Frequently Asked Questions
MightySteam® and SaniZap® systems use modern patented technology that does not require pressure for steam generation. We will be glad to answer any questions you may have while considering a purchase. Please note the Hand Held Steam Units and MightySteam Units output a high steam or air combination. The products like the SaniZap output high-quality steam at a very high temperature. Please contact us (online or phone) with any of your questions or see videos.
Steam above the inversion temperature is used for drying without condensation, especially of water containing objects like bacteria and food
Contact Us Finance OptionsSteam treatment
There are still considerable unknowns for Corona Virus cleaning. The CDC page offers information based on current knowledge. They update the page so please bookmark it.
CDC guidelines summary regarding steam. Steam is good. Dry heat i.e. without the steam is not advised. Please however click and review the entire guidelines.
Steam Products
Please visit this page (click) for a list of steam generators.
Learning Center
More resources:
- Be Careful of disinfectants.
- Everyone expects a hospital to be clean. However, many traditional cleaning products, floor strippers, and disinfectants present a variety of human health and environmental concerns. They often contribute to poor indoor air quality and may contain chemicals that cause cancer, reproductive disorders, respiratory ailments (including occupational asthma), eye and skin irritation, central nervous system impairment, and other human health effects.
- Don’t spray disinfectants to kill coronavirus, WHO advises
Mold: Our limited studies have shown very good and quick elimination of the growth of Black Mold with SaniZap® steam
Q: What types of cleaning are possible with the SaniZap® machines?
A: The SaniZap-1 and SaniZap-mini are primarily for use for quick antimicrobial cleaning. Please use the proper residence time and distance from the object.
The SaniZap-600-4 is a multi-purpose cleaner that is useful for antimicrobial, general rapid cleaning, degreasing type of rapid cleaning of the most demanding requirements, and much more… The speed of cleaning with the SaniZap-600-4 is fairly unparalleled in all types of uses.
Q: The vaccines are here but do we have ways to defeat pathogens with Steam?
A: As we are not experts in viruses (or most microbes) we can only provide limited guidance about the efficacy of steam. We always recommend speaking about any method that you may wish to use, with your microbiologist, medical professional, or virologist before adopting it. We cannot guarantee any outcomes. However ….Soap, liquid soap, fat-dissolving soap, laundry detergent, and such — can dissolve several virus coatings. For hand cleaning please use for 20 seconds or more…. Reference: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/health/coronavirus-sars-cov-2-structure/
Steam is known to be an antimicrobial agent. But not all steam is the same. USe steam above the inversion temperature for the correct residence time. This residence time is preferably faster than what it takes to spoil the substrate so rastering is often employed. There is good efficacy of steam. It certainly appears from a study of the emerging literature that any form of intense energy that is supplied e.g with steam, or other radiation methods perhaps could damage the virus by (i) affecting the covering (virus membranes) as well as (ii) by disturbing the molecular configuration of the proteins thus possibly “killing” the virus. Plus steam can dry out microbes. The new Coronavirus is a germ that tries to dig into a cell and turns that cell into a virus-replicating machine. When it succeeds in doing that, it can produce an infection — in the case of Corona-virus, respiratory infection is common. The particular type of cells that any virus targets for infection and how it enters the cell depends on the structure of the virus e.g.. the spiked shapes of the coronavirus play a part. High-steam-heat can demolish these spikes but we caution that not every aspect is known about such treatments so checking with test kits about the efficacy is recommended. The residence time has to be adequate for the kill.
Q: So does steam deactivate the coronavirus?
Steam-heat (high enthalpy steam) and ultraviolet light are ways to neutralize a corona-virus, and each of these methods works in different ways (see cited reference above). It is possible that steam heat when applied with steam greater than 250°C could clean surfaces and provide enough heat to deactivate the virus provided enough residence time is allowed and the temperature is maintained above the virus spike unraveling temperature (i,e the proper residence for heating is used). We caution that heat can cause skin burns so care should be exercised. Not much data exists on the exact residence time required for this virus for hot steam or steam-air mixtures to be effective – we estimate that surfaces should see several seconds of very hot dry steam. Multiple passes may be required. Water puddles should be avoided. UV light damage to human skin is cumulative.
