McCulloch MC1385 Steamer Review For Auto Detailers - Auto Detailing Steam Cleaning

[@an-tm3250]

I like that you are HONEST about steam vs. brush w/cleaner & elbow grease.

[@DetailGroove]

glad you enjoyed :)

[@deluxevehicledetailingandp904]

I just bought the 1275. Like you said in the video, it's not for all cleaning situations. I've been using a small handheld that I picked up online for $35 and honestly for small areas to just heat up really hammered interior areas, it starts the cleaning process just fine. I just wanted MORE STEAM for a longer duration, plus with the floor attachment, it will come in handy around the house. Your video was just what I was looking for, Thanks !

[@DetailGroove]

Glad I could help out in your process!

[@rharmeson1]

Really appreciated your realistic and honest comments.

[@cuervovallejo2711]

Thanks for the video. I ordered mine today from Amazon. I can't wait to start using it.

[@DetailGroove]

It helps a lot :)

[@bradboustead1682]

Where I live, Home Depot has a detailing extractor for rent for $15/ 4hrs. May be useful for occasional hobbyist or pro just getting started on a budget.

[@DetailGroove]

That's not bad!

[@brianbastoni2723]

I own that machine, it's for pushing like a vacuum cleaner, but I bought the hand accessory and it works amazing. Every time I use I look at the reservoir where the water that I sucked up is always black.!

[@justanotherperson584]

Dude you are spot on .....just got the smaller one. Psi does help

[@DetailGroove]

big time

[@EvaLynne]

I should be outside working on the client's Acura instead of watching this, but, it's hard to pull away. I could watch your vids all day. Appreciate all you do and share. Feel the love.

[@DetailGroove]

haha- thanks for the kind words !

[@hidconceptcom]

Thanks for the video. It always helps to see how it works before buying anything

[@verdantacres4460]

I use this steamer it works well. Years,ago we had a steamer similar to the vx the pump rusted. For the price this is a great steamer.

[@DetailGroove]

Yup- for the price, it's an awesome steamer.

[@rcole6679]

Nice video with great points made! This video is geared towards car detailing and does cover household uses, but I like the fact he shows when to use it and when it’s use would not be warranted. I’m trying to compare this against steam cleaners costing about $100 more to see if they’re worth it or not and so far I’m not seeing having a lifetime warranty on the boiler makes any sense. Oscar talks about psi and I’m sure the expensive model he refers to has psi far exceeding the MC1385 which maxes out at 58 psi and drops quickly to 29 psi with constant release of steam. Some of the slightly more expensive models don’t give you even 58 psi and any steamer when the trigger is locked, will drop in pressure quickly. It’s how they work. McCulloch steamers are made in China, as opposed to Dupray or Vapamore, which are made in Europe. But, I like the way Oscar pointed out the pros and cons and he’s just pointing out these machines for auto detailing and discussing their best uses between engine cleaning and interior auto detailing. For cleaning gunk out,of your car trim and upholstery, the MC1385 looks decent. While this wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, it has been helpful to a point. Also, there isn’t stupid music and someone cleaning using different steamers which most all steamers do efficiently, to a point. Oscar speaks to the task at hand. Good job!

[@DetailGroove]

Thanks so much for the kind words! For the price and my use cases, it works great. It really comes down to what you're going to be using it for

[@alexarihani2902]

Thank you for this review. I want to purchase this unit for both home and auto use. This is the best auto review I have seen. It makes me more comfortable to purchase without worrying about spending the money Hey I've got tons of spare time lately with quatantine :)

[@SilentLibraryCafe]

Great video this is the steamer I currently use and it works amazing for interior

[@DetailGroove]

It sure does!

[@dcarrstar7719]

For ANY detailer or enthusiast, this is hands down the BEST off the shelf low cost commercial steamer on the market. I've done lots of research and Karcher model steamers are close or maybe equivalent but not as accessible in the U.S.A. VX5000, Dupray, etc. is stepping into a higher class for pros wanting top notch results. GREAT REVIEW!

[@DetailGroove]

Yeeess! I had the VX5000 and it was GREAT. But definitely a steep price. Glad you liked the review!

