We clean the steam generator from scale: citric acid, vinegar and other means to get rid of plaque

Which models cannot be cleaned?

Information on how to clean a steam generator at home is certainly useful, but not all models can be cleaned at home. Sometimes this can lead to dire consequences. There are two types of devices:

Pump-action,
Gravity flow.

Pump steam generators operate under high pressure, which ensures fast and effective results. They are equipped with a special button that allows you to release steam under pressure. This type of equipment cannot be cleaned at home; if scale forms or other problems, contact a service center.

Gravity-fed ones are another matter; they are less effective, but can be easily descaled at home. To do this, you can buy special products or use traditional methods. Mineral water, citric acid, vinegar and dishwashing detergent are often used. As you already understand, all the methods described below are only suitable for gravity models.

How can you clean a steam generator (steam iron, steamer) from scale?

Most modern models of steam generators (steamers, steam irons), such well-known brands as Tefal, Philips, Bosch, Karcher, Braun, have a special indicator that automatically triggers (a beep will sound or the indicator light will flash or light up) when descaling is required, and the steam iron itself may automatically stop working until cleaning is completed.

Once it is time to descale the clothes steamer (steam generator), you can use:

Cleaning with folk remedies

You can descale a steam generator at home using improvised means. They effectively cope with the task without damaging the working elements of the device. Next, we will look at the simplest and most effective cleaning methods.

Lemon acid

The procedure for cleaning the steamer with citric acid:

Prepare a solution of 1 liter of hot water and 25 g of lemon. Stir the ingredients until the crystals are completely dissolved.
Pour the solution into the reservoir and leave for 15-25 minutes.
Turn on the steamer to maximum temperature and run the steam mode until the liquid has completely evaporated. When cleaning the steam iron, iron unwanted cotton fabric.
At the end of the procedure, pour clean water into the tank, wait 15 minutes, and then drain. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times to completely wash away the citric acid crystals.

Citric acid will help you descale your device quickly, effectively and safely.

Vinegar

Instructions for cleaning a steam iron with vinegar solution:

Mix vinegar and water in equal proportions.
Fill the tank to 25%! and install it on the station.
Wait 20 minutes and then turn on the appliance at full power.
Set the steam setting and iron the unwanted fabric. This cleaning will additionally remove carbon deposits from the sole of the equipment.
Rinse the tank several times with clean water.

Cleaning a steamer with vinegar solution is effective and affordable, but the process is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. To avoid deterioration in health, carry out the procedure in a well-ventilated area.

Features of cleaning steam generators of different models

The choice of cleaning method depends on the type of steam generator. The pump device is easy to use and very effective, but very difficult to maintain. If you take the risk of cleaning it yourself, you can damage the device, so it is better to entrust such a delicate task to the service center specialists.

Gravity steam generators are not as efficient as pump steam generators, but they are easy to maintain and operate. You can clean the device yourself using special descaling compounds or home remedies.

The cleaning method also depends on the model and brand of the steam generator. Most devices from Tefal, Philips, and Bosch are equipped with a self-cleaning system. They can work with liquid of any quality, subject to regular preventive self-cleaning.

Modern models of steam irons are equipped with a self-cleaning system, which greatly facilitates maintenance and extends the service life of the equipment.

Instructions for using the cleaning system:

Fill the reservoir with water.
Set the maximum temperature and turn on the device.
Wait until the system is completely heated, and then turn off the equipment and install it above a bathtub or a special stand.
Press the dedicated button while holding the device horizontally. The steam coming out of the iron will remove dirt and scale accumulated in the tank.

Why is cleaning necessary?

During the operation of a steam station, the thin channels through which steam passes become clogged with lime deposits, which are formed from salts present in tap water. Scale creates a number of inconveniences, such as difficult passage of steam jets and the appearance of dirty stains and lime flakes on the laundry. This necessitates washing things, and if yellow spots form, it renders the item completely unusable. Many models of steam generators are equipped with a self-cleaning function, however, when using low-quality water, the system is not able to cope with scale on its own and requires outside help.

In addition to the appearance of stains and rusty smudges, the need to clean the device is indicated by extraneous sounds heard during steam generation, uneven steam supply and the presence of limestone fragments on the steamed surface.

Helpful tips for cleaning your steamer

When operating the steam generator, special attention should be paid to the following rules.

