guarantee.


  7. Steam Disinfector

    STEAM AND SANITISATION
    7.01 What is the Polti Steam Disinfector?

    The Polti Steam Disinfector is an accessory for connection with the Vaporetto or Vaporetto Lecoaspira to sanitise surfaces and furniture in the home. It produces a dry saturated steam superheated to 180 °C in combination with HPMed sanitising liquid. The Steam Disinfector is the result of further research and development expanded from the Polti Sani System: a class 2A medical device developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of Pavia University. Sani System technology has been miniaturised, adapted and incorporated into a new product for home use; the Steam Disinfector.


    7.02 What does sanitising mean?

    The aim of sanitisation is to reduce surface contamination by bacteria, fungi and viruses to within safe levels. Before they can be sanitised, surfaces must be cleaned, because the presence of dirt or residues could form a barrier protecting microorganisms. Sanitisation is important as the microorganisms presented in the home (for instance, on door handles, kitchen work surfaces, bathroom fixtures, sofas and mattresses) can be carried by the hands to the face, where they come into contact with the eyes, nose and mouth and can cause infections.
    7.03 What is the difference between the steam produced by the Steam Disinfector, and that of the Vaporetto or Lecoaspira?

    The steam produced by the Vaporetto or Lecoaspira is dry saturated steam generated in the boiler at a temperature of up to 120° C. It is steam containing a certain number of liquid particles, which allow it to clean thoroughly by acting as a solvent on dirt. The steam generated by the Polti Steam Disinfector is superheated dry saturated steam, as the flow of steam is heated even further before it is released by the accessory, up to a temperature of 180°C. It is superheated inside the dispenser, which has a controlled expansion chamber with a heat exchanger (patented worldwide by Polti) to produce steam containing practically no liquid particles which is suitable for sanitisation.

    7.04 Isn’t Vaporetto or Lecoaspira steam enough to sanitise surfaces?

    One would think so, but in actual fact, steam is not all the same.
    Vaporetto and Lecoaspira produce perfect steam for cleaning: dry steam at a temperature of up to 120°C containing small numbers of liquid particles. The temperature and liquid content of this steam help “dissolve” dirt, an essential aspect of cleaning. Steam is released under high pressure to “dislodge” dirt from surfaces, resulting in rapid expansion of the steam and an inevitable drop in temperature. This is ideal when cleaning, but it is not perfect for the purposes of sanitisation.
    The Steam Disinfector superheats steam for sanitisation up to 180°C so that it contains practically no liquid particles. The steam is released more evenly and gently in the form of a cloud, which surrounds the surface to be sanitised and keeps the steam temperature high even when released.
    Lastly, “safe” sanitisation must not involve any contact with the surface, to prevent microbes from being transported from one place to another. This is only possible with the Steam Disinfector, as the steam is released from about 10 cm away without ever coming into direct contact with surfaces.


    7.05 Can I use the Steam Disinfector to sanitise the air?

    Use the Steam Disinfector to sanitise surfaces only. It is not intended to reduce microbes in the air, as it should be held at a distance of approximately 10 cm away from the surface to ensure that the steam reaches the temperature recommended to guarantee adequate sanitisation. As distance from the dispenser increases, steam temperature inevitably drops and it is no longer possible to sanitise adequately.
    Steam (including steam from Vaporetto or Lecoaspira) always helps improve air quality. The simple physical process of spraying steam into the air causes dust and germs floating in the air to settle rapidly.



    HOW IT WORKS AND HOW TO USE IT
    7.06 Can I use the Steam Disinfector if I don’t have a Vaporetto or Lecoaspira?

    The Steam Disinfector must be connected to a Vaporetto or Lecoaspira to sanitise. The Steam Disinfector is an accessory which superheats steam to 180 °C but it cannot produce steam itself, as it has no boiler. The Steam Disinfector must therefore always be used in connection with a steam generator such as the Vaporetto or Lecoaspira.

