Optima Steamer - The Best Steam Cleaner

What is a steam cleaner?

A steam cleaner or oftentimes called a vapor steam cleaner is a cleaning appliance that uses steam. A vapor steam cleaner allows the user to quickly clean, sanitize, and dry surfaces congruently.

How does optima steamer work?

The Optima Steamer was one of the first commercial-grade mobile steam cleaners to enter the market. It was introduced in 2004 by SJE Corporation for commercial and industrial applications. It serves as an alternative for applications where pressure washers would be too destructive.


The Optima Steamer advanced boiler system allows the user to clean and sanitize simultaneously while never having to worry about pressure drops or changes in temperature.


The Optima Steam Cleaner uses superheated steam and has a moisture control feature so the user can choose between wet or dry steam. Wet steam is water vapor that produces water droplets while dry steam is just water vapor.

Optima Steamer XD: Diesel-Powered Steam Cleaner

The Optima XD model is a compact steam cleaner made from polypropylene and polyethylene panels/tanks and 400 stainless steel, enamel-coated frame. Features include an LCD display, large water, and fuel tank, and visible gauges. 

Optima Steamer XD Specifications:

  • Diesel-Heater, Electric Operation
  • 161,672 BTU/hr
  • 196.32 lb/hr Steam Capacity
  • 0.48 gal/min Flow Rate
  • 9.5 bar / 138 PSI Max Operating Pressure
  • 3.5 Min Preheat Time
  • 275˚F Spray Temperature
  • 304 Stainless Steel Boiler
  • 3.86 Gal Boiler Capacity
  • 352˚F Boiler Temperature
  • 450W Max Required Wattage
  • 9.5 Gal Water & Fuel Tank

Optima Steamer XD Applications:

  • Auto Detailing (Cars, Truck, Boat, RV, Aircraft, & Other Vehicles)
  • Exterior & Interior Vehicle Cleaning & Sanitization
  • Recreational Equipment
  • Farming Equipment
  • Municipal Cleaning
  • Mobile Cleaning Business
  • Sculpture & Monument Cleaning
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Wraps, Surface Decals, & Film Removal

Optima Steamer XE: All Electric Steam Cleaner

The Optima XE model is an all-electric industrial steamer. Offers zero-emission dry steam cleaning. Is a durable steamer made from polypropylene and polyethylene panels/tanks, 400 stainless steel, enamel-coated frame, 304 stainless steel boiler, and 304 stainless steel immersion electric heaters. The Optima XE is available in three models and features a smart LCD monitor control system, dry & wet steam. 

Optima Steamer XE Model 12K Specifications:

  • Stationary Dry Steam (All-Electric, 3-Phase)
  • 12,040W (12,200W Max)
  • 208V~600V 3-Phase Required Voltage
  • 15~35 Amps (Varies Based on Voltage)
  • 43.2 lb/hr Steam Capacity
  • 0.28 gal/min Flow Rate
  • 41,082 Max BTUs/hr
  • 9.5 bar / 138 PSI Max Operating Pressure
  • 11~13 Min Preheat Time
  • 248˚F Spray Temperature
  • 345˚F Boiler Temperature
  • 19 Gal Water Tank

Optima Steamer XE Model 18K Specifications:

  • Stationary Dry Steam (All-Electric, 3-Phase)
  • 18,040W (18,200W Max)
  • 208V~600V 3-Phase Required Voltage
  • 20~60 Amps (Varies Based on Voltage)
  • 52.9 lb/hr Steam Capacity
  • 0.30 gal/min Flow Rate
  • 61,555 Max BTUs/hr
  • 9.5 bar / 138 PSI Max Operating Pressure
  • 8~10 Min Preheat Time
  • 248˚F Spray Temperature
  • 345˚F Boiler Temperature
  • 19 Gal Water Tank

Optima Steamer XE Model 27K Specifications:

  • Stationary Dry Steam (All-Electric, 3-Phase)
  • 27,040W (12,200W Max)
  • 380V~600V 3-Phase Required Voltage (390V Min)
  • 30~50 Amps (Varies Based on Voltage)
  • 87.3 lb/hr Steam Capacity
  • 0.45 gal/min Flow Rate
  • 92,264 Max BTUs/hr
  • 9.5 bar / 138 PSI Max Operating Pressure
  • 9~11 Min Preheat Time
  • 248˚F Spray Temperature
  • 345˚F Boiler Temperature
  • 19 Gal Water Tank

Optima Steamer XE Applications:

  • Commercial Cleaning
  • Auto Repair & Body Shops
  • Animal Holding Facility Sanitization
  • Nursing Home Sanitization
  • Daycare Center Sanitization
  • Cleanroom Maintenance

Optima Steamer Maintenance

Regular maintenance checks can prevent downtime, increase longevity, and minimize service/repair calls. 

How-to-Guide: Maintenance on Optima Steamer

1. How do I drain my Optima Steamer?

2. How do I replace the water filter?

3. How do I replace the fuel filter?

4. How do I clean probes?

5. How do I clean electrodes and fuel nozzles?

6. How do I descale my Optima Steamer?

7. How do I clean the cylinders?

Read this article, “Optima Steamer Maintenance,” to see how you can keep your steamer in great condition

Optima Steamer Troubleshooting

Common troubleshooting problems you can fix on the job. Can’t troubleshoot the problems, no worries! Bring your machine to our shop or contact us to schedule a service call and well get your machine working in no time.