Do not clean pump devices at home

Some steam cleaners can be easily cleaned at home, using improvised or professional products. However, there are also those that need professional service. In particular, pump devices must not be cleaned at home.

Indicator

Some models of steam generators have an indicator that, blinking, notifies the owner of the household appliance that operation must be stopped immediately and the device must be cleaned. The fact is that if this is not done in a timely manner, the device can simply burn out.

Some steam generators are also equipped with a self-shut-off function. So, if too much scale accumulates, the device automatically turns off and will be ready for use again only after cleaning.

Using quality water

The steam generator should be filled exclusively with filtered liquid. It is also allowed to mix ordinary water with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio.

Tap water is also sometimes used, with the addition of special compounds to remove lime deposits.

Draining liquid after use

After the process of using the device is completed, it is imperative to remove the liquid from the reservoir. It is also recommended to wipe the outside of the equipment dry after completion of work.

What not to use

If the device has a Teflon or ceramic coating, you should not use products with abrasive particles or salt when cleaning, as such actions lead to scratches.

What is the danger of scale on a steam generator?

Despite the fact that modern models have a built-in purifier, the operating instructions for the equipment emphasize the need to use purified water. Since everyone chooses their own methods of water purification, there may be times when scale does form. During ironing, yellow streaks may remain, and when steaming, lime flakes may appear on the fabric.

If the water tank becomes clogged, the equipment may fail. The flow of dirty water will leave stains on the material being processed, which will have to be washed or a special fabric cleaner must be used. Using low-quality water can damage the device beyond repair.

What is the danger of scale

Scale formation causes a number of inconveniences. Lime deposits interfere with the functioning of the device, reducing its service life and capabilities. Lack of timely cleaning leads to irreversible damage to the device.

Another danger of scale is that during ironing dirty smudges, lime flakes and other traces remain on the laundry. This leads to the need to rewash clothes.

Dirt on the soleplate of the iron or in the water tank will cause yellow stains on the fabric.

Preventive measures

Very hard water is the main reason for the formation of large amounts of scale. Ordinary tap water contains a high concentration of alkaline earth metal compounds, which settle on the internal parts of the iron in the form of scale.

In order for the device to serve for a long time and not break down, it is necessary:

use water that has passed through a filter system, melted or distilled;
Clean the device at least 1-2 times a month;
drain the remaining water from the boiler after each ironing;
Do not clean the device with hard sponges or abrasives;
prevent the appearance of a diseased accumulation of scale; at the first signs of salt deposits in the steam generator, clean the device.

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To remove scale, do not use products containing hydrochloric acid.

Prevention measures

Compliance with simple rules is necessary in order to reduce the formation of scale and increase the service life of the electrical appliance. Only filtered water should be filled into the tank. This is due to its composition. It is known that tap or spring water contains salts and various impurities. Boiling is also not the best option. In the process of using such water, sediment often forms, which subsequently leads to the need to clean the electrical appliance.

Attention! Distilled water has a high vaporization temperature.

Electrical appliances should be cleaned about 2 times a month. It is not recommended to remove scale using hard sponges or abrasive substances. The use of cleaning products that contain hydrochloric acid is prohibited. The steam generator is stored away from heat sources.

Professional products

There are special products that help clean steam generators from scale. It is best to buy cleaners of the same brand as the steam heater. Some manufacturers, for example, Karcher, sell the cleaning product immediately along with the equipment. Green&Clean and Anti-scale have proven themselves well.

Important! Please read the instructions carefully before use. It tells you how to clean the steam generator without damaging the equipment.

Video

In order to understand the nuances of cleaning steam generators, check out the presented videos:

Young mother, wife and part-time freelancer. Being a lawyer by training, I am accustomed to collecting and providing the most complete and reliable information. Constantly improves in the professional field and strives for personal growth and development.

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Threads made of gold and silver, which were used to embroider clothes in the old days, are called gimp. To obtain them, the metal wire was pulled for a long time with pliers to the required fineness. This is where the expression “to drag out the rigmarole” came from - “to do long, monotonous work” or “to delay the completion of a task.”

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Stretch ceilings made of PVC film can withstand from 70 to 120 liters of water per 1 m2 of their area (depending on the size of the ceiling, the degree of its tension and the quality of the film). So you don’t have to worry about leaks from neighbors above.