    7.07 How is the Vaporetto or Lecoaspira connected to the Steam Disinfector?

    Two different versions of the Steam Disinfector are produced for connection with the Vaporetto or the Lecoaspira. The two versions both offer the same functions and performance, and differ only in the type of connection fixture.
    The only Vaporetto or Lecoaspira models which the Steam Disinfector can be connected to are those with a removable block.
    The Vaporetto models that can be connected to the Steam Disinfector are: EURO 4500 No Volt, Eco Pro 3000, Eco Pro 3000 Lux, Vaporetto 2200 R No Volt, 2600, 2400, 2300, 2085, 2001 R, 1600, 1500, 1300, 1030, 1020, Leader, Clean, Silver, Ecological, Sprint, Multi System.
    The Lecoaspira models that can be connected to the Steam Disinfector are: Intelligent, Intelligent Lux, 725, 720 LUX, 715, 715 Grey, 712, 710, 705, 701, 690, Animal, Genius, Ecocleaning, Vaporetto System Pro.
    This list has been updated as of November 2010. If you have a different model, please contact your nearest Polti reseller or customer service representative to find out if it is compatible.


    7.08 Where can I use the Steam Disinfector system? In what locations?

    You may use the Steam Disinfector system to sanitise all surfaces exposed to a risk of microbial contamination, such as those in contact with the outdoors (door handles, surfaces, suitcases), with the hands (telephones, furniture) or with water. The parts of the home requiring careful sanitisation are the bathroom and kitchen due to the presence of water and food, which could introduce bacteria or fungi to counters, tables and other surfaces. Sofas, cushions and mattresses are also high risk due to prolonged contact with people and the presence of dust mites, which can cause allergies and respiratory pathologies.
    It is important not to neglect objects and rooms that come into contact with pets, which can carry large numbers of microorganisms from outside into the home.
    Lastly, it is important to use the Steam Disinfector to sanitise rooms used by people with weaker defences such as children, the elderly, the asthmatic and people with compromised immune systems to reduce the presence of bacteria, fungi and viruses which could cause serious pathologies affecting the respiratory system, the digestive system and the skin.


    7.09 Can I use the Steam Disinfector system on any kind of surface?

    You can safely use the Steam Disinfector system on the majority of surfaces, including wood, steel, plastic, ceramics and fabrics. On delicate surfaces such as leather sofas or antique carpets, try it out first on a hidden corner to make sure that the material is not incompatible with the Steam Disinfector steam. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that regular exposure to treatment with superheated dry saturated steam for one year has no secondary negative effects on Formica, cotton or steel.
    7.10 How long does it take to sanitise the home with the Steam Disinfector system?

    To guarantee good sanitisation, use the Steam Disinfector at a speed of 30 seconds per square metre and release steam as if painting the surface to be treated with a brush. All surfaces can be sanitised at this speed.


    7.11 How long does the Steam Disinfector’s sanitising effect last?

    In an indoor environment which is not subject to subsequent recontamination from the outdoors or from movement of objects or people, surfaces treated with the Steam Disinfector system remain sanitised for up to 24 hours.
    7.12 How often should I sanitise the home with the Steam Disinfector system?

    TThere is no single “right” frequency for using the Steam Disinfector system in the home. A lot depends on how long the people living there (children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems) need to live in a sanitised environment which is microbiologically safe. Of course, it is true that the more often the home is sanitised, the lower the microbe levels will be. This sets up a virtuous circle ensuring lower and lower levels of surface contamination to make the home safe for use.


    7.13 Is it possible to treat the refrigerator with the Steam Disinfector system?

    The outside and inside of the refrigerator may be treated with the Steam Disinfector system provided you unplug the refrigerator, remove food and clean surfaces first.


    7.14 Must surfaces be dry to use the Steam Disinfector?

    Before you can sanitise surfaces, you must clean them to remove dirt, which could act as a barrier protecting microorganisms from the sanitisation treatment. After cleaning them, it is important to let the surfaces dry before treating them with the Steam Disinfector, as the heat of the steam is screened by drops of water and might not reach the surfaces to be sanitised at a hot enough temperature to eliminate microbes. Even if surfaces are treated with the Steam Disinfector, the wet residues already present take longer to evaporate, so the surfaces will stay wet and be easy for microbes to colonise again, making the sanitisation treatment ineffective.
    7.15 What is the Steam Disinfector’s concentration steam application tool accessory for?

