How a steam generator works: principle, structure of a household steam generator with an iron

If you dream of perfectly ironed clothes, or you just have a lot of laundry to iron and you can’t handle it with a regular iron, then it’s time to pay attention to such a useful household appliance as a steam generator.

Professional studios and clothing stores have been using it in their work for a long time. We will talk about the main types and functions of steam generators, their advantages and differences from steam cleaners, as well as how to use and properly care for this useful household appliance to increase its service life.

What is a steam generator and what is it for?

A steam generator is a universal household appliance that generates a powerful release of high-temperature steam (up to 140°C), due to which it is used to solve many household issues:

Ironing clothes is perhaps the most popular use of a steam generator. With its help, you can quickly smooth out even very wrinkled linen and items with numerous folds. At the same time, the fabric does not shine as if it were ironed. The device smoothes both thin and delicate as well as the thickest fabrics and several layers of linen well.
Clean, disinfect and remove unpleasant odors from clothes that are difficult or impossible to wash. For example, to clean and give a presentable appearance to a product made from natural fur or to put in order a men’s suit.
Cleaning tiles, bathroom tiles on the floor and walls, including cleaning seams and corners from dirt and limescale.
Removing grease and dirty stains from the surface of kitchen furniture, aprons, stoves and household appliances.
Clean upholstered furniture and carpets from dirt without any problems.
Give a fresh look and remove dust from drapes and curtains without even removing them.
Complete cleaning of all surfaces and removal of unpleasant odors in the car interior will become an easy task for car owners.
The steam generator will also provide invaluable assistance when removing old wallpaper during the renovation process.
Disinfection and hygienic treatment of furniture, mattresses and bed linen to get rid of pathogenic bacteria and insects, such as linen mites and bedbugs.

Do you have a steam generator?
Not really

Iron or steam generator

Most modern iron models have a steam option. Is it worth spending money on a steam generator? The jets in the iron are supplied under low pressure, and the steam itself is moist and has a temperature of about 99 degrees. Therefore, ironing takes more time and effort. In addition, some items - coats, down jackets, suits - cannot be put in order using an iron. The steam generator produces dry, very hot steam, which eliminates severe creases in the fabric in the most inaccessible places. This device can be used for ironing outerwear, delicate fabrics, and bulky items.

Design and principle of operation

All steam generators on the market today have a similar design and differ in their basic technical characteristics and set of additional functions.

Depending on the steam supply speed, steam generators are:

Boiler rooms are the most popular type of steam devices.
Without a boiler - a device of low power and size.
Continuous water supply - The device contains two reservoirs to ensure a continuous supply of water and is mainly used in professional and industrial applications, such as car washes.

What does a steam generator consist of:

Boiler. Typically made of stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic, it consists of a water tank with a thermostat, a heating element and a fuse to protect against overheating.
Heat-resistant hose for supplying steam from the boiler to the iron.
An iron with holes in the soleplate to supply steam. The sole material of the iron can be made of different materials, for example steel or cermet.
Additional attachments for different functions.
Iron stand with control panel for switching between supply and steam temperature modes, as well as lights and indicators. Often contains a compartment for storing the power cord.

The operating principle of all devices is also approximately the same:

in the boiler, water is heated until steam is formed;
dry steam enters the iron through the hose;
When you press a special button, steam comes out of the iron's holes under pressure, thereby smoothing the fabric.

List of devices operating with steam generation

A steam cleaner is a thing that every housewife needs when cleaning a room. It cleans and disinfects any surfaces: upholstered furniture, carpets, bathroom walls, floors, windows, etc. The purpose of its use is to remove stains and unpleasant odors from surfaces. Despite the presence of a steam generator, it will not help you get rid of wrinkles on clothes, except to slightly refresh wrinkled fabric. But it will be useful for those who care about their health, because... Effectively destroys germs and bacteria on surfaces.
Steamer - suitable for vertical ironing of clothes. Manual models are compact and very convenient for travel and business trips. The steamer will refresh your outerwear and steam curtains even without removing them from the window. The steam flow from a hand-held device is weaker than from a large professional one. Depending on the type of power supply, steamers can operate directly from the mains or from batteries/accumulator.
The steam generator is a steam system with a professional iron and a boiler where steam is generated. A modern steam generator has different performance settings for different types of fabrics. It is suitable for both home and industrial use. High power, structural strength, intuitive control, compact dimensions and simple assembly are the main advantages of the steam generator. When purchasing a steam generator for your home, do not forget to choose the right ironing board. Its frame should be made of metal mesh, and the cover should be made of natural cotton so that the board can easily pass steam. In our online store you can not only choose an excellent steam generator, but also buy a good ironing board to go with it.

Advantages and disadvantages of steam generators

It would seem, why not use a regular iron with a steam function for ironing clothes, what is so good about a steam generator and why do many housewives dream of this device?