The habit of using an automatic washing machine “sparingly” can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor in it. Washing at temperatures below 60℃ and short rinses allow fungi and bacteria from dirty clothes to remain on internal surfaces and actively multiply.

If your favorite things show the first signs of gestation in the form of untidy pellets, you can get rid of them using a special machine - a shaver. It quickly and effectively shaves off clumps of fabric fibers and returns things to their proper appearance.

Before removing various stains from clothing, you need to find out how safe the selected solvent is for the fabric itself. It is applied in a small amount to an inconspicuous area of the item from the inside out for 5-10 minutes. If the material retains its structure and color, you can move on to stains.

The easiest way to remove scale and carbon deposits from the soleplate of the iron is with table salt. Pour a thick layer of salt onto the paper, heat the iron to maximum and run the iron over the salt bed several times, applying light pressure.

Fresh lemon is not only suitable for tea: clean dirt from the surface of an acrylic bath by rubbing with half a cut citrus, or quickly wash the microwave by placing a container of water and lemon slices in it for 8-10 minutes at maximum power. The softened dirt can simply be wiped off with a sponge.

There are special traps to combat moths. The sticky layer with which they are covered contains female pheromones that attract males. By sticking to the trap, they are eliminated from the reproduction process, which leads to a decrease in the moth population.

Effectively clean nests and water tank

As soon as a coating in the form of salt crystals appears on the steam outlets, you need to immediately start cleaning. Otherwise, the holes will gradually become clogged, and the iron will work under tension, which will not do it any good. To implement the easiest and fastest way to clean a steam generator, you will need a clean cloth, water and table vinegar. Follow the instructions:

Dilute pure distilled water with 9% vinegar in equal proportions and pour into the tank. You need to fill it to 25% of the total capacity.
Now plug the iron into a power outlet and start ironing the fabric by turning on the steam generator function. Continue until the liquid is gone.
In difficult cases, some contaminants may remain, then pour a little vinegar into the tank and repeat the procedure.
Now repeat the same with clean water.

Every woman knows the smell of vinegar. It is caustic even in a cold state, let alone hot fumes. Therefore, in order not to harm your own health, carry out similar cleaning on the balcony; if you have a yard, it is better to do it there. As a last resort, ensure the room is well ventilated, stand by the window and get started.

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Cleaning a steam generator from scale with vinegar is not delicate and, with frequent use, can damage rubber and even plastic elements. Therefore, use only in cases where other options have not brought the desired result.

Rules for cleaning at home

How to clean the device yourself? Citric acid removes scale well. To prepare the solution you need the following ingredients:

hot water (40 degrees) - 1 l;
citric acid - 25g.

It is necessary to mix the solution thoroughly so that all the crystals dissolve, and then begin cleaning the steam generator. The cleaning rules are as follows:

The resulting mixture must be poured into a tank intended for water. If the device has a capacity larger than 1 liter, you can proportionally increase the ingredients to the required volume.
Leave the solution in the tank for 20 minutes.
Turn on the steam generator at maximum temperature.
Start the operating mode with steam release until all the liquid has evaporated. If citric acid is used as an iron cleaner, it is advisable to iron unwanted fabric or old cotton clothing while cleaning.
After the solution has completely evaporated, add clean water and leave in operating mode for 10-15 minutes.
Drain off any remaining liquid and rinse with purified water twice more.

Along with lemon juice, acetic and hydrochloric acids can act as a cleaner.

Methods for cleaning the steamer soleplate

Often the cause of steam generator contamination is not only scale, but also carbon deposits on the base of the device. This problem can lead to damage to fabrics during ironing and damage to your favorite items. To avoid this, clean the surface in a timely manner using one of the methods presented.

Paraffin and salt

Cleaning procedure:

Combine crushed paraffin with fine salt and pour onto a sheet of white paper.
Plug in the iron and use a heated soleplate to iron the mixture until the molten substance covers the entire surface.
Wipe the cooled iron with a soft, dry cloth.

Dishwashing liquid

To clean the surface from carbon deposits, lime flakes and stains, wipe the sole with a sponge soaked in a weak soap solution. The device should be cleaned in a cold state to prevent dirt from burning even more. After cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft cloth and you can use the ironing device for its intended purpose.

