How to descale a steamer at home

A clothes steamer is a compact and convenient device that runs on water. Those who use it often have a question about how to clean the steamer from scale at home. This is due to the fact that during operation, scale forms in the device inside the tank and around the heating element, which affects the quality of smoothing the fabric and can cause damage to the device.

There are simple and inexpensive ways to remove limescale from a device. Later in the article we will tell you more about them.

Ironing a shirt using a steamer

Several ways to clean your steamer at home

The methods for cleaning the steamer tank are no different from the same procedure for an electric kettle. Descaling is done using one of the methods well known to housewives.

• The sediment can be removed by boiling water with the addition of citric acid or vinegar. Instead of ordinary water, pour an acid solution into the tank and turn on the device for as long as it can operate without harm. After this, the remaining solution must be drained and the container thoroughly rinsed to remove the acidic solution. You can use a weak solution of soda to completely neutralize vinegar or citric acid, followed by rinsing the tank with clean water.
• Coca-Cola, Sprite or 7UP descale very well. It is better to use colorless carbonated drinks and rinse the device thoroughly to remove any residue.
• In the hardware departments of supermarkets or specialized stores, you can purchase special solutions for cleaning steam generators and steamers. The effect will be the same as from the methods described above, but you will be calmer: everything is “according to the rules.”

Which steam cleaner is best?

nozzle, point nozzle, standard nozzle, fabric nozzle covers, round brush, extension nozzle, nozzle for cleaning doors and windows. The device can be used for home SPA treatments to steam your face. However, you should not expect anything from him beyond his capabilities. Judging by the reviews, it does an excellent job of cleaning the surface of the stove and hood grate, but removing a large layer of fat in hard-to-reach places will be problematic. You will need to help with cleaning the blinds with a sponge.

Kärcher SC 1 1.516-260 is a popular model from a German manufacturer of cleaning equipment. Copes with cleaning tile joints, kitchen appliances, removes plaque from the walls of the shower cabin and faucets. Some users use a steam cleaner to clean grill grates and ovens. Productivity allows!

Black{amp}amp;Decker FSM1610 is not an ordinary steam cleaner model, which is a brush on a long rod. Designed specifically for cleaning floors and other large surfaces. It will be appreciated by those who care about the cleanliness of their home and the health of their loved ones. When treating floors, this steam cleaner kills 99.99% of bacteria without the use of chemicals.

This is especially true for pet owners. The steam cleaner is suitable for general and daily cleaning. The main condition is the tightness of the floor coverings. To make it more convenient to fill in water, the reservoir is removed from the mop. There is a tank backlight and a liquid level indicator. Convenience of work is ensured by the rotating working part - it rotates within 180°.

The model is suitable for caring for home textiles. In addition to the nozzles, the kit includes an anti-scale agent, which prevents the formation of scale in the tank. To protect against children, the steam supply is blocked. A light indicator signals when the water level is low, which will help to avoid overheating. Before choosing a steam cleaner for this type of home, consider the rationale behind the purchase.

Comparison chart of steam cleaners for home

*Prices are indicated for Moscow and the Moscow region as of January 2016.

Preventing scale formation

The instructions usually write what kind of water can be poured into the steamer tank. For pump devices, it is usually recommended to use only distilled water. Even high-quality filtered water is not suitable for these complex devices. In fact, distilled water is best used in all types of steamers.

Even if some models can be descaled yourself using improvised means, this does not mean that such cleaning does not harm the device.

It is better to avoid scale formation than to perform various manipulations with acids and household chemicals.

Clean cracks: radiators, seams, hood

There are many bottlenecks in cleaning: the seam between the sink and the countertop, baseboards, radiators, rubber on the refrigerator door, grout on the kitchen splashback. Furniture causes a lot of difficulties: dust gets clogged in the wooden grooves and behind the sofa cushions, and it is impossible to get it out with a cloth.

