Whether you’re ironing clothes or cleaning different surfaces, steam generators come in very handy for simplifying household chores. They can, however, eventually accumulate scale, just like any other water-using appliance. If not handled correctly, this scaling can impair performance, lower steam output, and possibly damage the device.
It is essential to know how to clean your steam generator from scale if you want to prolong its life and keep it operating efficiently. Fortunately, it’s not a difficult procedure that can be completed with supplies you most likely already own at home.
We’ll walk you through easy, step-by-step techniques in this post to help you properly remove scale from your steam generator. We’ll assist you in maintaining the best possible condition for your steam generator, which will guarantee consistent, potent steam and peak performance whether you use tap water or distilled water.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Unplug the steam generator and let it cool down completely. |
| 2 | Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution. |
| 3 | Fill the water tank of the steam generator with the vinegar solution. |
| 4 | Turn on the steam generator and let it run until half of the solution is used up. |
| 5 | Turn off the steam generator and let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the solution to break down the scale. |
| 6 | Empty the remaining solution from the tank and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. |
| 7 | Refill the tank with clean water and run the steam generator again to flush out any remaining vinegar solution. |
| 8 | Empty the tank and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. |
- Effective products
- Professional products
- Vinegar + citric acid
- Soap solution
- Vinegar + soda
- How to descale Philips and Tefal steam generators
- Cleaning the steam generator with vinegar and citric acid
- Video on the topic
- Descaling the device and cleaning the soleplate of the iron from scale in Philips steam generators
- How to clean an iron or steam generator from scale and dirt? / Do-it-yourself cleaning / Instructions bt-detali
- HOW TO CLEAN A STEAM GENERATOR FROM SCALE?CLEANING A TEFAL STEAM GENERATOR.
Effective products
Professional products
Many products are available on the market today to clean household appliances of scale and carbon deposits. Their benefit is that you don’t have to prepare separate compositions and that cleaning is done quickly. After a short while, you use the device by simply pouring the prepared liquid from the bottle into the steam generator tank.
Vinegar + citric acid
You can use vinegar and acid safely if you want to cut costs and stop using harsh chemicals in your daily life.
Scale is fought against by citric acid in many devices.
Soap solution
In order to gently clean the device’s sole and get rid of carbon deposits, soap solution is also utilized. This particularly applies to Teflon coating. Liquid soap and water should be combined in a 1:3 ratio, wet a sponge with the mixture, and then completely wipe the soiled surface.
Vinegar + soda
A solution of soda and vinegar works well for limescale. Combine 20 g of soda and 100 ml of vinegar, then use the mixture to clean the surface that has been slightly heated. Laundry soap is an effective cleaner for Teflon coatings. To accomplish this, use a wooden spatula to remove the resulting plaque after lightly heating the steam iron and rubbing the sole with soap. Along with the soap, the carbon deposits will also be eliminated.
How to descale Philips and Tefal steam generators
Be aware that a lot of popular brands, like Tefal and Philips, have models of ironing machines with indicators showing how contaminated the machine is. The indicator will flash or make a beeping sound to let you know when it’s time to remove scale. In this instance, the steamer might not work again until the cleaning is complete.
Tefal and Philips steam generators can be cleaned by hand thanks to the self-cleaning system, which uses a water-softening cartridge. It is necessary to fully fill the tank with liquid, adjust the steaming temperature to the highest setting, shake the device over the sink, and press and hold the designated button located on the device’s body. Through the holes in the sole, the resulting scale and steam should emerge.
Contemporary device models come with a scale collection tank that also requires routine cleaning.
You can repeat the process multiple times until you get the desired outcome. Remember to clean the iron’s sole and test it on a piece of cloth to avoid leaving any lingering dirt stains on your clothing.
It is advised to fully empty the tank of water after using the device, as this will prolong the cartridge’s lifespan.
Scale buildup must be removed from a steam generator in order to maintain optimal operation and lifespan. Water-borne minerals accumulate inside the device over time, reducing steam output and possibly causing damage. Using common household items or specialized cleaning agents, this article will walk you through easy and efficient methods to remove scale from your steam generator, ensuring that your appliance lasts longer.
Cleaning the steam generator with vinegar and citric acid
Models without the aforementioned feature can be cleaned on their own. Thus, a common treatment for scale is citric acid.
In this instance, the steam generator needs to be cleaned gradually:
- dissolve 1 tbsp. l. tablespoon of citric acid in 1 liter of water;
- pour the resulting solution into the iron tank and leave for 20 minutes;
- turn on the maximum steam supply and hold until the liquid has completely evaporated;
- rinse the tank well and fill it with clean water;
- turn on the maximum steam supply mode again until the liquid has completely evaporated and the remaining dirt has been removed.
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You must activate the highest steam supply mode while cleaning and wait for the tank’s liquid to evaporate entirely.
Once everything is set up, test the machine by using steam to a tiny piece of cloth. The device should release clean, particle-free steam without restriction.
Table vinegar is another inexpensive and efficient steam generator cleaner. This product can be used to both clean the tank and get rid of carbon buildup on the iron’s sole. The procedure for cleaning the tank is the same as for cleaning with citric acid.
The following order is followed in the removal of the carbon deposits:
- take a frying pan with high sides and put two small wooden blocks on its bottom;
- place the switched off iron on the blocks so that its sole does not touch the bottom of the frying pan;
- dilute 200 ml of vinegar in 1 liter of water and pour such an amount of the resulting mixture into the frying pan so that the bottom of the device “sinks” by 1.5 cm;
- set the steam level regulator on the device to maximum;
- bring the liquid to a boil;
- after 1.5-2 minutes, remove the frying pan from the heat;
- thoroughly wash the sole of the iron with clean water and let the device dry for 24 hours.
The scent of evaporating vinegar and citric acid-containing liquids is quite strong. It is therefore advised to switch the window to ventilation mode before cleaning the steam generator.
The equipment will last longer if you take better care of it. Preventive actions are therefore crucial. Fill the steam generator with only clean water, if at all possible. Empty the tank of liquid after using the device. Perform interim cleaning instead of waiting for a certain quantity of scale and carbon deposits to accumulate.
Scale buildup must be removed from steam generators in order to maintain optimal operation and extend their lifespan. Frequent maintenance keeps accumulations at bay, which could harm the device and lower the steam output’s quality.
Scale can be successfully removed with a commercial descaling solution or a vinegar and water mixture. Make sure you carefully follow the instructions to prevent any potential harm to the steam generator. Keep in mind to completely rinse after cleaning to get rid of any residue that can have an impact on the smell or quality of the steam.
You can make sure your steam generator keeps operating at peak efficiency and keeps giving you clean, fresh steam for all your needs by following these easy steps to clean it on a regular basis. In addition to saving you money on repairs, a well-maintained machine guarantees an appliance that will last longer. Routine it, and your steam generator will be grateful!