You can clean the soleplate of the iron using regular detergent and a kitchen sponge, which every housewife has in her kitchen.

other methods

The following products will help get rid of carbon deposits, rust and other marks on the soleplate of the iron:

soda _ Combine 100 ml of distilled water (or vinegar) and 2 tsp. soda Rub the resulting paste onto the slightly heated soleplate of the iron, and then clean the surface with a soft piece of cloth;
toothpaste . The available product will effectively clean the soleplate and steam outlets. Polish the surface with a cotton pad and toothpaste, and then wipe with a clean cloth;
hydrogen peroxide . Soak cotton wool in a medical product and treat the surface. This product is suitable for irons with ceramic soles.

Cleaning methods at home

The equipment must work without failures and ensure the performance of direct functions. The service life depends on proper care and operation. There are different types of steam generators, and some can be cleaned yourself, while others cannot.

The pump device provides for the release of steam under high pressure by pressing a special button. This steamer is very convenient and effective, but it is unlikely that it can be descaled at home. There is a high risk of damaging the equipment, so it is better to opt for service.
The gravity-fed device is not as effective, but not difficult to maintain. In order to get rid of scale and carbon deposits, it is enough to use special descaling products or prepare a mixture at home.

Let's start by finding out what types of steam generators there are. There are two of them:

pump-action – the accumulated steam comes out in a powerful stream when you press the button;
flow-through - steam constantly flows to the fabric, evaporating from the boiler.

The second type does not have complex systems, so you can clean it at home. The process is divided into two stages: cleaning the boiler itself, and then the iron.

Clean the steam generator when it is cold, following these steps.

Empty the water from the boiler.
Unscrew the descaling valve.
Pour diluted boiler cleaner into the hole.
Return the valve to its place and close the tank.
Having set the maximum heating, turn on the device.
Iron the fabric that you don’t mind, constantly applying steam. When pure steam comes out, you need to stop ironing.
Turn off the iron and let it cool.
Drain the cooled water and rinse the container.
Close the valve and wipe the device.

If your appliance is heavily clogged with lime, small pieces of limescale may jump out of the holes during cleaning, creating splashes. You need to act carefully so that boiling water does not get on your skin: do not point the sole in your direction or at others. An iron with a built-in water tank can be cleaned in a variety of ways. Now we'll tell you about them.

To clean the Teflon coating on the sole of the iron, you need to heat it a little and then rub it with laundry soap. Then take a wooden or plastic spatula and remove the resulting coating. The carbon deposits will be removed along with it.

Instead of soap, dishwashing detergent applied to a sponge is suitable. You need to slightly heat the iron, unplug it and wipe the soleplate. At the end of cleaning, the sole should be rinsed and dried.

Lemon acid

Citric acid is the most gentle substance and does not have such an aggressive reaction as vinegar. Take 30 g of citric acid (powder) per glass and stir. The solution is poured into the water tank and allowed to stand for about 15 minutes, after which it is turned on to maximum. Lightly shaking the iron, steam the unwanted piece of fabric until the water has completely evaporated. After turning it off, let the iron cool and rinse it.

All that remains is to wipe the device - and that’s it. Now you can check the quality of cleaning on unwanted material. Fill the reservoir with water, wait for the heating indicator to go out and iron the fabric. If there are no dirty stains or pieces of lime left on it, then the cleaning can be considered successful.

Antiscale

To clean the device using a special anti-scaling product, you don’t need to invent anything special. Take the package of the substance (tablet, powder or gel) and read the instructions. Dissolve the concentrate in water and act according to the instructions.

Using vinegar removes lime and rust from the iron soleplate. The solution is prepared from 200 ml of vinegar and 1 liter of distilled water. Then clean the tank as described in the case of citric acid (evaporate the solution from the boiler at maximum power).

To clean the sole we need a deep container like a baking tray.

Having placed the back part of the sole on a raised surface (0.5 cm), fill the dishes to a height of 1.5-2 cm.
We set the structure to heat up, and set the regulator on the iron to the “max” position.
Bring to a boil, let cool, then rinse the sole.

If you are satisfied with the quality of cleaning, dry the iron and test iron on unnecessary fabric.