    The Steam Disinfector has a steam application accessory tool for directing the jet of steam into narrow spaces, deep gaps and drains in sinks, showers and toilets to provide a more concentrated application. The concentration accessory may be used to sanitise drains, air conditioning grids, ventilation grids and all areas requiring a stronger, more concentrated jet of steam.
    7.16 What is HPMed, and what is it for?

    HPMed is a sanitising liquid that must be screwed onto the Steam Disinfector dispenser. It comes in 50 ml bottles and the passage of steam into the dispenser aspirates part of the liquid from the bottle and mixes it with outgoing steam. HPMed is composed of water, ethyl alcohol, inorganic minerals and non-ionic surfactants. HPMed acts as an adjuvant to the sanitising action of steam, traps odours and degrades residual organic materials which persist after the cleaning and sanitisation treatment.
    7.17 Can I use the Steam Disinfector without HPMed or replace it with another product?

    You cannot use the Steam Disinfector without attaching the bottle of HPMed because the Steam Disinfector system consists of two components: superheated saturated dry steam and HPMed.
    Polti does not certify the effectiveness of the Steam Disinfector system under conditions other than those recommended. The Steam Disinfector system does not permit use of cleaning or sanitising products other than HPMed. Clinical tests were conducted using the combination of superheated steam and HPMed. Polti does not certify the Steam Disinfector’s efficacy in conditions other than those recommended.


    7.18 How long does a bottle of HPMed last? Can I leave it on the dispenser after use?

    A bottle of HPMed lasts approximately an hour if you use steam continually. Considering that the Steam Disinfector works at a speed of about 30 seconds per square metre, a single bottle of HPMed is enough to sanitise approximately 120 square metres of surfaces.
    Once you have finished the sanitisation procedure, you may leave the bottle of HPMed on the dispenser until the next time you use it.


    7.19 Where can I find spare bottles of HPMed?

    You can buy bottles of HPMed where you bought your Steam Disinfector from. They are sold in packages of two.
    7.20 Is HPMed flammable?

    Though it contains ethyl alcohol, HPMed is not flammable. The amount of alcohol in the formula is not sufficient to make the product classifiable as "flammable".
    7.21 Do I need to wear gloves or a mask to use the Steam Disinfector?

    HPMed has been subjected to numerous laboratory tests to assess its potential effects on the health. Tests of its toxicity when inhaled have demonstrated that the combination of steam and HPMed may be used in the presence of adults, children, seniors and pets without any risk of side effects, so it is not necessary to wear a mask or ventilate the room after use, or even to keep people out of the room whilst sanitising.
    HPMed has also been dermatologically tested. There are no side effects of any kind following prolonged contact with the skin, so there is no need to wear gloves whilst using it.


    7.22 Can I use the Steam Disinfector if there are children, seniors or animals in the room?

    You can use the Steam Disinfector even if there are children, seniors or people with health problems in the room. There is no need to empty the room of people or animals as the combination of steam and HPMed may be used in the presence of people and HPMed has been dermatologically tested.
    7.23 Is it possible to control steam pressure? If I apply the Steam Disinfector to a Lecoaspira Intelligent, which has a pressure of 5 bar, will steam come out differently than if I use it with a 3 bar Vaporetto?

    Pressure changes determine the amount of steam and therefore the speed at which it is released. We recommend you maintain medium pressure to ensure that steam passes through the dispenser slowly and is superheated sufficiently. This ensures that large quantities of steam are not deposited on surfaces, generating too much condensation and causing delays in natural drying of the surfaces.


    7.24 Which programme should I choose on the Vaporetto Lecoaspira Intelligent when using the Steam Disinfector?

    To use the Steam Disinfector with the Vaporetto Lecoaspira Intelligent, choose programme 9 on the boiler.
    7.25 If I have a Vaporetto Lecoaspira model 900, 910, or 910 kit, can I purchase the Steam Disinfector accessory for connection with the Lecoaspira?

    Lecoaspira series 900 (models 900, 910, or 910 kit) can be connected only with the Steam Disinfector accessory for the Vaporetto, as they are not compatible with the Steam Disinfector accessory for the Lecoaspira series 700.


