Customer Reviews

Euro-Pro Shark SC618C Steam-in-a-Bottle, Hard-Surface Steam Cleaner

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

If you don't expect miracles from this steamer, then you will find joy in using it. I believe most purchasers of this product believe that spraying the steam will just magically get rid of the dirt, grime, stain, soap scum, etc. without doing any work. That is not the case! The steamer is only effective with some work from your part. If you're willing to scrub simultaneously with some sort of scrub-brush while steaming, then this product will lift the dirt off. Just wipe the surface with a towel or paper towel to absorb the water and dirt after you've scrubbed. Also, if you expect this steamer to clean a large job, then you will be disappointed again unless you have good patience. This unit is great for smaller jobs since the steam only lasts for about 15-30 seconds before you have to wait for the unit to "recycle" a new burst of steam, which also lasts for about 15-30 seconds. After about 15 to 30 minutes of continuous use, then you will have to refill the unit with water. The good thing, though, is that you don't have to wait for any cool down period to refill with water.

Having pretty good patience, I washed my whole kitchen floor with this thing and got it cleaner than it ever has using PineSol and a scouring pad. The steam was good at lifting dirt off the dimples of my linoleum floor. The steamer cleaned my mirror effortlessly. If you have young children still in car seats, then this thing is worth the money. When my kids spilled milk, juice, food, or worst yet barf onto the straps or cover, it was a nightmare to take the straps off, wash it, and then put the straps back on. Now I can just steam the dirty stuff off the strap or cover....quite handy. The steamer also works pretty well with getting stains off pots or pans.

I tried a limited test on my bathtub to remove soap scum. Again, the steam along will not remove the scum off. You have to scrub with a brush or scouring pad simultaneously or immediately after the steam to have the scum removed. Worked okay, but for the tub, soap scum remover might be more effective than the steamer. Although, for a small area of severe soap scum, I would use the steamer.

Overall, the steamer is little pricey, but if you don't expect miracles, I believe it's worth the money if you're willing to put in some hard work as well. It's better than breathing in harsh chemicals, which still requires hard work on your part. And presumably, the steam sterilizes things (at least I think it does).

I purchased this item against my better judgement (Shark's terrible performance reputation) because I needed a relatively portable steam cleaner for small jobs and was hoping this Shark might be user friendly (for a change). Disappointed again! The unit is portable, but the steam cleaning ability is minimal. In addition the user parts (steam release switch trigger, nozzle) are both plastic. Also this steam bottle must be filled from the bottom and has a flimsy rubber flat press on sealer cap which is akward to reseal after filling. The biggest negative of this unit is its erratic/inferior steaming performance. The manual claims it is a 1500 watt unit, but the steam emitted simply does not loosen everyday dirt/stains sufficiently for their removal using a cleaning cloth/towel and lots of "elbow grease". I used this Shark steam bottle both in the kitchen and the bathroom with disappointing results. The only good feature is a blue indicator light on the top which purportedly informs the user when steam "operating" temperature has been reached. However the light quickly changes to red (needs to reheat) when the plastic trigger is "pumped" a few times. In addition the steam continues to come out after the trigger is released. The steamer came in a blue bag with some worthless accessories and several "micro bead"(?) cleaning cloths. Buyer beware - another shark to avoid.

I have to agree with the reviewer who said if you don't expect a TV miracle then this is a nice little device. I found it particularly good for those little crevices that are hard to get to. It was great for around the bathroom faucets and stove knobs, but you STILL HAVE TO SCRUB but it seems to loosen the dirt and it makes it easier so in that sense it's worth it. I also like that you don't have to smell the noxious fumes of some cleaners and this is all natural. Also it does heat up really fast. This is the best TV gadget type product I've bought in awhile.

This product was a waste of my time. I have a Steam Buggy which is a bigger unit that you sling over your shoulder. I bought this because it looked smaller and more portable. First of all, the steam is not constant; you have to constantly pump the handle to get steam, therefore it's not for someone who has carpel tunnel. Secondly, you cannot fill it any time like the infomercial shows; you have to wait for the unit to cool. I'm so disappointed I'm taking it back tonight. Don't waste your time.

What a beautiful box it came in. I'm sure the marketing genius won a prize for creating the little video player telling the prospective purchaser all the wonders of the Shark. Unfortunately, it's a lie. Marvel at the box. Save the box. You're going to need the box to return this item.