Mineral water

Mineral water can also remove scale. To do this, you need to pour mineral water into the boiler. Then you need to heat the device to maximum and iron the unnecessary fabric, constantly releasing steam. When all the water has evaporated, the device must be turned off and allowed to cool. After this, you need to rinse the inside of the container, tighten the valve and wipe the device. Ready.

Soda

Soda is a solution of vinegar and soda. The fact is that when these two substances are mixed, a violent reaction occurs with the release of gas bubbles. To clean the soles from plaque, you need to add 20 g of soda to 100 ml of vinegar and wipe the warm surface with this solution.

Descaling Philips steam generators can be divided into 3 options:

Using the self-cleaning function.
Subject to the use of folk remedies.
With the help of special drugs.

Depending on the selected steam generator model, the methods for descaling it will vary. If the device is equipped with an ANTI-CALC cartridge, then it will need to be replaced to get rid of limescale.

The iron will notify you about the accumulation of limescale in several ways:

the indicator will light up;
a sound signal will appear;
the device will stop producing steam.

Replacing the cartridge is not difficult. The procedure is carried out in several stages:

The device is removed from the base. It is inside it that the cartridge is located.
It is taken out, the rubber pad, which is located at the top, is removed from the old part.
The new cartridge is placed in the hole on the base station, not forgetting to put the rubber pad on it.
The lid is closed.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with how you can descale your iron.

To use it, you need to perform the following algorithm of actions:

Unplug the device and wait until it cools down completely.
Prepare a container to collect water. Its capacity should not be less than 0.25 liters.
The Easy De-Calc Plus valve is turned in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction. After removing it, the water is drained. Salt deposits will be visible in it.
The valve is returned to its place.

To completely descale the appliance, it is recommended to perform a deep cleaning. It should be done at least once a month. The procedure is carried out after draining the water from the Easy De-Calc Plus valve.

It goes like this:

Pour 0.5 liters of clean water into the tank.
The valve is put in place.
The device is connected to the network.
After heating it, the fabric begins to steam until the water has completely evaporated.
After ironing is completed, the device is disconnected from the network. When it cools down, the water is drained from it.

Cleaning the Philips steam generator model with the Smart function:

The reservoir is filled halfway with water.
The device is connected to the network.
Place the iron in a special container to drain water and release steam (it is included in the kit).
Press and hold the button labeled Calc Clean for 2 seconds. After this time, the device should beep.
Leave the device in the container for 2 minutes. Steam and water with scale will come out of it.
When cleaning is complete, the device stops beeping.

How to clean the sole?

There are several methods used to clean the soleplate of an iron. The choice of a more optimal method depends on the degree of contamination and the surface material. So, for a Teflon coating, laundry soap is well suited, which is used to rub the heated sole, after which the resulting layer is removed along with carbon deposits . Instead of soap, you can use dishwashing detergent, which is applied to a sponge, then wipe the heated sole with it. In this case, all actions to clean the sole should be carried out only after disconnecting the iron from the mains.

Devices with a regular stainless surface can be easily cleaned with salt and paraffin. To do this, paraffin is thoroughly crushed, mixed with fine salt and scattered on a white sheet. The iron is heated, then the sheet is ironed until the mixture completely covers the sole of the iron. Next, the device is disconnected from the network, and after it has completely cooled down, wipe the sole with a soft cloth.

A mixture containing vinegar, water, soda and toothpaste has a good effect. The resulting composition is treated with the sole of the iron, and then wiped dry with a clean cloth. If you need to scrub off burnt synthetics, use acetone, not forgetting to open the window. Small spot stains on ceramic soles can be easily removed with cotton swabs soaked in hydrogen peroxide.

To clean non-stick coatings, you can use a mixture of ammonia and water, taken in a ratio of 1:10.

Effective means

Professional products

Today there are many products on sale for cleaning household appliances from carbon deposits and scale. Their advantage is the speed of cleaning, and also the fact that there is no need to prepare separate compositions. You simply pour the finished liquid from the bottle into the steam generator tank and use the device after a short time.

Vinegar + citric acid

Those who want to save money and eliminate the use of aggressive chemicals in everyday life can safely use vinegar and acid.

Soap solution

A soap solution is also used as a gentle cleaning agent that removes carbon deposits from the soleplate of the device. This is especially true for Teflon coating. It is necessary to mix liquid soap and water in a ratio of 1:3, respectively, moisten the sponge with the mixture and thoroughly wipe the contaminated surface.