    7.26 Can my service centre change the connection of the Vaporetto 2010?

    The Vaporetto 2010 cannot be connected with the Steam Disinfector as it has a different connection from the traditional Vaporetto models. It cannot be changed to make the Steam Disinfector compatible with the Vaporetto 2010.

    EFFEFCTIVENESS FOR KILLING MICROBES
    7.27 Why is it important to keep microbial contamination within safe levels?

    Every time you enter the home, you can transfer huge numbers of bacteria and other microorganisms from the outside into the house. These microorganisms are deposited on surfaces in the home and multiply there, often causing infections in people who come into contact with them, especially if their defences are particularly weak, as in the case of small children, seniors and people who have asthma or health problems. Infectious pathologies that develop as a result of contact with microorganisms can affect the respiratory system, the digestive system and the skin, and can sometimes be serious.


    7.28 What kinds of microorganisms does the Steam Disinfector system work on?

    The Steam Disinfector system has been tested on the most common species of microbes in the home, including Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Enterococcus bacteria, Candida and Aspergillus fungi and flu viruses. The results were excellent in all cases: bacteria and fungi were eliminated entirely in just one minute of Steam Disinfector use, while flu viruses were reduced by an amount greater than the amount required by the applicable European regulations in just 15 seconds.
    In addition to microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye, the Steam Disinfector system has been tested on bedbugs, insects which nourish themselves on human blood and nest primarily in the bedroom. The Steam Disinfector steam has proven an excellent solution for the rapid elimination of eggs, larvae and adult insects with no side effects.
    Lastly, steam is an effective way of eliminating dust mites, scabies mites and the allergens they create, which cause allergies. Efficacy against dust mites and their allergens has also been demonstrated for Vaporetto and Lecoaspira steam.


    7.29 Can the Steam Disinfector system help prevent influenza?

    The Steam Disinfector has been tested against flu viruses and proven highly effective, capable of killing more viruses than required by European legislation in only 15 seconds. The Steam Disinfector reduces microbial and viral contamination of surfaces to prevent transmission of the influenza A, B and C viruses and reduction of the risk of influenza, which can have serious side effects in particularly sensitive people.

     7.30 Is the Steam Disinfector effective against dust mites and allergens? Is it recommended for allergy sufferers?

    Steam offers an effective solution to the problem of dust mites, scabies mites and the allergens they produce. This is true of Vaporetto or Lecoaspira steam and even truer of the superheated dry saturated steam produced by the Steam Disinfector. People who are allergic to dust should use steam to eliminate the source of their allergy: dust mites and the allergens they produce.
    7.31 Is the Steam Disinfector system effective enough against bedbugs to make it unnecessary to use a conventional insecticide??

    The Steam Disinfector system is highly effective for fighting bedbugs, eliminating all eggs and a very high percentage of adult insects and larvae in a single passage. To eliminate a bedbug infestation completely, repeat treatment with the Steam Disinfector about 10 days later to allow enough time for any surviving eggs to hatch. Bedbugs cannot survive the temperature of Steam Disinfector steam, which can penetrate all the gaps and crevices in which the insects nest. The absence of damp residues in this type of steam ensures that the Steam Disinfector can be used on surfaces without leaving them wet.
    Conventional pesticides, on the other hand, are molecules which can often be aggressive or problematic for people too, so that people should not go into treated rooms or must take precautions to avoid contact with the active ingredient. In addition, the ethological and biological properties of bedbugs are such that these molecules or solutions are often insufficient for eliminating an infestation.


  8. Sani System

    STEAM AND SANITISATION
    8.01 What does sanitising mean?

    Sanitising is an activity, enabling bacterial loads to be lowered and/or viruses to be deactivated, so as to eliminate, therefore, the risk of contamination due to microbial infections. It differs from deep cleaning, which consists simply of removal of dirt without guaranteeing biocidal effectiveness against pathogenic micro-organisms.


    8.02 Where is it necessary to sanitise surfaces?

    It is necessary to sanitise surfaces in all rooms considered to be at risk due to the presence of potentially contaminating biological fluids (hospitals, dentist’s surgeries, veterinary surgeries) or due to heavy pedestrian traffic (schools, hotels, restaurants, gyms) or used for preparing food products (food-processing industries).