How-to-Guide: Troubleshoot Optima Steamer

1. No lights & alarm sound but power & steam switches are on

2. Refill water tank icon is red and flashing 

3. Refill fuel tank icon is red and flashing

4. Boiler level error icon is red and flashing

5. Pressure switch error icon is red and flashing

6. Water pump overrun error icon is red and flashing

7. Thermistor error icon is red and flashing

8. Display error codes

9. Flame detecting error icon is red and flashing

10. Boiler pressure above 9 bar (130 PSI)

11. Machine is leaking water or steam

12. Water supplying tube of water pump is hot

13. Water tank is abnormally hot

14. Static electricity on the spray gun or machine

Optima Steamer Features

1. Eco-friendly

2. User-friendly

3. Accessories

4. Sanitation

5. Portable

6. Safety features

7. Reduce operation costs - Save money

8. Increase operation productivity - Save time

Optima Steamer Benefits

1. Healthier

2. Multi-surface cleaner

3. Avoid fines

4. Minimize overhead costs

5. Tackle any job

6. Clean work space

Use a Steam Cleaner in Your Industry

Steam Cleaning Applications

Vapor steam is safe to use on almost anything. Clean anything using a fraction of the water and no chemicals. Clean anywhere - Parking Lots, Service Bays, Bakeries, Factories, Underground Structures, Hospitals, and more - without generating any wastewater or overspray.

1. Automotive Industry

  • Aircraft
  • Auto Body Shops
  • Boat & RV
  • Car Detailing
  • Dealerships
  • Fleet Vehicles (Ambulances, Police Cars, Taxis, Limousines, School Bus, Party Bus, etc.)
  • Mobile Car Wash


Clean the interior & exterior - dashboard, cupholders, windows, seats, remove stains, grease, dirt, oil, wheels, rims, doors, trunk frame, engine, etc.

2. Food & Beverage Industry

  • Bakeries
  • Breweries
  • Food Processing
  • Food Trucks
  • Restaurants
  • Wineries

3. Healthcare Industry

  • Hospitals
  • Ambulance
  • Pharmacy
  • Senior Living Facilities

4. Hospitality Industry

  • Bed Bug Removal
  • Hotel Rooms
  • Travel & Tourism (Cruise Ships, Airlines, Trains, etc.)

5. Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation Industry

  • Amusement Parks
  • Arcades
  • Bowling Centers
  • Golf Carts
  • Ski & Snowboard Resorts
  • Gym
  • Fitness Clubs

6. Commercial Cleaning Industry

  • Graffiti Removal
  • Gum Removal
  • Remove Stains
  • Eliminate Bed Bugs
  • Clean Tile & Grout
  • Clean Walls & Ceilings
  • Clean Bathrooms (Top to Bottom)
  • Cleans Upholstery, Carpet, & Furniture

Optima Steamer Accessories

Whatever industry you are in, Optima has a tool for you to make your job easier. From Automotive & Detailing to Heavy Equipment, Manufacturing to Food Processing, Wine & Beer to Food & Beverage, and everything in between (Gum Removal, Solar Panel Cleaning, Weed Elimination, etc.).

1. Combo steam mop & squeegee wand

2. Steam detailer/extractor hand tool

3. Omega water softener kit

4. Weeding lance with rolling mower head

5. Wine barrel steam tool

6. Conveyor belt cleaning tool

7. Floor spinner tool with lance

Steam Cleaning FAQ: What Can You Clean?

1. Can you steam clean your mattress?

2. Can you steam clean your couch?

3. Can you steam clean grout?

4. Can you steam clean the car interior?

5. Can you steam clean your oven?

6. Can you steam clean the concrete basement floor?

7. Can you steam clean solar panels?

8. Can you steam clean graffiti?

Optima Steamer vs. Pressure Washer

Steam is an incredibly effective sanitizer. This all-natural solution is safe to use on surfaces where children will play or in animal enclosures. Steamers are also cost-efficient to operate. They have a reduced water usage so you can practically eliminate concerns about wastewater and runoff during cleaning jobs that use a steamer.


Pressure washers, on the other hand, offer far more brute force to the cleaning arsenal, which can be incredibly beneficial in some jobs. Some cleaning jobs require detergent use to clean and remove dirt, grime, grease, etc.

NorTex Sales and Service

Stop by our shop to take a look at the Optima Steamer X-Series (diesel or electric powered). If you have any questions, ask one of our pressure washer experts. If you need service or repair on your Optima Steamer call us at 800-280-5961 so we can schedule a time for a service tech to visit and fix your machine. Or you can drop by the shop and have one of our experts take a look.

Buy Optima Steamer

If you are interested in buying an Optima Steamer click this link. You will be directed to our “Steamer” page where you can choose the diesel or electric-powered machine. Fill out the “request a quote” form for the machine you are interested in. Upon submission, a sales rep will reach out to you to gather more information and provide you with an accurate quote.

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