[@quinones355]

I love that you did a jetta y own one and bough this steamer based on your review thank you

[@DetailGroove]

Glad you liked James ;)

[@NevanRead]

Would you say the 1385 is a good steamer for a beginner detailer?

[@robbywhited910]

Definitely

[@sociopathmercenary]

If it produces steam, it's definitely at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit. That's the boiling point of water and if the water ain't boiling, no steam.

[@maxdetailing1967]

Merci Mr Groove, tu es un très bon dans ce que tu fais. Je ne connaissais pas ta chaîne youtube , mais maintenant je vais la suivre avec fidélité. Sympa de partager tes expériences , merci encore ( bonjour de France )

[@DetailGroove]

Merci tellement pour vos gentils mots! J'utilise Google translate pour traduire cela en français. S'il vous plaît excuse toutes les erreurs!

[@carlloftin2850]

Question - what is the best way to get rid of the “old car smell” - would steam cleaning the carpets work? I have already cleaned the interior with apc - car is a 1997

[@DetailGroove]

You'd have to thoroughly clean it, maybe replace any reallllyyy old/bad material, change cabin filter, and possible ozone machine

[@stephk3221]

Is there an even more updated video of this to see how its going now? I want to buy one!

[@DetailGroove]

I'll make one soon but I still use the same unit now. So I still highly recommend :)

[@alexarias8495]

Detail Groove on the trailer and E I’m

[@alexarias8495]

Detail Groove on my thx🙏😊

[@jc2386]

Which steamer is the high end to clean the entire engine, was it VS 500?

[@ronaldmunoz7121]

Hey so I'm about to try and open up my own mobile detailing business in about a month and I'm only offering simple hand wash and dry along with vacuum interior and dash, door panel and door jam for a good price and also headlight restoration. I'm a bit scared that it might not be enough to even call it a detailing business. I just wanted to know what you think about how I'm starting and if should first wait and try to learn more first or just go for it.

[@DetailGroove]

I would not worry about what you call yourself. Take action and get experience. That will give you so many answers (as well as bring so many questions). Go for it

[@kendalmiller1234]

Thank you for being so honest! i subbed!

[@delosssh]

Where do you get your electricity to power your streamer, vacuum and hand tools?

[@DetailGroove]

customer provides it or my generator

[@kevinwheeler9120]

Thanks Bro!! Great video. I just ordered it!!!

[@jzz1973]

Use steamer for motor cleaning. It is amazing.

[@DetailGroove]

If you have a strong steamer, it's a great tool. 99% of the time, I use APC and brushes

[@mayorb3366]

Can this be used on the car's upholstery? Would I need to work in combo with a shop vac also? A friend just gave me one of these, brand new in box for helping with moving.

[@thebarak]

25 PSI? It is described as having 58 PSI. Is this a false claim that you discovered? It is many years since I used one, just like this one, but I found that a bucket of hot water, a pair of thick rubber gloves, and a few towels was ten times faster for any of these tasks. Thanks for such an honest video when so many heap high praise onto these devices.

[@rohanhughes8451]

I was looking to see if it was good on car seats ect

[@linaandrews8659]

I have a McCulloch portable steamer - serial number Aug 13-10078 why they stop making it ? now can not get any helpful info on it all.

[@DetailGroove]

Hmm- not sure at all Lina

[@Noueilaty]

You mentioned at the beginning that you've had a higher end model for about $1K. Why did you decide to switch over to this one instead?

[@suppaman12]

Hassan Noueilaty the vx5000 is for pros. This guys seems to just need a mobile one for cars. This smaller one is perfect for auto detailing, it’s easier to haul it around. But let’s say you wanted to clean high end rugs, or high end sofas. You wouldn’t want to show up with this smaller one. The vx5000 is the one

[@Angel_Peg]

Use alot of watss also

[@aliasalias3366]

I seen a few your videos now and you mentioned that you had the VX steamer before why do you not have that steamer now

[@jackielatorre2244]

This is an excellent review!!!