    8.03 Can sanitising replace wiping with water and ammonia that is often carried out in hospital environments after cleaning?

    Sanitising with the Polti Sani System is a process that replaces wiping with water and ammonia after normal cleaning procedures.

    8.04 Doesn’t normal cleaning sanitise?

    Cleaning operations eliminate the visible dirt from surfaces that could act as media for the growth of various micro-organisms, but does not guarantee efficient removal of anything “invisible” such as bacteria, fungi or viruses. What is more, common cleaning methods almost always entail direct physical contact between the instruments used (cloths, brushes, accessories) and the surfaces to be treated. This means that microbial loads may be deposited in or moved from one part to another of the area on which the equipment is used.


    8.05 Why is it not possible to sanitise surfaces using a conventional steam generator?

    With a conventional generator the steam comes out at a maximum temperature of between 120°C and 150°C, the Sani System delivers superheated saturated dry steam at a temperature of 180°C, which is far more effective for sanitising. This is because, in addition to not containing any liquid particles, and therefore being unable to give rise to condensation, it subjects the surfaces and the micro-organisms to a considerable change in temperature that is hardly compatible with microbial life. Furthermore, conventional steam generators use accessories that come into contact with the surfaces. The Sani System, instead, is able to carry out sanitising without any direct contact occurring between the delivery nozzle and the surface to be treated. The way in which the steam comes out of the delivery nozzle is also different. Conventional steam generators are designed for cleaning surfaces and, therefore, deliver concentrated steam, with a force enabling dirt to be detached from the surface. This action is similar to that of a chisel. This type of delivery leads to rapid expansion of the steam, with a consequent rapid drop in temperature. The Sani System, on the other hand, is a tool to be used for sanitising. The steam comes out of the delivery nozzle in a more diffused and gentler way and in the form of a cloud. In this way, the steam of the Sani System is able to encase all the surfaces, maintaining its high temperature.


    8.06 What does “superheated dry saturated steam” mean?

    The steam normally generated in a boiler under pressure (and therefore that supplied by traditional steam-generating devices) can potentially reach high temperatures, such as 180°C / 10 bars. As soon as this steam comes out of the nozzle, however, a drop of the pressure inside the boiler inevitably occurs, with a consequent drop in temperature. As a consequence of this, the temperature of the steam leaving a traditional steam generating device is never the same as the temperature generated inside the boiler. It is therefore generally lower. In the case of the Sani System, the steam is generated inside a pressurised boiler, and it is subsequently superheated and brought to a temperature of 180°C inside the delivery nozzle, thanks to a controlled-expansion heat exchanging device patented by Polti world-wide. This means that the steam leaves the delivery nozzle reaching a temperature of up to 180°C, with no loss due to pressure drops or other causes. For this reason, the Sani System is the only sanitising system able to boast that it delivers “superheated dry saturated steam”.


    OPERATION - USE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE SANI SYSTEM
    8.07 What is the Sani System?

    The Sani System is an electro medical device for high-level sanitising in rooms where there is a high risk of biological contamination (hospitals, dentists’ surgeries, public places through which a large number of people pass). It is a Class 2A medical device for professional use.
    8.08 Who manufactures it?

    Only Polti. The Sani System is covered by a world-wide patent! Its safety, quality and servicing throughout the country are guaranteed by thirty years of experience as the leading European company in the field of manufacturing of steam delivery devices.
    8.09 What is the principle on which its operation is based?

    The principle according to which the Polti Sani System works is based on dry saturated steam, superheated to 180 °C, combined with the HPMed sanitising liquid, thus enabling the elimination of bacteria, fungi and viruses from surfaces. HPMed, sprayed onto the surfaces in the steam, slows down the re-colonising of sanitised surfaces.
    8.10 What advantages does the Sani System offer compared with conventional methods (disinfectants)?

