How to clean the steamer from scale at home?

The iron or its modern modification - a steam generator, as well as a clothes steamer, reliably took their place in every house, because no family neglects the smooth appearance of their clothes. Now imagine a situation when such a thing necessary on the farm ceases to fulfill its functions or splashes of dirty water begin to fly out of steam holes, leaving spots on your favorite items. All this can happen if you pour untreated tap water into the steamer. In the article we will tell you how to clean the steamer from scale at home, because it is because of the coating on the walls of the tank, in the steam channels and ironing holes, the operation of the device is deteriorating. Why the Karcher steamer spits, let's look below.

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Which steamers can be cleaned and which can not?

How to descale? Before you clean the steamer from scale, choose the method and means, you need to figure out what type your steamer belongs to. It depends on how the apparatus is arranged and whether it can be cleaned at home.

Steamers come in various types.

Simple models

In simple devices, the process of steam generation resembles the operation of a conventional electric kettle. That is, in such devices, the entire volume of water is immediately heated and scale deposits on all surfaces that come in contact with boiling liquid. To clear of limescale such a model is quite simple.

As well as for an electric kettle, folk remedies are used for this: vinegar, citric acid or household chemicals, for example, “Antinakipin”. We will tell you more about the methods of using the funds below.

Complex devices

In some devices, the water heats up and turns into steam in small portions. Portions of water are supplied to the heater either by gravity (without pressure), or by means of a pump (pump). In the pump-type model, the sound of the pump is heard - it is either constant or at intervals.

Of course, working with such devices is very comfortable, since you can quickly get the desired result. However, such devices have a minus - it is impossible to clean the steamer from scale, if it is equipped with a pump, at home:

1. Firstly, scale, in such devices, settles not only on the heating element, but also on the walls of the water tank and pump parts.
2. Secondly, if you pour a cleaning solution, this will lead to a breakdown of the device, since acid is harmful to the plastic and rubber parts of the device.

Important! A detailed description of the types of steamers, their design, safety rules when working with them and many other useful information can be found in our separate publication“How to use a garment steamer?”.

Tip one - contact a specialist in the repair of household appliances. It is they who can disassemble the equipment into parts and clean all the elements from scale.

Important! The latest models of devices with a pump system have a self-cleaning function. From time to time, turn on the self-cleaning mode so that steam under strong pressure removes all contaminants from the complex system of the unit. In addition, it is a good prevention from scale.

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How to descale a household steamer?

The methods for cleaning the tank of such household appliances are no different from the same procedure for other household appliances. Scum steamer can be cleaned at home using well-known methods and means. Consider them.

Method number 1. Citric acid or vinegar

The precipitate is perfectly removed by boiling water with the addition of citric acid or vinegar.

Clean as follows:

1. Dilute a small amount of citric acid (vinegar) in hot water (25 g of acid per glass of boiled water).
2. Carefully pour the solution into the water tank.
3. Heat the appliance to maximum.
4. Shake and press the “Steam Out” button.
5. Keep the device above a suitable container so that all contaminants are removed into it.
6. Continue the procedure until the liquid has completely evaporated.
7. Drain the remaining solution.
8. Rinse the water tank thoroughly from acid solution.

Important! The cleaning procedure can also be carried out using vinegar. In a glass of boiled water, dilute 100 grams of vinegar. Vinegar, when heated, destroys the hard layer of scale. One drawback is the pungent odor that is released during the cleaning process. Therefore, carry out this procedure in a well-ventilated area.

Method number 2. Mineral water

Limescale lends itself perfectly to plain mineral water. The method is very effective and harmless for plastic parts of the device. Therefore, you can use it safely to clean the steamer from scale at home.

This method is implemented quite simply:

1. Fill the water tank with mineral water.
2. Heat the device to maximum temperature.
3. Hold the unit over a container or sink and press the “Steam Out” mode.
4. Continue the process until the mineral water has completely evaporated.
5. Repeat the same cleaning process with plain boiled water.

Important! You can use for cleaning such drinks as Coca-Cola, Sprite, and 7-UP. But it is better to use colorless carbonated drinks. After cleaning, rinse the device very thoroughly to remove any remaining drinks.

Method number 3. Special tools

In addition to folk remedies, you can use special chemical products, which include additives that promote gentle cleansing. In household departments or specialty stores, purchase special solutions for cleaning steamers and steam generators.

The method of application does not differ from the above, and the effect will be the same, but you will be calmer, since you did everything “according to the rules” and instructions.