The advantages of the steam generator are obvious:

Increase ironing speed by 5 times. Steam released under pressure has a stronger effect on the fabric, and ironing becomes much easier.
Compared to an iron, the steam generator has a much larger water capacity, so you don’t have to constantly refill it and often be distracted from the ironing and cleaning process.
Ease of handling the iron is ensured by the location of the water reservoir separately from the iron itself.
Dry steam will never leave water marks on clothes, unlike a regular iron.
Vertical steam supply allows you to flawlessly iron things on hangers or curtains directly on the curtain rods.
You cannot accidentally start a fire by leaving the iron on the fabric, since the soleplate does not heat up.
Easy and fast ironing of bed linen due to powerful steam that can pass through several layers of folded fabric.
There is no risk of burning synthetics and delicate fabrics or damaging decorative elements of clothing.
Suitable for working with fur and leather goods.
Multifunctionality. High-pressure steam can not only iron, but also clean and disinfect, remove odors and destroy insects, and can also be used in other areas, as much as your imagination allows.

But we can’t help but mention some of the weaknesses of steam generators that need to be taken into account when considering purchasing this device:

Large dimensions. The most bulky part is the water boiler stand, which can take up quite a lot of space when used and stored.
A thick steam hose can interfere with the ironing process and may not seem very convenient.
During operation, the device makes noise when water boils and steam is supplied to the unit.
If the laundry is wet, you won’t be able to dry it with the soleplate of the iron.
High price. Devices, especially from well-known manufacturers, are much more expensive than conventional irons. Some sole materials and additional features also significantly increase the cost of the device.
Like all devices that heat water, the steam generator needs to regularly remove scale from the heating element and the soleplate of the iron.
It is not always possible to find consumables on sale or their cost is significantly high.

Functions and important characteristics of the device

Differences in the main parameters of the steam generator and the set of functions can affect the scope and cost of the device.

The main function of the steam generator is, of course, ironing clothes using dry steam, which gives better results than ironing with a regular iron.

Attention! The vertical steam function allows you to wash windows, iron things without removing them from hangers or curtains without removing them from curtains.

The device can disinfect and clean surfaces; for this purpose, special attachments for cleaning tiles, carpets and upholstered furniture are added to the kit.

To be able to use it in different conditions and on different materials, the device must be equipped with a stepwise or smooth function for adjusting different temperature modes and steam supply speed:

temperature - mode adjustment from 90 to 160;
intensity is adjustable from 0 to maximum.

Other additional convenient functions that expand the capabilities of the steam generator:

Dry ironing - this function will be useful if you just need to iron the item without using steam.
The sprayer makes it possible to moisten the fabric while ironing.
Automatic shutdown after some time of inactivity ensures safe operation of the device.
Anti-drip system - a function to protect water leakage from the boiler.
Self-cleaning or anti-scale function. The name speaks for itself - one of the most useful functions that extends the life of the device. Protection can be implemented in the form of replaceable filters or cartridges for water purification, and the self-cleaning program can itself monitor the moment of the need to remove scale and notify the need to start the mode.

Main technical parameters and characteristics that affect the functionality and scope of application, as well as convenience for large volumes of work:

Heating time. The heating time is usually shorter for models without a boiler, where the steam is heated at the surface of the iron; for boiler models it can reach 15 minutes.
Power. The more powerful the device, the more steam it produces in less time and copes better with the tasks. The power range of household steam generators is from 0.8 to 2.5 kW. Less functional inexpensive models have a power of no more than 1.2 kW; in expensive models with many functions, the power value starts from 1.5 kW and higher.
Steam pressure affects the degree of steaming and can be from 2 to 8 bar; for domestic needs, an average of 5 bar is more suitable.
Boiler volume - affects the performance and operating time without adding water; the size of the tank can vary from 0.5 l to 4 l, but for domestic use about 1.5 l is enough.
The transparent body material and measuring scale provide better control over the amount of water in the device.
The material of the iron sole affects the durability, convenience and cost of the device. The best and most expensive soles are made of Teflon, the cheapest and most unreliable are made of aluminum. Ceramic is comfortable but easily damaged, while steel is durable but prone to high heat.
Parameters such as the shape of the handle, the weight of the device only affect the comfort of use, and the length of the cord and hose depend on the layout of the room in which the device will be used.

How to choose a steam generator: main criteria

When choosing a good steam generator for your home, you need to approach it wisely. Today, manufacturers offer various models, from simple budget devices to multifunctional designs that greatly simplify everyday life. When selecting suitable equipment, you should pay attention to several basic parameters.

Power and heating time

The power of the device directly affects how much time it takes to heat the water (2-10 minutes). This parameter varies greatly in modern models: from 800 to over 3000 W. There is no point in purchasing a steam generator for cleaning an apartment with maximum power - such devices consume too much electricity. The optimal figure for a device used for home use is about 1500-2000 W.