[@JosephbrittonRahma]

How do you know when the waters all gone... cuz it said that it can't have water in it when u are done

[@rodneyjohnson2064]

What kind of Generator did you have to start off with before you got the Honda

[@DetailGroove]

It was a Harbor Freight generator. A Predator. Can't remember the specifics

[@matts7657]

Detail Groove predators are rebadged honda generators use same parta

[@cathyc2665]

Very good , practical review dude!! Thanks!

[@DetailGroove]

thanks Cathy!

[@csiautodetail]

I have this steamer and the VX 5000, I bough the McCulloch 1385 as a back up since one time my vx 5000 needed a small repair. The 1385 is worth for the money since is very good machine but the attachments are very low quality, the triangle brush didn't last more that a few details. The attachments on the VX 5000 are really good, mines are holding up after 6 years like the first day.

[@DetailGroove]

Yup, the VX5000 runs circles all day on the 1385. But like you said, for the price, it's a great tool. I personally have done 50+ details using the steamer and had no issues

[@jcordero18]

Do you need to use distilled water?

[@robbywhited910]

I recommend distilled water only.

[@charleneabugg1250]

I bought a McCulloch MC1275. There's no way to drain the water and I hear the heat makes the parts fall apart. Does this one have this problem?

[@DetailGroove]

I'm not entirely sure. This is my second one. The first one broke from the hose line. You cannot drain the water. It's a great machine for a cheap price

[@bere2006]

I wonder if this one only is used for the steaming but does it also for absorbing the humidity left by the steamer on seats and interior of the vehicle that is not carpet?

[@davidtyra6243]

Quick question? Have you ever used the steam cleaner underneath the car 🚗 like tire wells frame ext? Thanks

[@DetailGroove]

This steamer would probably be to weak for it

[@robertolee8418]

Is it good on fabric seats and also can you plug in to a house wall socket

[@DetailGroove]

Yes to both!

[@deejay6983]

Think this is still a good deal in 2021? Are there any better in this price range yet?

[@DetailGroove]

Yeepppp!

[@deejay6983]

@@DetailGroove cool.. I just ordered one. FYI. Khols has them

[@gmr9x556]

Thanks for the upload. Stay positive.

[@DetailGroove]

Thanks for watching :)

[@atlfat9682]

Hey wat was that u was spraying on the doors an floor mats ??? Was it multi purpose cleaner??

[@DetailGroove]

Yes, Meguiars D101

[@rongriffin4905]

Great video,very informative & right to the point.Thanks....................................

[@DetailGroove]

You bet Ron

[@aaronprudhomme8688]

Great video bro. I smashed the 👍

[@DetailGroove]

Thanks a lot Aaron!

[@juniord64]

Hey oscar what's up. I ask you a while back was it worth the money and you said yes I bought it and it's a great steamer it cost me a little bit over $200 dollars with taxes and shipping and in the first week of using It the steamer paid for itself. Gentle Touch mobile detailing

[@DetailGroove]

Woohoo! Glad it payed off for you bud :)

[@captainstevemurray]

When you use it on alcantara (or microfiber suede), do you just use steam, light agitation and then swipe with a microfiber cloth? Do you also use a fabric cleaner or just steam to break up any dirt/stains?

[@sandravasquez4458]

Hi do you have a better option that you recommend!? Thank you

[@DetailGroove]

How much do you want to spend?

[@sandravasquez4458]

My budget is less than 500

[@jimforte8996]

Thanks a lot....a great quick overview..

[@DetailGroove]

Thanks for watching Jim!

[@timlamplugh6507]

Can you use a steamer on Jeep wrangler soft tops to clean

[@DetailGroove]

I've never tried, actually

[@JuanLopez-em6jl]

Does anybody know the difference between the 1375 and 1385 or just a size difference?

[@DetailGroove]

I think it's mostly the size difference. It also doesn't stand upright like the 1385

[@volcanowb]

Have a need to replace the hose yet? Is it holding up well?

[@DetailGroove]

I've purchased a new steamer. ALthough I don't use it as much anymore since I have an extractor

[@robertocarlosarechiga6435]

where you can buy the spare parts

[@DetailGroove]

I don't think they have spare parts. I just replaced mine a few months ago

[@richiebarrera23]

Can you over fill this steamer with water?