Q: Please provide more guidance – Can the coronavirus be killed, inactivated by steam?
A: Here is a link that suggests big companies are possibly recommending steam. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-7916583/Samsung-launches-coronavirus-killing-smart-wardrobe-UK.ht. We have some results also: HealthySurface®.
More references: Latest Titles for Steam Cleaning, September 2020 | MightySteam (bayzi.com)
Q: How can I use it?
A: It is normally quite easy to use all SaniZap® Products. Specific differences exist between models but the common aspects are: Plug into the proper wall socket. Ensure water availability. Start the fan for the handheld unit. Hit the start button where provided (for turning on). Use the steam wand to direct the steam. Hit the off switch (where provided) when finished. Please read the manual for variations and correct procedures.
Don’t spray steam into vents or areas where contents can’t be seen unless you are sure of what is hidden below. Many modern vehicles have hidden electronics and other instruments inside of vents. If you don’t know exactly what you are steaming – be very careful.
Q: Should I use sCO2 ice to clean or should I use MightySteam®?
A: The Mighty Steam is easy to use https://bayzi.com/steam-cleaning-studies/. The devices use low power, require only water and electricity. High steam velocity except for the bed-bugger model where the steam is hot, but applied gently in order not to blow away the bugs.
Q: What is the chemical used by the units.
A: Only steam or steam/gas mixture – depends on the model. The units are portable electric.
Q: Does the MightySteam® eliminate bad odors and allergens?
A: Very often yes. Please contact Bayzi.
Q: What is the exit velocity from the steam wand.
A: Depends on the temperatures ~ in the order of ~50 Km/hr (~10m/s to ~50 m/s) for the SaniZap® products. Please contact Bayzi.
Q: Does the MightySteam® (steam) turn standard commercial steam-indicators black.
A: Yes for the ones with work only with high-quality pure steam – within a few seconds even when held at a distance from the nozzle for class 4 type common indicators. Not all indicators have been tested. See the steam strip indicator picture below in front of the nozzle. The strip was held with tweezers in front of the wand. Please note that there is no formal correlation between this result with sterility. However steam is a known antimicrobial agent when used at the correct temperature and for the proper residence time.
Q: I have used the SaniZap®. ~1 kg/hr handheld. Works great. Do you offer larger units for commercial or onboard-ship use?
A: Yes the SaniZap-600-4-240. For larger units please link to https://ww.mhi-inc.com/superheated_steam where you will see this unit and larger size units listed.
Q: What is the difference between a steam generator and a steam-vapor generator
A: A steam or superheated-steam generator outputs steam (like the MS-400-240 unit). A steam vapor generator (like the MightySteam handheld) outputs a mixture with a percentage of steam and a percentage of other gas normally air.
Q: Can I add fire suppressors chemicals or soap water or very dilute bicarbonate or vinegar to the steam to make it more useful or potent? Can I use it for novel or prevention type of fire-fighting methods?
A: In principle, this can be done, but it is not recommended by Bayzi as unknown materials can clog or disrupt the steam passages or cause other unanticipated issues. Warranties are void with any use that is not at least RO water. We do not have information about fire suppressors or chemicals. NEws. The SaniZap600-4-400 now has an added attachment for wet high temperature steam. See the video above for how this is used for grime cleaning.
Sometimes chemical additions can clog or break down into other chemicals – sometimes harmful – or sometimes the concentrations can become high and unpredictable for use. Bayzi only recommends pure steam generation/treatment with water in the MightSteam generators – and only then the use of other types of safe washes (with soap or allowed chemicals) as required depending on the objective – after the steam influences dislodging or denaturing. Remember to steam away any accumulations if required. Please follow all safety rules including the use of protective masks, gloves, and eyeglasses. 2021 we have relaxed this a bit with the new attachments. Please contact Bayzi.