Steam supply methods

The steam jet can be supplied at different pressures - 2-7 bar. The higher the value, the more possibilities. For example, if you plan to use a steam generator for vertical steaming of clothes, you should choose a device where steam is supplied under a pressure of 5 bar.

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When choosing, you need to pay attention to the intensity of the steam supply. High-quality and fast work is ensured by equipment that continuously supplies a jet (up to 140 g/min.).

Water tank volume

The size of the water tank in the steam generator affects the duration of continuous operation - the larger it is, the longer it will not be necessary to fill the device with liquid. The reservoir can be either small (from 700 ml) or quite spacious (more than 2 liters).

For occasional use, it is wiser to purchase a compact device. If you plan to use the steam generator for cleaning a large house or apartment or ironing clothes, then you should give preference to devices with a large tank.

Anti-scale protection

Due to the hardness of tap water, lime deposits can form inside the steam generator, which will shorten the life of the equipment. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to choose a model that provides anti-scale protection. As a rule, the same technologies are used as in conventional irons, such as special rods.

Operating mode

The ease of use of the device is affected by the presence of different operating modes. The simplest models cannot change the mode; steam is supplied to them at regular intervals with the same intensity. Other devices can be adjusted manually or automatically.

Outsole material

If the steam generator design includes an iron, you need to pay attention to the material from which its sole is made. Stainless steel and aluminum have many disadvantages; ceramics, Teflon and titanium have the highest performance characteristics.

Nozzles

Most steam generators for home cleaning come with several attachments designed to perform different operations. Kit required for complete cleaning:

narrow nozzle for processing hard-to-reach areas;
brush for cleaning upholstered furniture and carpets;
iron;
A brush with stiff bristles for removing stains.

Equipment may vary for different models and manufacturers. If what you need is not in the set or it is broken, you can purchase what you need separately.

Price

The difference in the price of household steam generators is influenced by the indicators listed above. So, the simplest device with low power can be purchased for 500 rubles. Multifunctional devices with a set of attachments and several operating modes cost more than 20,000 rubles. Floor-standing steam generators with a clothes rack, spacious capacity and average power can be found for 10,000-14,000 rubles.

Additional functions

In addition to the basic set of options, high-quality devices have additional functions:

Automatic shutdown. Equipment equipped with this option stops working after a certain period of inactivity.
Vertical steaming. This method is used to process outerwear, suits and other wardrobe items that are difficult to iron with a regular iron.
Splashing. An alternative way to moisturize fabrics that cannot tolerate high temperatures. Spraying helps remove wrinkles from clothes that cannot be steamed.
Dry ironing. Available on models equipped with an iron.

There are steam generators designed for heating pipes or heating. However, they are not related to household appliances used for cleaning and ironing.

What is the difference between a steam generator and a steam cleaner?

Although a steam cleaner is sometimes called a steam generator and vice versa, there is a noticeable difference between these devices.

It is quite easy to distinguish devices from each other:

The main purpose of the steam generator is ironing, and cleaning and cleaning are only additional functions of the device, while for a steam cleaner the main and only function is quick and high-quality cleaning of all possible surfaces.
In appearance, a steam generator resembles an iron on a platform, while a steam cleaner looks more like a mop or vacuum cleaner.

Types of steam generators

Having determined in what conditions and volumes you plan to use the steam generator, you can choose the type of device that best suits your needs.

Manual

A compact, inexpensive, low-power option, perfect for taking with you on a business trip or on vacation. In everyday life, such a device can also easily correct the appearance of clothes made from light fabrics or curtains, wash a window, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to carry out global work on ironing bed linen or terry towels due to its low power, and even due to the lack of a boiler and absolutely small water tank.

Floor-standing

Floor-standing steam generators are expensive, large-sized, powerful ironing units, with a large water tank standing on the floor and a clothes rail. The ironing process itself is carried out using a light iron. Such systems are characterized by high productivity and are suitable for large-scale ironing.

Pump steam generators

The operating principle of a pump steam generator is based on a sharp increase in pressure in the steam chamber due to the rapid heating of water in the boiler. Through the release valve, steam comes out sharply and provides better smoothing due to more steam.

Combined

The combination steam generator includes all the best features of a steamer and a steam cleaner.

It is important to know! This is a multifunctional station for the highest quality treatment of all surfaces and ironing of clothes, which contains all kinds of attachments that meet the needs of the most demanding housewives in terms of cleanliness and order. The devices also have a fairly high price.

How to use the device correctly?

Using a steam generator at home will not cause any difficulties; the main thing is to follow safety precautions, procedures and take into account some operating features.