[@DetailGroove]

Yes but nothing happens

[@yuniercarrion1158]

Bro what is the limit in putting water on this machine

[@dat219]

Thanks what did you 1st spray on the carpet mat before steaming it .?

[@DetailGroove]

All Purpose Cleaner (APC): Super Clean diluted 10:1

[@reeb9016]

Do you have the Tornador? If so, how would you compare the two?

[@DetailGroove]

I have used it before and it's a great tool. Although I personally do not have one and do not plan on getting one

[@bradboustead1682]

I believe Tornador uses quite a lot of compressed air. Compressed air is expensive to produce at the shop and difficult to produce on mobile jobs.

[@altamashrathore548]

Hey Oscar what about KARCHER SC 2 can I use this on car interior ?? Please help here

[@DetailGroove]

I've never used it personally but it seems like it will do just fine

[@78cobra]

2-in-1 steamer for house hold floors I think it was 80 or 90 bucks and a Hoover carpet shampooer, using just attachments about $160. Make some nasty cars look good. Steaming then extracting. I always used the agitator head on the Hoover, besides corners.

[@DetailGroove]

as long as it works!

[@justinwilliams5894]

Do you ever have any problems with the flow of the steam not being consistent or very abundant with the small nozzle attachment? I just got my Mcculloch 1385 and it has great steam with no attachment, but as soon as I put on the small nozzle it kinda sputters and doesn't spray as much steam?

[@DetailGroove]

Yep! I don't put on a attachment when I just want to use the "sniper" stream. It has its flaws, but for the the price and use, I recommend it

[@1_Moretime]

Nice steamer for the money. Ty for sharing!

[@DetailGroove]

It is a great steamer! Thanks for watching :)

[@paulcoleman52]

Will this help deodorize a car that was from a smoker? Can I use it on cloth seats as well as carpet?

[@DetailGroove]

It'll minimize it- assuming you steam clean every part of the interior

[@lusterwaterlessdetailing4746]

have you used on exterior for car wash

[@DetailGroove]

It is waaaaaay way waaaaaaaaay to weak for that

[@lusterwaterlessdetailing4746]

if it so.. please make a video of that!!!

[@jaredmiramontes3549]

Hey Oscar what do you think about air compressor and what kind should a detailer use? I've been watching Sporties Mobile Detailing (great channel) and in convinced I NEED one. Do you use an air compressor or no?

[@matthewswindail3101]

Ive got a little pancake 6 gallon compressor, got it used for $60 canadian. Great addition to detailing, i start off by getting in the car and blowing everything out of the cracks in the dash making the wipe up easier, then i start blowing all the door panels and then followed up by under and around all seats then go in with the vac and start cleaning up.

[@matthewswindail3101]

you dont NEED one, but like any equipment, it makes life easier.

[@jaredmiramontes3549]

Matthew Swindail awesome thanks for sharing

[@DetailGroove]

I don't carry an air compressor and don't plan on carrying one. I'm limited on space as is with my mobile rig. I'm efficient and get great results without one. Hope that helps!

[@milinichsautodetail3124]

I would definitely recommend an air compressor. I got a pancake ridgid air compressor at Home Depot for 100$ and it has plenty of power

[@topnotchlion1524]

I ordered from the link so you get the kick back

[@DetailGroove]

Thanks for that 👍

[@topnotchlion1524]

Detail Groove i could of swore i saw a video of you unboxing It did you take that one down?

[@Zionfarm]

Hello Oscar, Does your Honda inverter generator power this while you’re out and about doing a job. I got the Briggs And Stratton P2200 inverter generator.

[@DetailGroove]

It sure does!

[@Zionfarm]

Detail Groove thx Oscar.

[@DetailGroove]

You're welcome!

[@njcamocutie7085]

Whats in your spray bottle A what?

[@DetailGroove]

APC= all purpose cleaner. Specifically Super Clean diluted 10:1

[@Glenfin]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. What cleaner were you spraying on the carpeted mat and door interior?