Is the safest disinfectant steam? Opinions on disinfectants. Steam is the king.
SaniZap makes self-drying steam. However, if further drying of objects is required (unlikely) i.e. If a hot air dry-blow is required after the steaming process, Bayzi recommends the VTA-02. Please contact Bayzi or affiliates. Many Bayzi units are self-drying.
Q: What is the Warranty?
A: If you belong to the Never-Down Plan, the warranty is unlimited, but you may have to purchase specific modules at the Never-Down discounted prices- it depends on the product. Please call or contact Bayzi to inquire about the Never Down plan details.
Q: Is the temperature high?
A: Yes that is why you can get results in seconds. Generally, even soft materials can be steam-treated as long as the residence time used is lower than what it takes to cause substrate damage, But it is not too high in a sense you may be already using hair dryers that are hotter so remember all the rules of safety and use proper safety gear! Steam of this temperature is unusual and because it carries high potency should be used very carefully. Safety is important. When you purchase a Bayzi unit you also certify that you are a professional who understands the dangers of such use of hot gasses like steam and air that can cause burns. You assume all responsibility for use.
Q: Can I control the temperature.
A: In several units but always just like a hairdryer, holding the nozzle further away gives you a lower temperature of treatment. Different units have different controls.
Q: What are the chemicals common to soap and disinfectants
A: Many types. For a comprehensive answer please ask the question in a search engine “search-box” like Google or Yahoo or Others. For sterilization purposes, the antimicrobial market in the past has largely comprised of steam H2O or chemicals that contain chlorine compounds (bleach and others), ozone, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), peracetic acid (PAA), formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde (aldehydes), and hydrogen peroxide. All of these technologies have their limitations in addressing sanitization and disinfection needs. One should generally prevent organic or chemical accumulation in nooks or corners because the chemical concentrations are increased over time which could cause harm. Do review our journal. This has information to compare costs, costs of chemicals vs. ZaniZap machine, and more.
Q: How do I know that the steam has been cleaned? What does clean mean?
A: This is a great question. Read also the section on ATP cleaning. Clean can mean anything from tidying-up to the removal of microbes such as bacteria. For cleaning grease and loosening dirt or cleaning bird droppings, you may be able to visually observe the cleaning and thus satisfy yourself with the quick cleaning efficiency. Cleaning also implies disinfection or sterilization which may not be visible to the naked eye, but several techniques are known by which you will be able to tell. The assistance of a qualified, trained microbiologist is recommended who can discuss chemical indicators, steam indicators, and other techniques like a good AOAC test. Many descriptions are also available in web tutorials. At the magnification required to see bacteria and viruses, an electron microscope or color-changing events are used. At these magnification analysis levels, the question becomes more technical, but a great answer can be found in the published literature, e.g., https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FS/FS07700.pdf. Which describes different types of cleaning and cleaners. This article was written before the MightySteam® was introduced. The MightySteam®. offers low to high-temperature steam for different types of cleaning with the flow control temperature adjustment. The dry steam without moisture in it is a known antimicrobial agent. Generally, the steam has to be significantly non-condensing which means that you have to set the MightySteam®. To the higher temperature condition and also ensure that the residence time of the steam on a surface is adequate for the use. The studies listed below (please click on them to link) should be able to convince you that properly superheated high-temperature steam is a non-toxic antimicrobial agent that works without the fear of chemical accumulation, unlike a toxic chemical. Generally cleaning food items requires at least a five log reduction in bacteria after cleaning with a chemical or fluid – within about 30 seconds. Sterilization implies a lot higher reduction, almost six to twelve log reduction- sterilizers are allowed to take a few hours of operation. The verification of this level of cleaning is best left to a professional. However several kits listed on the Bayzi Blogs section may be used for approximate determinations and if allowed for use by your microbiologist you could also consider the use of chemical indicators. Do not be satisfied by claims such as 99.99% removal if your cleaning need is for higher efficacy of cleaning. Such numbers do not represent a four to six log reduction. All Bayzi affiliates should be able to help point you towards a professional testing center with trained professionals who could verify specific reductions that you may be specifically interested in.
