Frequently Asked Questions

Dry steam cleaning is a high-temperature cleaning method that uses low-moisture steam to clean, degrease, sanitize, and disinfect surfaces. Unlike traditional pressure washing, dry steam uses significantly less water while delivering powerful cleaning performance.

REA dry steam systems generate steam at high temperatures with minimal moisture content, allowing operators to remove grease, oils, residue, contaminants, and biofilm without soaking equipment or creating excessive wastewater.

Dry steam cleaning is ideal for food processing facilities, industrial manufacturing plants, packaging operations, pharmaceutical environments, and other applications where effective cleaning and reduced moisture are important.

Dry steam cleaning and pressure washing are very different cleaning methods.

Dry steam cleaning:

• Uses high temperature with very low moisture
• Requires significantly less water
• Produces minimal wastewater
• Effective for grease removal, sanitizing, and detail cleaning
• Safer around sensitive equipment and electrical components
• Reduces chemical dependency

Pressure washing:

• Uses high water volume and force
• Creates large amounts of wastewater
• Can spread contaminants
• May not be suitable for sensitive machinery or electrical systems
• Often requires additional drying time

For many industrial applications, dry steam offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative.

REA industrial dry steam cleaning systems are used across many industries, including:

• Food processing
• Beverage manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical production
• Packaging facilities
• Industrial manufacturing
• Automotive manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Electronics manufacturing
• Institutional cleaning
• Commercial sanitation operations

Any facility needing effective cleaning, degreasing, sanitation, or moisture-sensitive cleaning may benefit from dry steam technology.

Yes. Dry steam cleaning is widely used in food processing environments because it helps clean and sanitize equipment while using minimal water.

Food manufacturers often choose dry steam because it can:

• Remove grease, oils, residue, and buildup
• Reach difficult cleaning areas
• Reduce standing water
• Minimize wastewater
• Help reduce chemical use
• Support allergen control programs
• Assist with sanitation efforts

Dry steam is especially useful where moisture control is critical.

High-temperature dry steam can help reduce microbial contamination while also breaking down biofilm, grease, residue, and organic buildup.

Biofilm can protect bacteria from traditional cleaning methods, making it difficult to remove completely. Dry steam penetrates hard-to-reach areas and helps break down stubborn contamination.

For regulated sanitation environments, cleaning protocols should always align with facility requirements and compliance standards.

Yes. Conveyor belt cleaning is one of the most effective applications for REA dry steam systems.

Dry steam can clean:

• Modular plastic conveyor belts
• Smooth conveyor belts
• Stainless steel conveyor systems
• Food production conveyors
• Packaging conveyors
• Processing line conveyors

Benefits include:

• Reduced water use
• Less downtime
• Improved grease and residue removal
• Better access to difficult cleaning points
• Reduced chemical dependency

REA also offers conveyor cleaning tools designed specifically for these applications.

Dry steam is often preferred for cleaning around electrical equipment because it uses minimal moisture compared to traditional washing methods.

Applications may include:

• Motors
• Sensors
• Control panels
• Wiring areas
• Electrical enclosures
• Production equipment

Because each application is different, cleaning procedures should always follow equipment manufacturer recommendations and facility safety protocols.

Dry steam cleaning uses dramatically less water than traditional pressure washing or foam-and-rinse cleaning methods.

Depending on the application, facilities may reduce water usage significantly, helping lower:

• Water consumption
• Wastewater generation
• Disposal costs
• Drying time
• Production downtime

This makes dry steam a strong solution for sustainability-focused operations.

Yes. Many facilities use dry steam to reduce reliance on harsh cleaning chemicals.

Because dry steam combines heat with effective contaminant removal, some applications require little or no chemical assistance.

Benefits may include:

• Lower chemical costs
• Reduced operator exposure
• Simplified cleaning processes
• Less residue
• More environmentally responsible cleaning

Some applications may still require detergents depending on contamination type.

REA industrial steam systems can be used for many cleaning applications, including:

• Conveyor belts
• Mixers
• Fillers
• Packaging machinery
• Processing equipment
• Tanks
• Ovens
• Stainless steel surfaces
• Production lines
• Industrial machinery
• Motors
• Control panels
• Food processing equipment
• Tools
• Floors
• Hard-to-reach machine components

Custom tools can support specialized cleaning applications

Yes. REA offers customized steam cleaning solutions for specialized industrial applications.

Custom configurations may include:

• Conveyor cleaning systems
• Inline cleaning systems
• Automated cleaning systems
• Specialized cleaning tools
• Production line integration
• Application-specific cleaning accessories

This helps facilities solve unique cleaning challenges efficiently.

Inline steam cleaning allows equipment, materials, or production surfaces to be cleaned during or within production workflows.

Benefits may include:

• Reduced handling
• Less downtime
• Improved production efficiency
• Better contaminant removal
• Lower water usage
• Reduced chemical dependency
• Cleaner surfaces before finishing or processing

Inline cleaning is commonly used for sheet metal, coils, profiles, and manufacturing applications.

Choosing the right steam cleaning system depends on several factors:

• Industry
• Cleaning application
• Contaminant type
• Production volume
• Facility size
• Portability needs
• Required steam output
• Utility availability
• Automation requirements

The REA team can help evaluate your cleaning process and recommend the right solution.

Return on investment depends on the application, but many facilities see savings through:

• Reduced water consumption
• Lower wastewater disposal costs
• Less chemical usage
• Reduced labor time
• Faster cleaning
• Shorter production downtime
• Improved sanitation efficiency
• Less equipment disassembly

For many industrial operations, these savings can make dry steam a highly cost-effective cleaning solution.