Important! If you have a steam generator at home, then do not risk it with improvised means to protect yourself from expensive repairs, and the household steam station from premature breakdown. Use only high-quality specialized cleaners, as the steam generator has a very complex structure and requires a more serious approach.

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How to descale a garment steamer?

A garment steamer has firmly entered our lives, since with its help you can not only put your clothes in perfect order, but also destroy dust mites on pillows and mattresses. Using the device you can steam the drapery on sofas and chairs. The steamer performs the tasks that the iron cannot handle.

However, the unit requires special care. According to the instructions, the steamer must be cleaned once a month. If you use distilled or demineralized water for cleaning, this will reduce the frequency of cleaning.

Important! The purchase of a functional device such as a steam cleaner can replace the steamer in the house. This is thanks to the nozzles with which the device is equipped. If you decide to pay attention to this device, then we have prepared a special post in which you will find out what can be cleaned with a steam cleaner.

Cleaning technology

Before storage and during operation, the steamer must be cleaned. According to standard instructions, the procedure must be performed as follows:

1. Turn off the device. Turn the switch to the “OFF” position.
2. Unplug the cord from the outlet.
3. Allow the device to cool.
4. Disassemble the hose and telescopic stand.
5. Set the parts aside separately.
6. Take the base to the bathroom.
7. Remove the tank and drain the water.
8. Rinse the tank with clean water.
9. Dry it.
10. Remove water from the steamer - to do this, unscrew the drain plug and discard the contents.
11. To facilitate water flow, tilt the base in the direction of the drain hole.
12. Screw the drain plug back.
13. Rinse the base - to do this, fill the tank with fresh water and drain.
14. Assemble the device.

Descaling

Limescale deposits over time on the nodes and parts of the unit. Therefore, manufacturers of household appliances recommend monthly descaling of the steamer.

The descaling procedure is as follows:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Disconnect it from the network.
3. Wait for the unit to cool.
4. Prepare a vinegar solution: 1 part vinegar and 1 part water. Two cups are enough to clean.
5. Pour the solution slowly into the tank.
6. Set the tank to the base.
7. As soon as the solution pours into the base, leave the device for 40 minutes.
8. Drain the solution into the sink.
9. Pour plain water into the tank.
10. Drain the water.
11. Repeat the process of pouring and draining water until the smell of vinegar disappears.
12. Assemble the steamer.

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What kind of water to pour into the ironing system, steam generator, steamer?

Modern devices for ironing are unique devices with excellent quality, reliability and unsurpassed functionality. Therefore, it is so important to use the “right water” for the formation of steam, otherwise, with no less intensity than steam, scale will form. And this will lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the device and clogging of the holes on the sole.

Consider which water can be used and which not, on the following options:

1. Ordinary tap water. It cannot be used in its pure form. If your water tap is too hard, mix it with the purchased demineralized one: 1: 1.
2. Distilled water. Such a liquid is almost completely purified from salts, organic and other impurities. However, in distilled water, the boiling point is much higher than in ordinary, therefore it evaporates more difficult. Specialists do not recommend using clean distilled water for ironing, as the silicone coating in the evaporation chamber may be destroyed due to difficult vaporization. Use distilled water together with plain tap in a 1: 1 ratio, and if you have very hard water in the area, then in a 2: 1 ratio
3. Filtered water is perfect for steam technology.
4. Chilled boiled water contains a little sediment, and this can accelerate the deposition of plaque. Therefore, experts do not recommend using this water to form steam.
5. Special demineralized water. Use such water for steam equipment in diluted form. For example, with tap water in a ratio of 1: 1.
6. Water from a well or well. Experts do not recommend using water from artificial reservoirs not only for drinking, but also for any domestic purposes. In a well or well, even with a filter, particles of harmful microorganisms remain.
7. Bottled water is not recommended for steam devices - due to its high salinity.
8. Special flavored water for irons contains mineral or organic substances, which, when heated, increase their concentration and can damage the iron.

Useful Tips:

1. Steam generators with cartridges for softening water are available. In such devices, you can use ordinary tap water.However, if the water in your area is hard, then often not to change the cartridge, pour purified water into the device.
2. To summarize the above, use for pouring into steam units: ordinary filtered drinking water, diluted with distilled or special demineralized, also diluted with ordinary water.
3. You can also use ordinary tap water if you dilute Kalstop Polti descaling agent (Italy) in it. At each ironing, add 1 ampoule of the product to 5 liters of water.
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We hope that the information received helped you find an effective method of combating scale. But in order not to bring the matter to complex manipulations with acids and chemistry in the future, save your time and money, use the “right water” for steam devices and regularly carry out preventive measures.