How to quickly and efficiently descale a steam generator at home?

Steam generator - a useful invention of recent years. The device can flawlessly iron clothes, clean windows, curtains, tiles, remove old stains from any surface and disinfect.

But in order for the working process to be of high quality and bring pleasure, it is necessary to descale the steam generator in time.

Read about how to descale a steam generator at home in the article.

Why is cleaning necessary?

Water quality in modern pipelines is far from ideal... It contains lime compounds and salt, which, when heated, can leave traces of scale in the reservoir of the steam generator.

The steam is unable to break through the thick limescale, which will impair the performance of the appliance, while leaving dark streaks and lime flakes on the fabric during ironing.

Cleaning methods are selected individually for each device model, which are of two types:

1. Pump-action. Pressurized steam is released in a powerful stream at the push of a button. The pump steam generator smoothes things perfectly, but it is difficult to clean it yourself.

   The mechanism of the pump device is vulnerable, improper handling can lead to damage to the device, so it is better to contact a service center to fix problems.

2. Self-flowing. The movement of steam does not need to be controlled - evaporating from the reservoir, it constantly flows to the fabric. Excellent machine for ironing small amounts of laundry.

   The gravity steam generator is not capricious, it can be cleaned independently, without professional assistance.

How to use the self-cleaning function?

If the steam generator is equipped with a self-cleaning system, its life will be much longer than without it. Before starting work, you must carefully study the operating instructions, because each system has its own characteristics:

• "Anti calc" - an anti-lime rod is installed on the steam switch, which purifies the water by retaining magnesium and calcium salts;
• "Self clean" - the system is located between the tank and the pump, its installation requires a self-cleaning filter;
• "Calc clean" - the actions of the self-cleaning function are started by pressing a special button installed on the steam generator.

How to use the "Self clean" and "Calc clean" options correctly:

1. Purified or distilled water is poured into the reservoir of the steam generator.
2. Set the maximum temperature on the display and connect the device to the network.
3. Wait until the water is fully heated.
4. Hold the steam generator over the sink, periodically shake it and press the self-cleaning button.
5. The above actions are carried out 2 times.

If the device has a filter, clean it separately by soaking it in vinegar for 30-40 minutes., then washed under running water.

In some models, filter cartridges are installed, which are located in special compartments. To replace a used cartridge, it is enough:

• open the compartment;
• remove the old filter;
• install a new cartridge;
• close the compartment cover.

Rules for using the "Anti calc" system:

1. Remove the rod from the device.
2. Stir 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 dessert spoon of citric acid in a glass of water.
3. The rod is immersed in an acidic solution for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinsed under the tap.
5. Install the rod into the apparatus.

How to remove limescale deposits inside?

All types of gravity models can be cleaned at home with improvised meansby doing the following:

• disconnect the steam generator from the network, drain water from the boiler;
• open the valve, pour the selected descaling agent into the reservoir;
• close the valve, set the maximum heating, turn on the device;
• iron the unnecessary cloth until clean steam comes out of the steam generator;
• disconnect the device from the network, drain the remaining water, rinse the tank with clean water, close the valve;
• wipe the apparatus dry; if necessary, clean the sole of the iron.

Folk remedies for cleaning

In order not to spend money on industrial products, there are several ways to clean the device using environmentally friendly and inexpensive ingredients.

Vinegar based solution

The working solution is prepared on the basis of vinegar with a concentration of at least 9%:

• mix vinegar with purified water 1: 1;
• fill the boiler with cold solution for 10-15 minutes;
• turn on heating at maximum power;
• iron the fabric until the liquid evaporates.

This method cannot be used often, because acetic acid acts aggressively on the plastic and rubber parts of the apparatus, and can damage them.

Citric acid

Dissolve 15-20 grams of citric acid in a glass of water (1 heaped teaspoon):

• the cold solution is poured into a container for 15-25 minutes;
• include the steaming function at the maximum temperature;
• during evaporation, the cloth is ironed so that exfoliated carbon flakes settle on it;
• pour purified water and turn on the heating.

After evaporation, drain the remaining water, rinse the reservoir, wipe the device dry.

Mineral water

Safe, gentle and effective method that will not damage the internal parts of the device:

• fill the boiler with mineral water;
• include the maximum heating mode until the water evaporates completely;
• repeat the action 2-3 times, rinse with purified water and wipe dry.

The steam generator can be treated with mineralized water after each ironing.

Steam bath

This method is used to clean the scaled steam outlets on the iron platform. For work, you will need a wide metal container (baking sheet) and two boards 1-2 cm high:

• planks are placed on the bottom of the baking sheet, a steam generator is placed on them;
• pouring hot cleaning solution into the container so that it covers only the platform of the device;
• leave for 15-20 minutes;
• put the baking sheet on fire, boil for 3-5 minutes;
• the exfoliated lime flakes are removed with a soft cloth;
• washed with clean water, wiped dry.

When evaporating the vinegar, you must open the window, as the vinegar gives off a strong pungent odor.

Industrial compounds

It is even easier to clean the tank from scale with industrial cleaners, the main thing is to follow the instructions attached to the tool:

1. Anti-scale. The most popular and affordable product is diluted with water, according to the instructions. Price - 12-500 rubles.
2. Topper. Highly concentrated German preparation, quickly copes with limescale. Suitable for all types of steam generators. Price - 200-220 rubles.
3. Top-House... The cleaner is made in Germany, does not have an aggressive smell, removes a small layer of scale the first time, and prevents metal corrosion. Price - 400-420 rubles.
4. Optima plus... The product is safe and non-toxic, effective, quickly removes salt and lime deposits, and is odorless. Manufacturer - Germany. Price - 250-290 rubles.
5. Cillit. A universal phosphate-free product that removes the most difficult plaque. Combine the agent with water 1:10, fill the reservoir with the solution, leave for half an hour, then rinse three times with clean water. Cillit is not suitable for cleaning enamel and tin. The average price is 180-210 rubles.

The frequency of cleaning depends on the activity of using the device.

We clean the sole

You need to take care of the steam generator comprehensively - after internal cleaning, remove carbon deposits from the soleplate... To do this, make a paste of soda, toothpaste, vinegar, water and gently wipe the surface with a flannel or woolen cloth.

In order not to damage the smooth surface, the following cleaning is recommended:

• teflon - slightly heated, rubbed with laundry soap, remove carbon deposits with a toothpick;
• ceramic - wipe with a cotton pad moistened with hydrogen peroxide;
• stainless steel - cleaned with a mixture of paraffin and fine salt;
• non-stick coating clean with a solution of ammonia and water 1:10.

All other surfaces are wiped with a solution of liquid soap and water 1: 3, the remains of carbon are scraped off with a wooden stick.

Preventive measures

Very hard water is the main reason for the formation of a large amount of scale. Ordinary tap water contains a high concentration of alkaline earth metal compounds that deposit on the inside of the iron in the form of scale.

In order for the device to serve for a long time and not break down, it is necessary:

1. use water passed through a filter system, melted or distilled;
2. clean the device at least 1-2 times a month;
3. drain the remaining water from the boiler after each ironing;
4. do not clean the device with hard sponges or abrasive agents;
5. prevent the appearance of a sick scale accumulation, at the first signs of salt deposition in the steam generator, clean the device.

Related Videos

Cleaning the steam generator from scale (inside and the sole of the iron) in the video:

Conclusion

If you are not sure that self-cleaning of the device will be performed in compliance with all the rules, then it is better to contact the service center for professional help.