Vinegar + soda

A soda-vinegar solution does an excellent job of removing limescale. Mix 20 g of soda with 100 ml of vinegar and wipe the resulting mixture on a slightly heated surface. The Teflon coating can be cleaned with laundry soap. To do this, slightly heat the steam iron and rub the soap on the sole, then remove the resulting deposit with a wooden spatula. Along with the soap, the carbon deposits will also be removed.

Rules for cleaning the steam generator

Cleaning a steam generator is a very delicate operation and will require special attention. First of all, you need to study the manufacturer's instructions, since most modern models have special filters or devices for collecting scale.

If the steam generator is equipped with such protective equipment, then it must have the function of giving a light signal about the accumulation of limescale. Some devices will turn off automatically if they are heavily soiled. After receiving the signal, disconnect the device from the power supply and leave it for 2 hours until it cools completely. Next, you need to deal with the cleaning system of the protective element.

Usually we are talking about a plastic valve that can be unscrewed and washed with running water. It was he who collected the calcified substances that got with the water. After cleaning, the valve returns to its place and the device continues to operate as before.

Expensive models of steam generators with irons have a self-cleaning function that must be turned on when the indicator light appears. During the cleaning process, manufacturers recommend placing a special container to collect dirty water with lime particles. When the process is completed, it is recommended to fill the boiler with clean water and iron the unnecessary piece of cloth on which plaque particles may remain.

If the steam generator model is not equipped with protective valves for collecting scale, which can be washed separately, then it is best to purchase a specialized Anti-scale product at a hardware store.

It can be diluted with clean water, poured into a cold boiler and left for a couple of hours. Next, you need to turn on the device to maximum heat and iron the old fabric until the liquid evaporates completely. If the steam generator device allows you to rinse it and drain the water, then after the cleaning procedure it is better to rinse the container.

Similar procedures can be carried out with wet cleaning boilers equipped with a mop.

Tips for care and use

Tefal steam generators are usually equipped with a powerful cleaner, so you can safely use tap water. The only disadvantage of the protective function is the appearance of yellow flakes when using water with a high salt content. In this case, it is better to use purchased clean water. The tank can be cleaned like a regular container, rinsed under running water.

Philips household steam generators are equipped with built-in descaling systems. They are called differently in different models, but the essence is the same: when a certain indicator on the device starts flashing, a cleaning procedure should be carried out. It is performed according to the operating instructions for a specific device and, as a rule, takes no more than 2 minutes. If cleaning does not occur, the steam generator will automatically turn off the steam function.

Although Philips has developed a special self-cleaning function, if you regularly use low-quality water, thin and curved channels prevent the release of flakes that form in the tank. Since the purifier does not always cope with the complex chemical composition of water, it is important to prevent the presence of liquid residues in the tank after completion of work and periodically rinse the container.

With careful operation of equipment, following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can ensure a long service life. It is important to correctly select the technical characteristics of the equipment that would meet the requirements of the future application.

Modern steamers are equipped with self-cleaning systems, and different manufacturers have different designs. To descale a Philips steam generator, inside of which there is a special container for collecting sediment, you need to lower the lock carriage down on the back panel of the iron and remove the container from the iron. This needs to be done over the sink. After cleaning it from plaque, wipe it and put it in place, then lock the lock by lifting the lock up.

In order to clean the Tefal steam generator at home, you need to use the SelfClean button. To clean, fill the iron completely with water and plug it in, holding it over a sink or basin. Set the ironing and steaming mode to maximum, wait until the heating indicator goes out. After this, press the SelfClean button, holding it in this position until all the water has drained out.

Water will leak out of the iron - don't be alarmed. At first it will be brown or flaky. Transparency will gradually return: this means that the iron has been cleaned. If you are satisfied with the result, rinse the tank, fill it with water and do a test ironing. If not, repeat the cleaning again.