[@DetailGroove]

You bet! Super Clean diluted 10:1

[@57Carlibra]

good and truthful expectations of this product, thanks.

[@keepingclean3616]

nice vd what i always do is i put it inside my house at night a plug it in when iam getting dress for work an let it heat up so when i get to where am going i just plug it back in before i walk the cilent around there car a let it heat back up faster

[@DetailGroove]

I do the same! Except I plug it in about 15 minutes before I head out. It speeds up the process!

[@rudylira2928]

Have u had any problems with it looking to purchase it?

[@robertsalas3984]

He said 80 degrees is hot . Come to Phoenix brah! Tho muggyness sucks . Dont know what would suck more 90 and muggy or 120 and dry I've been in both but you can make eggs ala concrete.

[@matts7657]

Do you use this and the just a shop vac for carpet cleaning?

[@DetailGroove]

I have an extractor now

[@daviddiaz375]

Can you use a steamer to extract dirt off seat or carpets ? Always making great videos👌 hope you can answer quick

[@DetailGroove]

A steamer is steam, there's no extracting of any kind. Yes you can use a steamer for cloth seats and carpets

[@daviddiaz375]

Detail Groove I was kinda confused lol thanks 👍👌

[@DetailGroove]

Glad I could help David

[@jasonmclaughlin-earley8368]

Brilliant Review

[@DetailGroove]

Thanks- it took a while to shoot :)

[@TheTyree72]

hey oscar would you recommend a handheld portable steamer for like 40 bucks until Im able to properly purchase a more expensive one? Ive been getting mixed reviews on them. - Love the channel and keep it up!

[@DetailGroove]

If that's what you can afford, go for it!

[@calvinwong365]

hey oscar, what kind of water do you use for your 1385? the instructions recommend distilled water to keep the boiler clean and not damage the overall steamer. otherwise i need to use vinegar to rinse, drain and clean it once a month. Do you do any of these procedures?

[@DetailGroove]

I do not. I use tap water. 1) I can probably make $20,000 with that steamer before it dies on me. 2) I can buy it locally for $200 which is not a big deal. 3) There are times when I refill it three times for one detail in one day. I am not always going to carry enough distilled water with me

[@calvinwong365]

Detail Groove thanks Oscar, that was very helpful!

[@DetailGroove]

You're welcome :)

[@strandednseattle]

You don't happen to be in the Fort Hood area are you? I want to use this on my vehicles but I'm also curious if it will clean kitchen grout. Thank you

[@DetailGroove]

Hey Michael- we're in Houston TX

[@roanokejoe]

Great video, man! What do you think about using the steamer and removing the moisture with a wet/dry shop vac? Thanks for posting!

[@DetailGroove]

That's also a route you can take!

[@ronaldmunoz7121]

Hey so I'm very interested in starting my own detailing business but I would love to talk with you sometime if that's ok. Also your videos are awesome man!

[@DetailGroove]

Thanks! You can always send me an email to oscar(at)detailgroove(dot)co

[@MarionBlair]

Great realistic review!

[@DetailGroove]

thanks Marion :)

[@daviddavalos6723]

Hey Oscar!! I just want to know where did you bought it!? Or where can I find it!??

[@DetailGroove]

I bought it locally at Fry's!

[@izzle225]

I love my steamer but, I cant run it at the same time as my vacuum. Have you ran or anybody else ran into this problem?

[@DetailGroove]

What generator are you using and is it strong enough to power both at the same time? Let the steamer run and heat up first. Then run the two at the same time. The generator will use more power when you first turn on the steamer

[@izzle225]

Thanks, i appreciate it.

[@dodi3bodi]

do you recommend using on one car? I mean i have my car and i clean it once a week (my car is always clean)

[@raizt1596]

Where the steamer really excels is on stains in carpet/headliner, or on gummy thing stuck on... like chocolate in a cup holder. Also, it's perfect for the bathroom, shower, and tile grout.