A narrow nozzle penetrates into the space between the batteries, and the steam washes away the dust so that many owners change their mind about updating the color of old radiators. The same thing happens with the hood: the non-removable parts remain dirty, even if the filter can be cleaned. The steam assistant penetrates into hard-to-reach places; you just need to wipe it with a cloth, because the steam destroys dirt, but does not absorb it.

Even a hand-held steam cleaner with a long nozzle with a power of 1200 W or more can handle this.

A steam cleaner cannot be used as a vacuum cleaner, but it replaces a mop and copes much better with tiles and tiles, especially if they are grooved. Vertical devices are designed for these purposes. The rotating brush picks up lint and small debris that the vacuum cleaner cannot handle.

How to clean a steam generator at home

Quite often housewives have a question about how to clean a steam generator at home without damaging the equipment. The device is used for ironing and steaming clothes; it is simple and effective to use, but during operation, owners are faced with the problem of scale formation. This is due to the low quality of water, which contains impurities of salts, lime and other contaminants.

You can clean the steamer at home yourself, using special descaling agents or home methods. The article contains effective methods for cleaning a steam generator that will return the device to cleanliness and allow it to function normally.

How to determine when it's time to clean

First, use only distilled water. Secondly, with regular use, regardless of whether scale has appeared or not, it is necessary to run automatic cleaning of the steamer. When you do not use the device for a long time, drain the water so that it does not stagnate and form a deposit. By following these simple recommendations, you won't even need to think about serious cleaning of your device.

Modern steam cleaners are equipped with pollution monitoring sensors. This means that the device simply will not work if scale has appeared, or will signal you about this with sound or light. If there is no sensor, then scale can be noticed simply visually, like on a kettle or pan.

It's time to clean your steamer if:

• the steam has acquired a brown tint or a strange smell,
• white or yellow stains remain on clothes,
• steam output has decreased,
• The device indicates contamination.

It is forbidden to clean the steamer with a pump yourself! Scale settles on the walls of the tank, on the heating element, and on the pump itself. Attempting to clean the pump manually without the appropriate skills will result in damage and void the warranty.

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.

Instructions for using the cleaning system:

1. Fill the reservoir with water.
2. Set the maximum temperature and turn on the device.
3. Wait until the system is completely heated, and then turn off the equipment and install it above a bathtub or a special stand.
4. 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.

Flaws

Price.
Most models are presented by German manufacturers. Therefore, the cost of a steam cleaner with a set of additional functions or attachments is high. Compliance with safety regulations. The work takes place with steam whose temperature exceeds 100 °C. If there are cracks in the supply tube or visible damage, do not turn on the electrical appliance and start working.

It is important to handle steam carefully while cleaning.

Not 100% effective. Even a powerful steam cleaner will not remove old, deeply ingrained dirt.

High humidity is dangerous for some surfaces

It is not recommended to use a steam generator to clean the seams of MDF cabinets. This leads to swelling in the area where the film is applied. Do not steam the joints of the window sill and the wall or window cracks with silicone. It lags behind and loses its insulating properties.

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:

1. Prepare a solution of 1 liter of hot water and 25 g of lemon. Stir the ingredients until the crystals are completely dissolved.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Vinegar

Instructions for cleaning a steam iron with vinegar solution:

1. Mix vinegar and water in equal proportions.
2. Fill the tank 25% and install it on the station.
3. Wait 20 minutes and then turn on the appliance at full power.
4. Set the steam setting and iron the unwanted fabric. This cleaning will additionally remove carbon deposits from the sole of the equipment.
5. 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.

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.”

The dishwasher cleans more than just plates and cups. You can load it with plastic toys, glass lamp shades and even dirty vegetables, such as potatoes, but only without using detergents.

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.

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:

1. Combine crushed paraffin with fine salt and pour onto a sheet of white paper.
2. Plug in the iron and use a heated soleplate to iron the mixture until the molten substance covers the entire surface.
3. 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.

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.

Preventive actions

You can protect your kitchen furniture from greasy and other contaminants if you regularly care for it, remove dust and stains using suitable tools and products.