Some models of Philips irons equipped with a DE-CALC indicator can be cleaned in the same way as Tefal. You can understand that it is time for cleansing when you see a flashing light. Modern irons with steam generators can not only give signals that you need to get rid of scale, but also turn off completely. If this happens to you, don’t worry: this is how the breakdown protection system works. Clean the device from lime and it will turn on.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with the automatic washing machine not heating the water - reasons

So that the steam generator does not have to be urgently rescued, there is no need to bring it to this state. Here are a few tips that you can follow to extend the life of your equipment and keep it in good shape:

Rinse the device with clean water before and after use. Drain off the remaining liquid.
Do not try to clean pump steam generators at home - use the services of service centers.
Fill the device only with clean, soft water, preferably distilled or filtered.
If finances allow, you can purchase a water softener. They are sold in household chemical departments.
When cleaning the surface of the steam generator, do not use metal sponges or brushes.
Harsh, abrasive products are contraindicated with Teflon and ceramic coatings.
Salt should also not be used for cleaning.
Always place the steam generator with its nose facing up.
Before first use, read the instructions for use and manufacturer's recommendations.

Using a Philips steam generator results in scale formation. This process is inevitable if ordinary tap water is poured into the device. The harder it is, the faster the salts clog the tank.

To avoid failure of the device, you need to regularly descale it. Our recommendations will tell you how to clean the Philips steam generator from scale inside.

How to use the self-cleaning function?

If the steam generator is equipped with a self-cleaning system, its service life will be much longer than without it. Before starting work, you must carefully study the operating instructions, because each system has its own characteristics:

“Anti calc” – an anti-calc rod is installed on the steam switch, which purifies the water by retaining magnesium and calcium salts;
“Self clean” - the system is located between the tank and the pump, its installation requires a self-cleaning filter;
“Calc clean” – the self-cleaning function is launched by pressing a special button installed on the steam generator.

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How to properly use the “Self clean” and “Calc clean” options:

Purified or distilled water is poured into the steam generator tank.
Set the maximum temperature on the display and connect the device to the network.
Wait until the water is completely heated.
Hold the steam generator over the sink, shake it periodically and press the self-cleaning button.
The above steps are carried out 2 times.

If the device has a filter, clean it separately by soaking it in vinegar for 30-40 minutes , then rinse under running water.

Some models have filter cartridges located in special compartments. To replace a used cartridge, just:

open the compartment;
remove the old filter;
install a new cartridge;
close the compartment cover.

Rules for using the Anti calc system:

Remove the rod from the device.
In a glass of water, stir 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 dessert spoon of citric acid.
Immerse the rod in the acid solution for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse under the tap.
Install the rod into the apparatus.

If you ignore the self-cleaning function and do not use it, the device will quickly fail. If you regularly use the steam generator, the self-cleaning system must be turned on every 2 weeks.

Recommendations for caring for the steam generator

Expensive models of steam generators are equipped with a self-cleaning system. They work on different principles. For example, Philips electrical appliances have a container that collects all the sediment. After filling, it is removed and simply washed with water.

For ease of maintenance of devices, the manufacturer provides service functions and convenient devices

Some Philips and Tefal models have the SelfClean function. To use it, the tank is filled with water. The steam generator is held over the sink, turned on at full power, and the key for this function is pressed. The procedure is carried out until pieces of dirt with hard crumbs fly along with the steam.

To reduce the likelihood of scale formation, distilled or purified water is poured into the tank. Some manufacturers equip their devices with a built-in filter. However, they do not always do their job reliably or until the end of the product’s warranty period. It's better to play it safe and not place high hopes on the filter.

This video will help even an inexperienced person to clean the inside of the steam generator well:

Lemon acid

Citric acid is one of the most popular anti-scale agents.

There are several ways to clean a steam generator.

Method 1

Dilute 1 tbsp. l. acid in 1 liter of water.
Pour the resulting liquid into the reservoir.
After 20 minutes, switch the device to maximum steam mode and leave it until the liquid has completely evaporated.
Rinse the device well.
Pour in clean water and evaporate it.

Method 2

In particularly advanced cases, you should disassemble the steam heater and clean it manually from the inside. It is recommended to use this method at least once every 2 years.

The action plan is:

Disassemble the device with a screwdriver. This must be done carefully, preferably according to the instructions.
Wipe off the dust with a dry cloth.
1 tsp. dissolve citric acid in 1 tbsp. hot boiled water.
Seal all holes in the work surface with tape.
Pour the solution into the boiler. An active reaction will begin and foam will flow out of the holes. It is important to ensure that it does not get on the wires and contacts, and to wipe off any excess with a sponge.
Leave the liquid in the steam generator for half an hour.
Drain the solution along with the removed lime.
Rinse equipment with warm water.
You can clean small holes and hard-to-reach places with a thin brush dipped in lemon juice solution.
Assemble the steam generator, remove the remaining tape and iron a test waste cloth.

