How to quickly clean the steam generator from scale

Like an electric kettle, scale can build up in the steam generator. The harder the water, the faster this insoluble plaque forms. It not only degrades the quality of the device, but can also cause equipment failure. Of course, the formation of scale can be prevented, for example, use only distilled, that is, salt-free water, and completely drain the liquid after using the appliance. But a small amount of plaque can still appear sooner or later. In this article we will tell you how to clean household appliances from solid deposits on the surface of heating elements with professional preparations, improvised means, we will tell you in which cases you should not clean it yourself.

How to clean the steam generator from scale with special means

On sale you can find many household chemicals designed to remove scale from appliances such as electric irons, steam generators, steam irons, steamers, electric kettles, coffee machines, etc. It is better to give preference to natural preparations based on natural ingredients, for example, acids. Such tools have many advantages:

1. Effectively remove limescale, calcium and mineral deposits in any devices that operate on water.

2. Facilitate the process of ironing or steaming, make the result better.

3. Restore efficiency and extend the life of household appliances.

4. Eliminate the risk of corrosion of heating elements.

5. Reduce energy consumption.

6. Return home appliances aesthetic appearance.

7. Economical to use.

8. As a rule, they are odorless.

It is not difficult to use special liquids to eliminate insoluble sediment, just follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which can be found on the package label. In general, the cleaning process looks something like this:

1. Pour 200 ml. funds into the water tank of the steam generator.

2. Turn on the descaling system, if there is no system, use the steam system.

3. Repeat step 2 twice using clean water to completely remove the scale.

In order to clean the steam generator yourself, it is essential to follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions for descaling. Since cleaners are acidic products, wear rubber gloves and take precautions on surfaces that are not resistant to acids (plastic, chrome, etc.).

Here is a list of industrial fluids that can be used to clean the machine:

1. Green&Clean Professional.

2. Descaler Glutoclean, concentrate.

3. Astonish descaling concentrate.

4. Descaler Philips CA6700/10.

5. Concentrate for descaling automatic machines OPTIMAL PRO (also suitable for steam generators).

6. Descaler KARCHER.

7. Antinakipin.

8. top house.

Such drugs are not too expensive, for 250-5 dollars you can find an excellent tool that will help you quickly and safely clean the steam generator or other household appliance from scale. If cleaning needs to be carried out urgently, and there is no special liquid at hand, you can carry out the procedure using citric acid, vinegar and similar improvised means.

Using citric acid, soda, vinegar

A soapy solution can be used to clean the soleplate of the steam generator, which also has scale build-up around the steam outlets. To prepare the product, you can take laundry soap and soda ash in equal parts. Instead of calcined, you can also use ordinary food, but it is better to give preference to the first, as it has stronger cleansing properties. So, grind the soap on a vegetable grater (or with a knife), mix with soda, pour water in such a way that you get a slurry of sour cream consistency. Wet the sponge in the solution, apply soap to the contaminated surface, rub and leave for 15 minutes. Then carefully three again, wipe the sole with a damp cloth or a clean, damp sponge until the soap is completely removed. Also, to clean the sole of the steam generator, you can use hydrogen peroxide, ammonia (be careful, it has an unpleasant odor and can cause nausea), soda diluted with water.

Inside, household appliances can be cleaned of solid deposits using:

1. 
   citric acid. Take 25 grams of product per 1 liter of water, pour the mixture into the tank and turn on the device. Let it work for as long as necessary so that all the water is used up. Rinse the tank with warm water.

2. 
   table vinegar, mixed with water in equal proportions. Fill the steam generator tank about a quarter full, and turn on the appliance — let it work until the liquid has evaporated. Rinse the tank several times with clean water.

3. 
   Mixtures of water, soda and table vinegar. In half a liter of water, add two tablespoons of soda and the same amount of vinegar, wait until the components are completely dissolved, pour into the tank of the device and turn it on, let it work until the liquid evaporates. Then rinse the tank.

While cleaning is taking place, it is not necessary for the device to work “idle”. It is better to take a piece of unnecessary fabric and steam it so that scale particles settle on the material.

How to descale a self-cleaning steam generator

On Tefal irons and steam generators or irons from other companies with a self-cleaning system, do not use a special descaling agent or vinegar — they can ruin the appliance. In this case, to clean the device, proceed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Care methods differ depending on the model of the steam generator and its design. For example, ANTI-CALC cartridges and brushes for collecting scale are installed in Tefal products. Cartridges need to be changed, and brushes need to be washed. The device also notifies you of the need for cleaning or replacement of components in various ways — the indicator lights up or an audible signal sounds, the device stops producing steam. And Philips brand steam generators have a self-cleaning function from scale (Easy De-Calc Plus). Although the methods for cleaning solid deposits are individual and depend on the appliance, a diagram of standard actions can be given, which is retained in many models of steam generators:

1. 
   Cartridge change. The device is removed from the base in which the cartridge is located. The cartridge is removed, the rubber pad is removed from it, a new consumable is placed inside the base along with the pad.

2. 
   Easy De-Calc Plus descaling system. Disconnect the steam generator from the mains, wait until it cools down. Take the container into which the liquid will be drained, substitute it under the valve, turn it counterclockwise. After complete draining of the liquid, the valve is closed. In order to clean the device more thoroughly, which is recommended to be done at least once every 1-2 months (depending on the frequency of use), you need to put the valve in the “Closed” position and pour half a liter of water into the tank. The steam generator is turned on and allowed to run until the liquid has completely evaporated. Then the device is disconnected from the mains, allowed to cool and the remaining water is drained from the valve.

3. 
   Smart cleaning (Philips appliances). Pour so much water into the tank so that it is half full. Install the device in a container for draining water, which should be included in the kit. Hold down the button that says Calc Clean until the device starts beeping. Leave the device in the container for the time it emits a signal, you do not need to touch it, it will be hot. After the signal stops, the device can be turned off from the network, cleaning is over.

4. 
   Self-cleaning function. Just fill in the water, turn on the desired mode, the device will carry out all the necessary manipulations on its own, you just have to drain the liquid.

If there is no instruction supplied with the steam generator or it is lost, it is not recommended to clean the device from scale without first consulting with a specialist — the seller or the representative of the company. Go to the brand’s website, there should be a feedback form, write what model of household appliances you have, ask for instructions or tell you how to properly descale the device. There are also sites on the network where you can find and download instructions for household appliances, you just need to make sure that the manual is original, from the manufacturer.