Chemical-free cleaning has gained a lot of momentum in recent years, with user and occupant safety in mind, thanks in part to the availability of floor machines that incorporate steam and vapor into cleaning technology. Steam cleaning is a chemical-free option that heats water way above boiling, to 300 degrees, turning it into a gas vapor that penetrates pores of surfaces and expands to bring dirt to the top. Dirt and debris is then easier to remove, and surfaces are disinfected. Steam cleaning can be used on hard surfaces of all types as well as carpets, upholstery and other fabrics. It is especially effective on surfaces that are uneven or textured, as it is able to penetrate into pores where chemicals sometimes cannot, attacking stains. Facilities such as schools and restaurants — which face a fair amount of stains in addition to foot traffic — as well as those with a commitment to cleaning for health and the environment, including buildings seeking LEED certification, can benefit from steam cleaning.