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

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

But in order for the work process to be of high quality and bring pleasure, it is necessary to descale the steam generator in a timely manner.

To learn how to descale a steam generator at home, read the article.

Why is cleaning necessary?

The quality of water in modern pipelines is far from ideal. It contains calcareous compounds and salt, which, when heated, can leave traces of scale in the steam generator tank.

Steam is not able to break through thick limescale, which impairs the operation of the device, leaving dark streaks and lime flakes on the material during ironing.

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

1. Pump-action. Steam under pressure comes out in a powerful stream when you press a button. The pump steam generator irons 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 resolve the problems.

2. Gravity. The movement of steam does not need to be controlled - as it evaporates from the tank, it constantly flows to the fabric. An excellent machine for ironing small amounts of laundry.

   The gravity steam generator is not capricious; it can be cleaned independently, without the involvement of professional help.

How to use the self-cleaning function?

If the steam generator is equipped with a self-cleaning system, its service 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 reservoir and the pump, its installation requires a self-cleaning filter;
• "Calc clean" – the self-cleaning function is launched by pressing a special button installed on the steam generator.

How to properly use the “Self clean” and “Calc clean” options:

1. Purified or distilled water is poured into the steam generator tank.
2. Set the maximum temperature on the display and connect the device to the network.
3. Wait until the water is completely heated.
4. Hold the steam generator over the sink, shake it periodically and press the self-cleaning button.
5. The above steps 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.

Some models have filter cartridges located in special compartments.To replace a used cartridge, just:

• 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. In a glass of water, stir 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 dessert spoon of citric acid.
3. Immerse the rod in the acid solution for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse under the tap.
5. Install the rod into the apparatus.

How to remove lime deposits inside?

All types of gravity models can be cleaned at home using improvised means.by doing the following:

• disconnect the steam generator from the network, drain the water from the boiler;
• open the valve, pour the selected descaling agent into the tank;
• close the valve, set the maximum heating, turn on the device;
• iron the unnecessary fabric 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 device dry and, if necessary, clean the soleplate of the iron.

Folk remedies for cleaning

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

Vinegar based solution

The working solution is prepared based on 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 to maximum power;
• iron the fabric until the liquid evaporates.

This method cannot be used frequently, because acetic acid has an aggressive effect on the plastic and rubber parts of the device and can damage them.

Citric acid

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

• the cold solution is poured into the container for 15-25 minutes;
• turn on the steam function at the maximum temperature;
• during evaporation, iron the canvas so that the exfoliated soot flakes settle on it;
• pour purified water and turn on the heating.

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

Mineral water

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

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

Treatment of the steam generator with mineralized water can be used after each ironing of laundry.

Steam bath

This method is used to clear scale-clogged steam outlet holes on the iron platform. To work, you will need a wide metal container (baking tray) and two boards 1-2 cm high:

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

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

Industrial compounds

It’s even easier to descale the tank with industrial cleaners; the main thing is to follow the instructions included with the product:

1. Antiscale. The most popular and affordable product is diluted with water according to the instructions. Price – 12-500 rub.
2. Topper. A highly concentrated German product that quickly removes limescale. Suitable for all types of steam generators. Price – 200-220 rub.
3. Top-House. The cleaner is made in Germany, has no aggressive odor, removes a small layer of scale the first time, and prevents metal corrosion. Price – 400-420 rub.
4. Optima Plus. The product is safe and non-toxic, effective, quickly removes salt and lime deposits, and has no odor. Manufacturer – Germany. Price – 250-290 rub.
5. Cillit. A universal phosphate-free product that removes the most difficult plaques. Combine the product with water 1:10, fill the tank with the solution, leave for half an hour, then rinse three times with clean water. Cillit is not suitable for cleaning enamel and sheet metal products. Average price – 180-210 rubles.

The frequency of its cleaning depends on how active the device is used.

Cleaning the sole

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

To avoid damaging the smooth surface, the following cleaning is recommended:

• Teflon – slightly heat, rub with laundry soap, remove carbon deposits with a toothpick;
• ceramic – wipe with a cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide;
• stainless steel – clean 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 1:3 solution of liquid soap and water, and the remaining carbon deposits are scraped off with a wooden stick.

Preventive measures

Very hard water is the main reason for the formation of large amounts of scale. Ordinary tap water contains a high concentration of alkaline earth metal compounds, which settle on the internal parts 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 that has 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 abrasives;
5. prevent the appearance of a diseased accumulation of scale; at the first signs of salt deposits in the steam generator, clean the device.

Video on the topic

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

Conclusion

If you are not sure that cleaning the device yourself will be carried out in compliance with all the rules, then It’s better to contact the service center for professional help.