How to clean the steam generator and steam cleaner?

A steam generator is a useful invention and helps keep things in perfect condition. With its help, you can not only iron clothes, but also look after hard surfaces, removing old stains from them and disinfecting them. However, the device itself needs regular cleaning of scale, which is formed both inside and outside the steam cleaner.

During the operation of the steam station, the thin channels through which the steam passes are clogged with lime deposits, which are formed from salts present in tap water. The scale creates a number of inconveniences, such as the difficulty of passing steam jets and the appearance of dirty smudges and lime flakes on linen. This makes it necessary to remix things, and in the case of the formation of yellow spots, the thing completely becomes 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.

The option of self-cleaning the steam generator is found on more expensive models and helps protect the device from scale and plaque. In total there are 3 types of self-cleaning systems - these are Anti calc, Self clean and Calc clean. The principle of operation of the first is based on the action of an anti-lime rod mounted on a steam switch and retaining calcium and magnesium salts.Periodically, the rod is removed from the device, for 20 minutes is placed in a solution prepared from 200 ml of water, 1 tbsp. l vinegar and 1 tsp. citric acid, and then washed under running water and put in place.

Self clean and Calc clean systems are equipped with a special filter, which is also periodically removed from the device, immersed in a solution of vinegar for 30-40 minutes, and then rinsed. To start the self-cleaning process, filtered or distilled water is poured into the reservoir of the steam generator, the switch is set to maximum heating and the device is turned on. After the water heats up, the device is held above the sink in a horizontal position, while pressing the self-cleaning button.

Instead of the filter, some models are equipped with special replaceable cartridges, which change to new ones as they become dirty. More modern steam cleaners are equipped with a special De-Calc indicator light, indicating that the appliance needs to be cleaned. Such models are able not only to give a signal, but also to turn off the electrical power in case of excessive pollution of the tank. After cleaning the device of limescale, the protection is turned off, and the power supply is restored. The self-cleaning system greatly facilitates the care of the device and extends its service life.

There are many different products for descaling steam generators, the most famous of which is Antinakipin. The drug is available in the form of tablets, powder or gel and helps to quickly remove lime deposits from the walls of the tank. The required amount of the product is dissolved in distilled water in the proportion according to the attached instructions, poured into the capacity of the steam cleaner and left for 30 minutes. Then the device is plugged in and the switch is set to the most powerful steam supply mode. Next, iron the unnecessary fabric until the liquid completely evaporates, and then wash the tank with clean water.

Good results come from using tools such as Topperr, Cillit, Top House and Optima Pluswith which you can quickly and absolutely safely remove scale, salt deposits and limescale from the walls of the tank. In addition, the regular use of these drugs protects the tank from the appearance of mold and greens, eliminates unpleasant odors that can appear from poor-quality tap water.

You can clean the iron or steam generator from scale at home using folk remedies. Such compounds are available in any home and cope with the removal of limescale no worse than chemicals.

To remove salt deposits from the walls of the tank, a solution prepared from 250 ml of hot water and 25 g of citric acid (1 tsp) is used. The resulting product is poured into the tank and left for 25 minutes. Then turn on the steam supply mode and iron the cotton fabric until the tank is completely empty. Next, clean water is poured into the device, kept for 15 minutes and poured into the sink.

If the steam generator holes are clogged with limescale, you can fix the problem with 9% vinegar. To do this, it is mixed with water in equal parts, then fill the reservoir with 1/4 of the total volume with the resulting solution. After 20 minutes, the appliance is turned on at full power and the unnecessary fabric is ironed with steam. This method is effective not only for cleaning the tank, but also for cleaning the sole of the iron.

This method is the most harmless to parts of the device and can be used regularly. Mineral water is poured into the boiler, turned on at full power and the fabric is steamed until the water in the tank is completely evaporated. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times depending on the degree of contamination of the device, after which it is washed with clean water and wiped dry with a clean cloth.

This method is used to descale holes on the iron platform. To do this, take a deep pallet and two bars 2 cm thick, which are located at the bottom of the pallet. From above, put the iron with the sole down, pour the cleaning liquid into the pan so that the sole of the appliance is in the water. Then put the pan on fire, wait for the solution to boil, then boil for 5 minutes. The boiling composition helps to clean the holes of the soleplate and the release of rusty flakes. Next, the sole is washed with warm water and wiped dry.

Several methods are used to clean the soleplate. The choice of a more optimal method depends on the degree of contamination and the surface material. So, for teflon coating laundry soap is good for rubbing a heated sole, after which the resulting layer is removed along with carbonm. Instead of soap, you can use the dishwashing detergent, which is applied to the sponge, then wipe the heated sole with it. In this case, all steps to clean the sole should be carried out only after disconnecting the iron from the network.

Appliances with a normal stainless surface are well cleaned with salt and paraffin. To do this, paraffin is carefully crushed, mixed with small salt and sprinkled 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 complete cooling, wipe the sole with a soft cloth.

A mixture of 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 wipe away burnt synthetics, then use acetone, not forgetting to open the window. Small point contamination of ceramic soles is well removed with cotton buds dipped in hydrogen peroxide.

In order for the steam generator to serve as long as possible and less subjected to scale formation, it is recommended to follow a number of simple rules. For example, Only filtered or melt water should be poured into the tank. Tap water contains a large amount of salts and impurities, so it is forbidden to use it in unfiltered form. Boiled water is also not suitable for steam cleaners, as it forms a precipitate during boiling. As for distilled water, it has too high a vaporization temperature, so it is far from the best option. Spring water contains a large number of minerals and salts, which quickly turn into scale, and a special flavored liquid often stains clothing.

With regular use of the device, it should be cleaned at least 2 times a month, and after each use, it is imperative to drain the remaining water from the tank. It is not recommended to clean the steam cleaner with hard sponges and abrasive substances, as well as preparations containing hydrochloric acid.

The steam generator cleaning method is described below.