    Traditional sanitising methods involve the use of disinfectant solutions, some of which containing a high proportion of chemical substances, that come into contact with the surfaces treated. The limits of this method consist also of the difficulty of getting inside gaps or penetrating into rough or ridged surfaces, thus preventing total sanitising of the contaminated area. The Sani System is a natural sanitising method, as it uses only water and HPMed, a sanitising liquid that has been subjected to skin tests and is certified as non-irritating and absolutely non-toxic. Use of the Sani System enables a significant reduction in costs by comparison with the purchase of traditional chemical disinfectants and avoids the risk of irritation or hypersensitivity due to their chemical composition. Thanks to the principle according to which the Sani System works, it enables sanitising to be carried out without having to come into contact with the surface to be treated. This eliminates any risk of contamination to or from the operator and enables any surface to be reached, even the least accessible nooks and crannies.


    8.11 At what temperature is the steam delivered by the Polti Sani System?

    Thanks to the patented device inside the delivery nozzle of the Polti Sani System, which superheats the steam to a temperature of 180°C, the temperature of the steam leaving the delivery nozzle does not undergo any heat loss. This means that the outgoing steam reaches a temperature of up to 180 °C.


    8.12 Does the Polti Sani System have to be used with demineralised water or with tap water?

    The tank of the Sani System has to be filled with normal tap water, since demineralised water alone might have an aggressive effect on the boiler. In areas in which the mains water is particularly hard, it is possible to fill the tank with equal parts of demineralised water and tap water. Never use distilled water.
    8.13 What is HPMed?

    HPMed is water and alcohol-based solution containing sodium metasilicate and a non-ionic surfactant that contributes towards the sanitising activity of the Sani System, boosting the microbicidal effectiveness of the steam and slowing down the re-growth of microbes after the surface has been treated.
    8.14 Is it possible to use the Sani System with the HPMed solution in the presence of people?

    Skin tests and toxicity tests based on inhalation have shown that the HPMed solution is absolutely non-toxic and non-irritating for human beings or animals. It is possible to view all the laboratory tests and clinical trials by visiting the following website: www.sanisystempolti.com.
    8.15 What is the added value of HPMed during sanitising?

    HPMed is a supplement for the sanitising action of the superheated dry saturated steam delivered by the Polti Sani System. Its action helps to keep surfaces safe for longer periods of time, slowing down the re-appearance of microbe colonies in the treated area. What is more, it eliminates unpleasant smells and degrades the organic material left after the cleaning and sanitising treatment.
    8.16 Can the Polti Sani System be used without HPMed or replacing HPMed with other products?

    Sani System is not designed for use with detergents/sanitising products other than HPMed. The clinical tests were carried out combining steam with the HPMed sanitising liquid. The biocidal effectiveness proved during such tests is based on the combined use of HpMed with the dry saturated steam of the Sani System. What is more, inhalation tests and skin tests have shown that HpMed is totally non-toxic and non-irritating. The biocidal effectiveness of the Sani System can therefore not be guaranteed if the system is used in conditions other than those specified by the manufacturer.


    8.17 How long does a bottle of HPMed last?

    A bottle of HPMed lasts for approximately one hour in conditions of continuous delivery of steam. By way of example, a dentists’ surgery with a surface area of about 12 square metres, containing a dental unit, a lamp, mechanically operated furniture items and other surfaces within a radius of 3 metres from the operator station can be sanitised in about 3 minutes. Sanitising a dental unit alone takes an average time of about one minute.


    8.18 Is there a difference in performance between the Standard Sani System and the Check version of the Sani System?

    There is no difference in performance between the standard Sani System and the Check version. The only difference consists of the presence in the Sani System Check version, but not in the standard version, of an electronic system for monitoring the functions and certifying the sanitising operations.
    8.19 What is the purpose of the adaptor supplied with the Polti Sani System?

    The adapter has the purpose of concentrating the jet of steam so as to treat pipes, provided they can withstand high temperatures. In these cases, the treatment is carried out using only steam at a high temperature and a high pressure, without adding HPMed. When this type of treatment is required, it is advisable to remove the bottle from the delivery nozzle.


    8.20 Can I use Polti Sani System on equipment connected to the power mains?

    Polti Sani System can be used on electrical equipment that is not powered. It is therefore recommended that all electrical equipment should be disconnected from the power mains before activating the Polti Sani System.
    8.21 At what distance from the surface must the Polti Sani System be used?

