Rules and methods for quickly cleaning a steam generator at home

The usefulness of the steam generator in the household is obvious: with a household appliance it is increasingly easy to iron clothes, especially if there are a lot of them. However, the steamer tends to get dirty from time to time with scale and limescale. That is why housewives are often interested in efficiency and at the same time, without harming the household appliance, cleaning the steam generator at home.

Scale buildup

Scale buildup inside the steam generator is considered a natural process. However, in some cases, using preventive measures, you can postpone cleaning the household appliance. It is enough to determine for what reason the scale occurs.

It's all about the hardness of the water, without which it is impossible to imagine the operation of the steam generator. The main substances that determine hardness are calcium and magnesium.So if their water content is high, then the level of hardness is appropriate. When heated, the impurities break down, resulting in the formation of a precipitate called "scale".

Types of devices and cleaning methods

There are two types of garment steamers:

1. Pump.
2. Self-fluid.

Pump

Such devices emit steam due to the high pressure when the button is pressed.

Despite the fact that pump steam generators are convenient to use, manufacturers do not recommend cleaning themselves.

The best option would be to contact a specialized service center.

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Gravity

These steamers aren't as efficient as pump steamers, but cleaning them at home isn't difficult. The only thing that is necessary is to buy or prepare a cleaning mixture yourself.

How to properly clean

There are several ways to clean the steam generator, which we suggest you discuss below.

According to the instructions of the device

If the equipment has a self-cleaning function, it is enough to strictly follow the instructions of the steam cleaner, since that is where all the information on how to do it correctly is contained.

lemon acid

To clean the device with citric acid, you must observe the following recommendations:

1. 23 grams of citric acid are dissolved in one liter of water.
2. The resulting solution is poured into the tank of the device for 20 minutes.
3. After the time has elapsed, the steam generator is turned on at maximum and any unnecessary material is ironed with a steam mode until the tank is empty.
4. Then distilled water is poured into the tank to rinse it.

Citric acid successfully fights stubborn deposits inside the steam generator.

Vinegar and distilled water

To clean the steam generator, use vinegar with distilled water. The process looks like this:

1. Water and vinegar also mix.
2. The resulting solution is poured into a tank and the device is turned on at maximum power.
3. Water is evaporated from the steam generator on any fabric.
4. Then the procedure is repeated, but using distilled water.
5. The tank of the household appliance is rinsed several times under running water.

Dishwashing liquid

Any detergent for washing kitchen utensils is mixed with water. A piece of cloth is moistened in the resulting solution and the cold surface of the device is cleaned from the outside. Then wipe the device dry.

Anti limestone

This tool is used strictly according to the instructions:

1. The drug is diluted in water.
2. The resulting solution is poured into the tank of the steam generator for 20 minutes.
3. The rest of the steps are similar to the citric acid cleaning process.

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Care features for different brands

The cleaning of the steam generator is carried out depending on the brand of steam generator.

Tefal

If the Tefal brand appliance is equipped with an indicator that signals that cleaning is necessary, then when it goes off, you must use one of the following methods:

1. If available, use the automatic cleaning function.
2. Apply a special descaler by pouring it into the tank and respecting the time indicated in the instructions.
3. Use whatever tools are available: citric acid, vinegar, or dishwashing detergent.

Phillips

If you need to clean a Philips steam generator, be aware that the appliance models have an indicator light that lights up as soon as the appliance is dirty.Actions are performed in accordance with the instructions. Typically, cleaning the device takes less than two minutes.

Once everything is done correctly, the steam function will be available again and you can start ironing your clothes.

Karcher and Domena

The devices of these companies are sold with cleaning products. Thanks to such preparations, the maintenance of home steam generators is greatly simplified. As a rule, funds are made in the form of vials with liquid, which are poured into the tank, after which the device is turned on and the medicine is completely expelled from the steam generator.

Use professional tools

There are many products on store shelves that make steam generator cleaning easier. Among them, the following are popular:

1. Top of the house.
2. Greenfield.

The use of these funds is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. The device is disconnected from the mains.
2. The selected agent is poured into the tank.
3. Steam is set to maximum.
4. The steam cleaner is placed on two wooden blocks in a sink or bathtub.
5. In this form, the device must work for at least 30 minutes.
6. The rest of the product is drained.
7. The tank is rinsed several times with distilled water.

Useful tips for cleaning your steamer

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

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You can't clean pump appliances at home

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

Indicator

In some models of steam generators, an indicator is provided, which, by flashing, warns the owner of household appliances that the operation should be stopped immediately and the device should be cleaned. The fact is that if you do not do this in time, the device may simply turn off.

The individual steam generators are also equipped with an automatic shut-off function. So, if too much limescale builds up, the device switches off automatically and will only be ready for use again after cleaning.

Use of quality water

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

Additionally, tap water is sometimes used, with the addition of special formulations to remove lime deposits.

Drain fluid after use

After the process of using the device is completed, it is imperative to remove the liquid from the tank. It is also recommended that the exterior of the equipment be wiped dry after the work is completed.

What not to use

If the device has a Teflon or ceramic coating, do not use abrasive particles or salt when cleaning, as this will cause scratches.

What cannot be cleaned

Do not use metal brushes or sponges to clean the device.