Bayzi will offer you some easy tests. Please contact us. The SaniZap® units can indicate high efficacy steam with standard steam indicators Class 4 and sometimes Class 6. Whether or not this correlates with any bio-indicator efficacy or bio-load efficacy is s question that can only be answered by the supplier of such indicators. We have no recommendation in this regard.
Biofilms have been inactivated with the MightySteam® products. View some of the videos posted on this site.
Q: Can you point me to published steam cleaning studies?
A: Yes here is a list of some studies – none sponsored by Bayzi:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Outbreaks Involving E. coli (Escherichia coli)
- Interior Maintenance Company – (Super Heated Steam in the fight against Hospital Acquired Infections).
- American School & University (Steaming Clean). More schools are joining the movement toward cleaning for health rather than appearance…..
- Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online – Steam Vapor Cleaning in Hospitals
- Food Processing – Cleaning Without Chemicals
Please visit the other learning center pages on this site as numerous links that discuss germy-places, germ elimination, etc. are provided.
Q: Should I reduce the use of other cleaners?
A: Only your microbiologist or toxicologist should answer this question for you. Treating by high-temperature steam does not always eliminate the benefits of washing, cleaning, or any other sanitation procedures normally used. Often the uses are complementary. Cleaning can be discerned with ATP and then deep cleaning may need microbial and virus tests.
Treating by steam does not ensure or guarantee in any manner that your surface will be free of microbes because such a claim should be verified in specific situations by trained microbiologists working closely with government agencies. Bayzi does not, and cannot make such a specific claim for you without the scrutiny and approval by a government agency or state agency as applicable for your application. There is NO guarantee or health claim intended with MightySteam™ or the HealthySurface™ brand and related steam treatments. Please check resources for openly published articles that may indicate and compare the efficacy of superheated steam with other methods.
Bayzi does not make any claims regarding reducing or eliminating microbes in every environment. Such a reduction depends on many factors such as correct use, proper residence time, high impact steam temperature, durability, and hardiness of microbes amongst other factors. Use steam to reach and penetrate those difficult to reach places and consequently minimize or avoid the use of high concentrations of toxic chemicals. Regardless please check with independent professionals to verify your specific reduction target. Steam Cleaning is believed to reduce total microbe counts (including Coliform count), reduction of fungi and biofilm formation tendencies, reduce total mesophilic aerobic counts, and reduce spoilage-related organisms’ psychrotrophic counts. The steam treatment is not permanent and may only be good until the next microbe lands or colonizes on the surface. The efficacy of any treatment is expected to decay quickly over time.
Pure, clean steam when available at the right high temperature and for the proper minimum application time is known to have good antimicrobial properties. A quick test of good steam could be commercially available steam strips, but it may not be enough to identify efficacy for newly discovered viruses like Zika and/other, other fungi and microbes. Only specific tests done by microbiologists should be considered.
Q; Can steam help in preventing the spread of brucellosis
A: There are only a limited number of studies. Some are covered in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brucellosis. From this page, we learn that the species infecting domestic livestock are B. abortus (cattle, bison, and elk), B. canis (dogs), B. melitensis (goats and sheep), B. Ovis (sheep), and B. suis (caribou and pigs). Brucella species have also been isolated from several marine mammal species (cetaceans and pinnipeds). Please consult your local microbiologist and health departments.
Q: How can I get a discount?
A: Bayzi Corporation is currently running a very aggressive discount structure. Please take advantage of this discount structure while in place. Bayzi Affiliates can offer you a discount on the list price. If you want us to provide you with an affiliate address, we will gladly do so, or if you want an Affiliate to contact you with a discount coupon, please let us know through our contact us page. Some affiliates can provide you with a significant discount should you meet the criterion for the discount. If a non-web quote is requested, the discounts may not be possible. Thank you.