After reading the instructions, I set to the task of firing up this toy and trying to clean the kitchen stovetop. First you must add water. (Obviously, it's a steamer). But where do you add the water and how? Well, you flip this unbalanced object upside down and pry loose a rubber plug on the bottom. Then you have to use the special plastic filler vessel provided because the hole is so small. Once full, I tried to get the rubber plug back into the hole properly. After four tries, it still dripped and leaked.

What kind of design genius puts a water filler hole on the BOTTOM of a device like this? My moment of revelation at hand, it dawned on me that this experience was only going to get worse.

I plugged in the Shark. OK, it felt good in the hand. The bulbous water bottle, now upright, was more balanced and the skinny neck makes it almost impossible to drop. The little light on the gooseneck turned blue, indicating it was time for full steam ahead.

I pressed the trigger. Nothing. Back to the instructions. Oh, I missed something. You have to pump this device! You have to pump, pump, pump it. I imagine that you may develop some serious forearm muscles if you use this thing daily. The fact that you have to constantly pump this thing to keep the steam coming out was conveniently overlooked in all the advertising.

OK, oh well, on to the job. I took aim at a spot of the greasy buildup around the burner ring on the stove. It wasn't a huge buildup of sludge. I'd cleaned that stovetop with a plastic scour pad and some 409 cleaner many times. It just took a little elbow grease.

Now here I was with my powerful steamer. From the commercials and hype, I was expecting this thing to cut right through the grease. That's what it's advertised to do, right? That's why you spend $50, so it does the work for you. No chance. After you steam, steam, steam, pump, pump, pump, steam, steam, steam, you've still got to go get the 409 and a plastic scour pad to finish the job.

So here's the real deal: This thing is total junk! A bottle of 409 and a scour pad will run you about $7 and you have to use muscle to clean away the grease. The Shark costs about $50 and you still have to get out the 409 and scour pad. Save your money for more important things. The Shark is a minnow.

I just purchased the shark as a replacement to "My Little Steamer" and I love it. I used it to get the wrinkles out of my curtains, to refresh my sofa and to clean around the drain in the sink. It worked beautifully! I can't believe the bad reviews!! It doesn't work miracles, it is only steam. However to use between regular cleanings it works great!! Even on silk shirts and ties. It is light weight and easy to use. I only paid $40.00 for it and it came with all the attachments. The way you fill it up is a little cheesy but it never got hot in my hand or did it not haved enough steam.

I agree that it is doing cleaning without usage of harsh chemicals. but, it is not upto my expectations when dealing with harsh stains on the kitchen & bathroom groves. it is not removing the black stuff as i was expecting to do it. i hope that i am using it properly. i got this one yesterday only and will make more attempts to clean it before returning it.

Bring on the harsh, toxic chemicals!!!! They work!!! This doesn't!! I bought this product at Bed, Bath and Beyond (with an expired 20% off coupon, which they'll gladly accept) for about $34. Wanted to use it to clean grease from the stove, dishwasher detergent residue from the edge of my dishwasher and soap scum from the shower door. The Shark didn't work for any of these tasks. I then started trying to clean the countertops and sinks, to see if it would clean anything at all. Why not just use a rag soaked in warm water? This is just silly nonsense. What a rip! The steam doesn't get hot enough at all. Returned product for a full refund.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT MY REVIEW OR NOT.
I RECIEVED MY STEAM BOTTLE FROM HSN, YESTERDAY.
IT SAYS WAIT 2 SECONDS TO PULL THE TRIGGER.
WHAT A JOKE. WHEN YOU PULL THE TRIGGER, YOU HAVE TO WAIT A MINUTE, TO GET MORE STEAM.
THE BOTTLE GETS TOO HOT TO HOLD, I HAD TO WRAP A SOCK AROUND IT. THE FINAL STRAW WAS I GOT A BLAST OF STEAM, I THINK FROM A ESCAPE HOLE. I HAD IT JUST ABOVE A SINK, I DROPPED IT IN ONE SECOND, BUT I STILL BURNED THE PALM OF MY HAND.
IT'S OK, I AM SURE THE PAIN WILL GO AWAY IN A FEW DAYS.
BEFORE GOD, I SWEAR THIS IS TRUE.
SINCERELY YOURS,
ROBERT CURTO
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL.

I purchased one, got it home, followed the instructions--thing never worked. Brought it back, got another one--followed the instructions--thing never worked. Decided not to waste my time and go for a 3rd try. If you buy one, just save the receipt, in case it doesn't work, you can return it.