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Review For Proaction Plus Handy Steam Cleaner
By Zaahn - HH Member

Overall Rating: 4/5
Price: £29.99
Get If From: Argos (UK Website)
Dreads Per Tank: aprox. 12 pencil thick shoulder length DE dreads
Good For: Medium usage

This steamer is perfect for medium usage and is a great first-time steamer. Its easy to setup and use, and being handheld its easily trasported (say from uni to home).

To get started you fill the tank with de-ionized water (it comes with a measuring jug that shows you the recommended amount - dont go over it or it'll leak!), plug it in, and wait for the red indicator light to go out. Every now and then it will come back on to re-heat the water as you use it. You can still press the steam release button but hardly any steam will come out so its best to wait.

This steamer comes with several different heads and attachments, the most useful being the cloth-covered flat head attachment. Using this you can smooth the dread as it is steamed. The steam is also evenly distributed with this head.

Being handheld, you do need to refil the tank every 10-12 pencil thick/shoulder length dreads, depending on how long you steam them. To do this you need to remove the cap (which has a child lock top so dont worry about knocking it over) and you need to wait for the tank to cool before you can put more water in or you end up with jets of steam and water spewing back at you! It is recommended that you use de-ionized water to expand the life of your steamer.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to steamers, but this is a good model to start with. Its reasonably priced and comes with a 1 year warantee. You can also purchase 3 year cover and replacement for £4.99 when bought from Argos.

There are a few noted problems with this steamer, such as the tank not getting up to temperature, though some people never have problems and this may be to do with faulty batches. But Argos will replace it upto three times during warantee without any hastle, just remember to keep your receipt.

Overall, this steamer is highly recommended. Its reasonably priced and efficient and perfect for a first time user.

How To Care For Your Proaction Plus Steam Cleaner
By Zaahn - HH Member

They dont last forever, but here are a few tips on how to extend the life of your steamer and keep it in good condition. After doing these myself I have often doubled the life-expectancy of my steamer!

• Use Deionised water - especially if you're from a hard-water area. This will reduce build up and keep your steamer happy.

• Dont re-fill it until its cooled down. This can take aprox. 5-10 minutes. You can tell you haven't waited long enough if the water boils when poured in or steams.

• Dont use it when the red warming up light is on - otherwise the steamer will have to work harder to continually heat the water and will become less efficient over time.

• Fill it a few mm short of the maximum fill line, just incase. Overfilling can cause damage to you and your steamer as it may leak.

• Dont leave it full of water - use it until its all gone or pour it back out. Dont worry if there are a few white flakes in the left-over water, this is just a small amount of build up and its much better to get it out than leave it in.