It is advisable to observe the following rules:

• maintain moderate dryness and humidity in the room so that the furniture does not crack or become stained;
• try not to “burst” cabinet doors;
• Do not open alcohol or dye solutions on unprotected countertops;
• seal cracks in wood in a timely manner using beeswax;
• Remove fresh streaks and drops of paint or lime immediately using vegetable oil mixed with vinegar.

It is necessary to wipe the elements of the headset daily with a piece of flannel or velvet. Constant use of wet wipes may cause the material to become dull. Lacquered surfaces will not lose their shine if they are coated with wax, treated with a mixture of water and glycerin, and cleaned with a cloth soaked in milk. It is good to remove brilliant green and iodine with a regular eraser.

It is recommended to treat painted surfaces with soap or vinegar; solvents should not be used to remove stains, since the walls will have to be repainted. Wallpaper made of paper can be cleaned using a rubberized cloth.

Use of special means

Special products will help you clean the steam generator from scale. The most famous is “Antinakpin”, which is sold in the form of tablets, gel or powder and is suitable for cleaning household and industrial devices. When using it, you must strictly follow the instructions:

1. Dissolve the specified amount of product in distilled water.
2. Pour the solution into the tank and leave for half an hour.
3. Turn on the steam mode and iron the unwanted fabric until the liquid has completely evaporated.
4. Rinse the container with clean water.

Every housewife can clean a steamer at home. To avoid the problem of damaged equipment or clothing, carry out regular preventive cleaning and use distilled water.

Automatic cleaning

Many steamer models are equipped with a special self-cleaning function. For example:

1. "Philips". The steamer of this brand is cleaned once every three weeks. The process takes place using distilled water. It is poured into a special compartment, and the self-cleaning function turns on itself when it’s time to remove plaque.
2. "Bosch". The steamer from this company has mechanical self-cleaning. When a sufficient amount of scale has accumulated on the device, the option is activated automatically.
3. "Tefal". The steamer of this company has a self-cleaning function, which is carried out once a month. The process uses the same technology as the Philips model. Liquid is poured into the reservoir, and the device is cleaned at a certain time.

How to clean an iron with toothpaste?

Apply toothpaste to the warm surface of the burnt or dirty iron (but not hot, turn on only minimal heat). Apply toothpaste to the burnt area and vigorously clean the stained area with a toothbrush. After the iron has cooled, remove the toothpaste from the surface of the iron with a damp cloth.

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Sparkling water (vinegar + soda)

To clean the steam generator, do not use sweet soda from the store, but a solution of vinegar and soda. If you combine these two ingredients, you will see how violent the reaction will be with gas bubbles.

What to take:

• Vinegar (100 ml).
• Soda (20 g).
• A clean napkin.

What to do:

• Mix vinegar and soda.
• Turn on the steam generator and wait until it warms up a little.
• Wipe the warm sole with the solution.
• Remove any remaining mixture with clean water and wipe with a cloth.

Why does plaque form?

A clothes steamer is a special device. The electrical appliance allows you to iron various fabric items using a stream of hot steam. Household appliances are used in everyday life and professional institutions.

Typically a steamer includes:

• telescopic stand (with clothes hanger);
• steam supply hose;
• iron;
• steam generator in a plastic case.

The device has various modifications:

The electrical appliance resembles an iron, but is not a complete alternative. It allows you to smooth out products without the use of additional devices, such as a board. Using the device, you can add shine to clothes made from delicate fabrics.

The service life and quality of operation of the steamer depends on compliance with basic requirements. The device must be descaled regularly.

Limescale deposits form in household appliances whose operating mechanism involves heating water. In this case, deposits are released, usually including calcium and magnesium, as well as other impurities. The appearance of plaque on the walls of the device can cause its breakdown and the presence of stains on clothing.

Attention! Cleaning the steamer from scale is a necessary procedure. It should be performed regularly, as indicated in the operating instructions for the device.