Q: Can I become a Bayzi Affiliate?
A: To become a Bayzi affiliate, you have to register and be approved. This takes a few weeks after your application has been received. Once registered you can add a Bayzi link to your electronic marketing procedures or give your customer an approved coupon. You will have to let Bayzi know that you can become a professional bonafide Affiliate and Bayzi has to approve. Please don’t be alarmed or offended if we do not respond instantly – your application is definitely on file with us. Thank you for choosing Bayzi.
Q: Compare Steam Drying with Hot Air Drying?
A: When comparing drying and sanitizing methods, the overall objective and cost are important to consider. There are a few studies listed on Wiki.* Bayzi suggests you take a careful look and contact your known microbiologist or food industry expert for a clear picture. Your question also found an unusual answer on Wiki which lists the following article for comparing air jet drying (remember air jets have lower enthalpy than steam jets):
*A comparative study of three different hand drying methods: paper towel, warm air dryer, jet air dryer’ by K. Redway and S. Fawdar of the School of Biosciences, University of Westminster London.
Many more resources are posted on
Germiest Places and a Lot of Resources
Please consider SaniZap® as a possible alternative to the air dryers that cause an increase in bacteria after using the dryer. We also very much appreciate your business.
The SaniZap® is a durable, industrial-quality steam generator capable of delivering 1112°F steam. Years of research and development have helped the MightySteam® become one of the first high-temperature steam generators that can operate without a high-pressure boiler.
Steam has a great amount of stored enthalpy (enthalpy difference measured from a ground state of 25C) for any temperature above 100C when compared to air at the same high temperature. This is why when you use a heat gun to heat a pipe for example; you must hold it in position for a few moments before it becomes effective. With the MightySteam®, there is high enthalpy, so it won’t just blow bed bugs around- specific bayzi products address specific uses. MightySteam® uses thermal energy delivered in low-velocity steam, allowing for a more efficient transfer of energy (in this case, heat) to the surface or object you are heating.
When used for cleaning, superheated steam is capable of transferring energy much more efficiently than hot air, allowing for the disruption of the biological functions of bacteria. For the same change in temperature from 25C to 300C the enthalpy content is much higher than air. The temperatures/energy needed for hot air to be effective may thus require a much higher temperature due to the inefficient nature of heated air. The MightySteam® is a durable, industrial-quality steam generator capable of delivering 572°F steam. Years of research and development have helped the MightySteam™ become the first high-temperature steam generator that can operate without a high-pressure boiler.
Q: When do you dry with steam instead of drying with hot air?
A: More drying energy is available from steam and normally above the inversion temperature steam drying is more efficient. There are many benefits to using steam, but the main one is the availability of steam with high stored enthalpy (loose translation is stored heat) at a lower temperature than the corresponding dry air of the same enthalpy even at a much higher temperature. So if you were interested in drying paper that has an ignition temperature of about 450F – the use of superheated steam at a much lower temperature might produce the same drying efficiency/effect as hot air at a temperature above 450F, i.e., above the paper ignition temperature. Below the saturation temperature, the drying is determined by the humidity. Above the inversion temperature, rapid drying is feasible with steam. Water above the saturation temperature is in the vapor state.
Q: Can I use SaniZap® for….? Is pre-cleaning important?
A: We are constantly adding videos, news, and pictures to show what you can use the SaniZap® for… Not all applications or uses have been vetted by us – so we ask you to please exercise caution. If you have a suggestion or idea, please send an email to [email protected], and we’ll try our best to get a demonstration video up for you. See also https://stellarfoodforthought.net/following-sanitary-design-best-practices-key-to-avoiding-food-safety-recalls/
Q: How fast does steam work on standard biofilms?