Instead of lemon juice, you can use any other descaling agent: Antiscale, vinegar or soap.

Important! Keep in mind that the fumes from vinegar and citric acid smell sharp and unpleasant. Therefore, during the procedure, it is recommended to open the window and turn on the hood.

How to descale a steamer yourself

During operation of the steamer, scale forms. If you do not clean the device on time, it will lose its working qualities, and in the future it may completely fail. Let's figure out how to clean the device from scale using professional and folk remedies.

Cleaning a gravity steamer

Cleaning a gravity (manual) type generator is easy and simple. The operation of these devices is comparable to a conventional electric kettle. Water is constantly supplied to the heating element, forming a powerful stream of steam. Devices of this type can be safely and easily cleaned.

The heating element itself needs cleaning. During operation, alkali metal salts that are part of the water settle on it.

Acidic liquids will help get rid of alkali. You can clean a gravity clothes steamer at home with the following substances:

Lemon acid. To do this, you need to make a solution: dissolve 1 sachet of acid (25 grams) in a glass of distilled water.
Vinegar. It is enough to stir 100 grams of table vinegar in one glass of water.
Mineral water and other carbonated drinks. The chemical acid they contain will quickly and effectively remove scale.

To clean the steamer, just pour one of the indicated solutions into it and heat it. It is recommended to use only colorless liquids. After using any of the products, the steamer and all its parts must be rinsed with clean water.

Professional products for gravity flow devices

If you are afraid of ruining your clothes steamer, it is better to use professional products. You can buy them at hardware stores and household appliance stores. The most effective drug is a concentrated liquid product that is poured into the device.

Such drugs should be used with caution, strictly following the instructions for use, as they are toxic and caustic. You can also use cleaners for irons and electric kettles

How to clean a pump steamer

This model of clothing steamer is a complex device. In some of them, water is heated in portions until steam formation. The liquid flows by gravity or is pumped by a pump.

It is impossible to clean a steamer with a pump from scale in the walls of the house. It is better to entrust such a responsible task to a specialist.

Scale formation in pump generators occurs not only on the heating element. Also suffer:

walls of a water storage tank;
pump parts.

Cleaning a steamer with a pump yourself will only lead to equipment breakdown. Therefore, if you do not have the appropriate knowledge, it is better not to take dubious actions.

You can always contact the service department, where professionals will quickly rid your clothes steamer of scale. The cost of this procedure is low. It is recommended to clean the device once a year.

Prevention

Scale formation occurs due to using the wrong water. If it is hard in your region, then it is better to pour distilled liquid into the steamer. You can buy it at hardware stores. Simply filtered water will do, but contamination will sooner or later make itself felt, but not so quickly.

It is also recommended to use a magnetic water converter. A small metal tube is installed on the pipe of a pump steamer for clothes, inside of which a special magnet is inserted, which prevents salts from settling.

Remember, you can clean the clothes steamer yourself using all of the above means. But it is not a fact that they will not harm the device.

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How does a steam cleaner work?

The cleaning device is equipped with a container of water, which turns into hot steam under the influence of high temperature. It comes out under pressure through the small holes of the device. What surfaces can be cleaned using a steam cleaner? This question can be answered briefly. Almost any surface can be cleaned with this device. The steam cleaner can be used when washing:

wooden floors, laminate flooring; linoleum, ceramic tiles;
radiators and heating batteries;
washable wallpaper;
tiles and accessories in the bathroom;
windows, mirrors, glass.

Can be cleared:

Furniture from pet hair, oven, refrigerator, stove surface, hood, microwave from the inside.
A powerful jet of hot steam can easily get rid of old grease from kitchen utensils and clean household appliances in the kitchen.
It is convenient to iron clothes with frills and flounces, and you can not wash tulles and curtains, but clean them with steam without removing them from the windows. The device leaves no traces when ironing.
With this device it is convenient to clean soft toys, sofas, rugs and carpets.
The car interior will be cleared of unpleasant odors.

In addition to washing and cleaning, the power of powerful steam disinfects surfaces. A steam generator will help remove old wallpaper from the wall during repairs.