[@tomv8240]

Does this work well on dirty stained leather seats? Bought a new to me car and it’s rather filthy and saw this and hen came across your review of it so I’m curious if I should spend my hard earned money on it or just pay someone to clean the inside of my car? Thx love the vids man

[@DetailGroove]

I personally never use a steamer on leather. A brush and all purpose cleaner will do just fine. I would just hire a professional detailer. You'll get 10x the better results by someone that knows what they're doing

[@masterdetail3432]

See if you pressure wash the mats and then extract the water you’re going to get all the dirt out basically you’re just scrubbing the dirt back in there I know the microfiber is lifting some dirt then you going to vacuum it best thing is to just to pressure wash it and extract the water and the dirt

[@DetailGroove]

Good tip!

[@GunnedDownAtrocity]

i actually just bought this steamer, in part to clean my car, which is, coincidentally, a black jetta. i am also hoping that it will make cleaning the tiled showers a little faster than ajax and rinse, scrub again, rinse, rinse. rinse. fuck it, good enough. i don't mind the effort involved, i just hate the time sink of it all. i'm also hoping it will clean the wired shower caddys without having to remove them and hit them with a toothbrush. fish tank. turtle tank. snake tank. i have a lot of plans for this thing!

[@GunnedDownAtrocity]

. . . our ball python is almost 30 years old and the tank has never actually been "cleaned." our vet said not to use soap on the inside of the tank, so it's just been wiped down with a wet cloth for years. i hope a clean tank doesn't kill the snake. i might actually leave well enough alone with the snake's cage, but everything else in my house is getting steamed to hell and back!

[@05tech]

Just got this on Craigslist for $100 whoo hoo!

[@DetailGroove]

Great deal!

[@7Logik]

Got mine for $30 on FB marketplace lol

[@noncustody]

Do you use a steamer to clean seat belts?

[@DetailGroove]

Yes I do

[@Pawnwarschess]

Unknown I’ll be thankful to know my seatbelts are fire retardant when my I’m sitting in my car buckled while it’s in flames lol

[@carlostrujillo2248]

Hi Bud thanks for your great review, one question I have is, would this machine take off sticker gunk off a car? Thank you

[@azgd-reinnn383]

2 years late but glue and tar remover will do the job aswell

[@eperez112178]

Great info thx!

[@DetailGroove]

You are WELCOME!

[@John-xk7uo]

Have you ever seen the steamer make the headliner come loose

[@DetailGroove]

Never ever has that happened

[@MokenaBob]

I love mine

[@DetailGroove]

woot!

[@lusterwaterlessdetailing4746]

nice dude your info

[@DetailGroove]

Thanks!

[@Gpleasant]

Hello,I wanted to ask you about a new steamer I have a 1385 but I want more pressure. Will a vx 5000 be that much better I would like your input on that.

[@DetailGroove]

A VX5000 will beat the living crap out of the 1385 in every way possible. How much more pressure do you want? If you're trying to wash a car with the steamer, the 5000 won't be the best fit either. It'd be to weak

[@franciscolomeli72]

@@DetailGroove hey Oscar, I am a warehouse supervisor, my inventory involves a lot of ancillary and some of these are delicate fabrics. Will you recommend this machine for such projects? Thank you

[@DWESENTERPRISE]

I'd rather use a carpet/upholstery steam cleaner. You gotta extract the dirt from that carpet or whatever fabric you are cleaning. Maybe I'm just old school

[@DetailGroove]

As long as it works for you :)

[@HouseWashing]

I'm planning to order this, extra 250$ for shipping to India

[@МиленМиленов-о7ц]

Don’t. Just get a better one it’s not that good to pay 250 $ for shipping

[@jordanthistle2360]

Hey man great video but that isn't the best way to do the mats. Best/easiest get mean Green ( degreaser) or anyother heavy duty degreaser. Don't worry about spraying down with water first just get the dirt and rocks off (lol rocks off) spray it down wait a minute scrub lightly with a good hard brush then wash off. For extra Brownie points with the car owner get meguiars natural shine protectant. They will look like new and won't be greasy

[@DetailGroove]

As long as it works for you Jordan :)

[@CRNFLK77]

More than 1 way to skin a cat dude. Chill

[@grahamalford2357]

Mine broke after a week / 3 uses