    The steam produced by the Polti Sani System should be delivered at a distance of about 10 cm from the surface to be treated, without coming into direct physical contact with it. The system is supplied with a spacer to be positioned on the delivery nozzle that helps to maintain the correct distance from the area treated.
    8.22 How long should one wait before using the instruments and rooms that have been sanitised again?

    In order to be able to re-use surfaces or rooms in which sanitising with Sani System has been carried out, it is sufficient to wait for 30 to 60 seconds, allowing the superheated saturated steam to evaporate completely.
    8.23 Do rooms have to be aired after using the Polti Sani System?

    It is not necessary to air rooms that have been sanitised with the Polti Sani System, since it is absolutely non-toxic. In addition it also neutralises any unpleasant smells present in the room.
    8.24 Is it possible to use the Sani System in the presence of people?

    Yes, definitely, since the mixture of steam and HPMed is non-toxic and non-irritating.
    8.25 Do the surfaces have to be dried after using the Polti Sani System?

    There is no need to dry surfaces that have been sanitised with the Sani System. The dry steam will evaporate within a few seconds, leaving the surfaces dry and ready to be used again.
    8.26 How does the Sani System behave in relation to delicate surfaces (fabrics, silk, leather)?

    The Polti Sani System does not leave patches, does not stain and does not spoil fabrics. In the event of very delicate surfaces, it is advisable to spray with steam plus HPMed very rapidly, and always using the spacer.


    8.27 How long can the Polti Sani System work on a single tank?

    The Sani System can be used for unlimited periods of time, since it is possible to add water to the tank at any time, without even switching off the device, as it has a continuous filling system. With a single tank (capacity 5 litres), the Polti Sani System will continue to run for about one hour, continuing to deliver steam all the time.


    8.28 How is the Polti Sani System powered?

    The Polti Sani System runs off mains power, 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz and 16 A.
    8.29 How much power does the system use?

    The system absorbs a maximum of 2250/2500 W. When the device is on stand-by, consumption drops to only 100W/hr approximately. The stand-by mode allows the device to remain at its working temperature and ready for use without using much power. It is therefore possible to switch on Sani System in the morning and then to proceed with sanitising whenever the need arises, without any more waiting times to return to proper conditions of use.
    MICROBICIDAL EFFECTIVENESS
    8.30 Against what types of micro-organisms is the Polti Sani System effective?

    The biocidal effectiveness of Polti Sani System covers many species of bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative) and of fungi among those to be found most frequently in places through which many people pass. It is also effective against viruses and spores. It is possible to view all the clinical tests by visiting the following website: www.sanisystempolti.com.
    8.31 Why is it advisable to sanitise surfaces with the Sani System to prevent the risk of infections?

    It is a well known fact that hands are the main vehicle for the transmission of viruses and infectious agents. Touching contaminated surfaces with your hands and then touching your nose or eyes can facilitate infection and, therefore, the onset of diseases. Sanitising surfaces with Sani System means lowering the risk of infection resulting from the contamination of surfaces.
    8.32 Is the Polti Sani System effective against Staphylococcus aureus?

    Polti Sani System has proved its effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus in many tests carried out in vitro in accordance with European standards and in vivo using samples isolated from hospital sites. It is possible to view all the clinical tests by visiting the following website: www.sanisystempolti.com.
    8.33 Is the Polti Sani System capable of lowering the spore load?

    Spraying for 30 seconds with steam plus HPMed with the Polti Sani System has demonstrated its effectiveness in eliminating up to 97% of a culture of Bacillus spores. It is possible to view the clinical tests by visiting the following website: www.sanisystempolti.com.
    8.34 What happens to the micro-organisms exterminated by the Sani System Polti? Do they remain on the surfaces?

    The micro-organisms present on the surfaces and killed by treatment with the Polti Sani System remain in the treated areas in the form of organic material, they are de-activated. The cells are often physically destroyed by the sanitising process, and therefore do not entail any risk for human health.
    8.35 For how long does a treated surface maintain an acceptable level of safety?

    In-house tests have shown that a surface sanitised with the Polti Sani System remains at an acceptable level of safety for a long time. In an environment insulated from external contaminations, the bacterial load does not increase for at least 24 hours.