Filling with water

Before starting work, the first thing you need to do is pour water into the tank:

Follow the scale to ensure you pour enough liquid. The required volume of water is indicated in the instructions for the device.
Water containers can be removable or stationary. You can pour water directly from the tap into the removable tank by disconnecting it from the main device. You will have to pour into a non-removable tank using a glass; you cannot place the device under the tap.
When steaming clothes, do not add various chemical liquids, fragrances or starch to the water.
Try not to fill water above the maximum level.
Monitor evaporation and add liquid in time.
It is advisable not to leave residual water in the boiler for a long time after use.

Warming up and preparing for work

Plug in the device and wait for it to heat up completely, this will take a few minutes. The device is usually equipped with an audible signal or indicator to indicate that the device is ready.

Attention! The steam heats up to high temperatures and, if handled carelessly, can cause skin burns, so try not to use the device close to children and animals and keep your face and hands away from steam.”

After the notification, you can begin ironing or steaming.

Ironing

Before you start ironing, you need to set the mode switch to the position appropriate for the type of fabric, unless the steam generator is equipped with a special mode that allows you to iron all types of fabric.

In addition to standard modes such as “cotton” or “synthetic”, some models are equipped with special economical modes. To begin ironing, point the iron at the fabric and press the steam button.

Horizontal

The process of smoothing in a horizontal position is similar to ironing with a regular iron, while steam is supplied without interruption and in large quantities.

Advice! To remove condensation from the hose that has accumulated after a few minutes of inactivity, simply press the handle several times to release steam.

Vertical steam

For vertical steaming you need:

hang clothes on a hanger;
run the iron downwards from the top of the product, slightly stretching the fabric;
curtains are steamed on curtains, pulling them first in the center and then from the bottom;
For delicate items, choose a gentle low-temperature mode.

Shutdown

Having completed work with the device, the iron must be placed back on the stand. Unplug the appliance and make sure it has cooled down, then drain the water from the container. Place the cord in the appropriate compartment and fix the iron on the stand.

Adding water during operation

Not all steam generators allow you to add water during the working process, so if you need to add water during ironing, be sure to unplug the device to avoid burns. Fill with water as usual and turn on the device again.

If there is a screw-on valve, first open it slightly to release steam, wait until the device cools down and only then fill the tank with water.

On our website you can read how to use a Karcher steam cleaner.

Do you use tap water for the steam generator?

Not really

Caring for your household appliance

Basic rules for caring for a steam generator include the correct choice of water and timely removal of scale deposits in order to keep the heating element in working condition and to prevent the formation of stains and streaks on clothes.

Choice of water

Modern devices allow the use of water from the water supply to fill the tank, but it all depends on its hardness. If the hardness index is high, then scale will form at an increased rate and will eventually damage the device.

What kind of water is suitable for use:

To soften hard water, it must be purified by filtration, or replaced with distilled water, diluted in half with plain water.
It is possible to use a special liquid for irons, but this option is too expensive.
Another acceptable option is demineralized water.

It is important to know! For the steam generator, it is not recommended to use bottled water from the store, natural water from a well, boiled or melted water, as they contain a large amount of residual salts and impurities.

Anti-scale

Removing scale from the surface of the iron and from the heating element should be carried out regularly, after approximately every tenth use and in accordance with the instructions for the device. Expensive models have self-cleaning functions that make cleaning the device easier. Very strong deposits on the heater should be taken to a service center.

Attention! Manufacturers do not recommend using acetic acid and descaling agents for cleaning.

The descaling process usually does not take much time with the built-in “Cleaning” mode. If this mode is not available, simply heat the boiler to maximum temperatures and use the lever to empty the container over the sink. This article will tell you how to clean a Philips steam generator from scale, this article will tell you how to clean it from Tefal.

As you can see, the device is really useful and easy to use, the main thing is to be careful when working with hot steam and promptly and correctly descale the device. If we consider that the scope of effective use of a steam generator is much wider than other similar devices, and it alone can replace several devices, this makes it a unique universal and indispensable device in everyday life.

Cleaning the steam generator

When using hard water, the heating element becomes covered with limescale. The fact that the device is clogged is indicated by yellow streaks remaining on the fabric after treatment, as well as white brittle flakes of lime blown out of the steam holes.

How to quickly clean a steam generator:

Pour 1 liter of hot water into the container, add a packet of citric acid (20-30 g) and mix thoroughly.
Pour the solution into the steam generator tank.
They wait for a quarter of an hour, after which they start the device in maximum steam production mode.
Place a rag on a hard surface and begin to treat it with the escaping steam until all the water has boiled away.
Throw away the rags, pour water into the tank and start the device again for a quarter of an hour.
Drain the remaining liquid from the reservoir and rinse the container with water several times.

Instead of citric acid, you can also use a vinegar solution. If you use special products (“Antinacpin” and analogues), follow the instructions on the label.