A: Studies** made recently at a prestigious university (Ohio State University in Columbus OH and Cornell) indicates that biofilms and biofilm formation can be mitigated with MightySteam®. Please also click for more information on the study references linked on this page. Please do not hesitate to contact Bayzi for more information. Bayzi will either connect you to the researcher or research funding agency or will send you a publicly available research report if feasible. By contacting Bayzi for any report, please note that you are certifying that you are a professional in the field who can technically follow the report with advanced microbiological knowledge.
** These studies although conducted by world-renowned recognized professionals and performed with high integrity, may also have benefited from direct industrial involvement from interested companies or clusters that have an interest in the outcome.
Q: Can you say more..?
A: Here is a list of EPA registered disinfectants.
Please contact us – we are happy to discuss.
Q. In the healthcare or residential setting, what does the “environment” or “environmental surface” mean?
A. The environment refers to the patient or resident’s surroundings. When we talk about cleaning the
environment, typically we are referring to cleaning and disinfecting objects, like housekeeping surfaces (e.g.,
floors, tabletops) and medical equipment. It is particularly important to focus on cleaning and disinfecting
frequently touched items, such as bed rails, tray tables, IV poles, call button, monitor screens and controls and
cables, pump controls, bedside tables, telephones, carts, toilets, bedpans, sinks, doorknobs and levers, light
switches, and faucet handles. UV tests. How good are they for bacteria detection? | MightySteam (bayzi.com)
Source: http://www.apic.org/Content/NavigationMenu/PracticeGuidance/APICEliminationGuides/Figure_10.1.pdf.
Q. Why is it important to clean the environment?
A. Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) are present throughout our environment and can cause infection. The
environment can serve as a breeding ground for these organisms. Cleaning and disinfecting housekeeping
surfaces and medical equipment, especially those that are frequently touched, is important to decrease or
prevent the spread of these organisms to people.
Q. Does environmental cleaning and disinfection work in preventing the spread of harmful
microorganisms?
A. Yes. But how well it works depends on many things, including the nature of the object, the type, number, and
location of microorganisms, how well the organisms resist the physical processes or disinfectants, the presence
of organic and inorganic matter, the concentration and potency of disinfectant, other physical and chemical
properties (i.e., temperature, pH), and the duration of exposure and the contact time. Remember that
environmental cleaning and disinfection are just one of several steps needed to prevent the spread of germs.
Q. What is the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?
A. There is a big difference between these terms.
Cleaning refers to the removal of visible soil and organic material (i.e., dirt, body fluids) from objects by washing
or scrubbing with water and detergents or soaps and rinsing with water. Thorough cleaning is needed before
disinfection or sterilization because organic material can decrease the effectiveness of those processes. A
detergent is a cleaning agent that does not claim to kill microorganisms.
Disinfection refers to the process of removing any or all microorganisms that can cause disease, except bacterial
spores. There are three levels of disinfection, depending on how many organisms are removed: high,
intermediate, and low. A disinfectant is a chemical or a physical agent (e.g. ultraviolet radiation) that kills
microorganisms, but not bacterial spores. Disinfectants are also classified as high-level, intermediate-level, and
low-level.
Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life including bacterial spores. Objects
can be sterilized by physical processes (i.e., intense steam and pressure or dry heat) or by using certain
chemicals.
SaniZap-600-4-240 offers several modes of cleaning
The: MightySteam® and SaniZap® units are powerful and fast. When comparing with other steam jets, please compare the temperature and volume produced per hour. Superheated steam is a known antimicrobial agent. Unique flow-controllable temperature allows you to go from ‘Simple Clean Mode’ (low temperature) to’ Disinfectant Clean Mode’ (higher temperature). MightySteam® offers one of the highest temperature steam of any commercially available steam cleaning tool (Click for details). MightySteam® units produce up to 1112°F (600°C) or hotter steam within about a minute (variations depend on the model and other supply variables). Superheated steam will soften/dislodge common grease and many other sticky substances. Importantly, the unique technology gives you the very hot steam at a comparatively low cost (compare prices for the temperature of output, i.e., in units of $(price)/°C (rated temperature)).
