Miracle helper: how to use a Karcher steam generator to clean the house?
Steam generators from the famous German brand Karcher in a bright yellow or white body with black inscriptions and components - these are reliable assistants in solving problems related to cleaning.
The devices are easy to use and do not require special handling skills. Instructions for using a Karcher steam generator are presented in this article.
Content
Preparing for work
Regardless of what exactly needs to be cleaned or washed with the steam generator to prepare it for operation you need to perform the following steps:
- Unscrew the safety plug and fill the container with water.
- Tighten the cap and attach the necessary attachments to the steam gun. If necessary, extension tubes can be used.
- Plug the device into the outlet, two lamps should light up - orange and green.
- After heating the water to the required temperature, the orange lamp should go off. You can use the device when only the green lamp is on.
To reduce heating time, it is allowed to fill with warm water.
How to use?
A steam generator with various nozzles allows you to achieve cleanliness in all areas of your apartment and office.
For any type of surface, you must adhere to the rule - there should not be on the surface itself:
- dust,
- hair,
- wool,
- garbage.
Before steam treatment, it is better to vacuum and sweep the surface or product.
Next, prepare the device for operation, unlock the steam gun and release the first steam along with the resulting water to a safe place (basin). This must be done so that the water that forms in the hose does not wet the carpet or clothes. Next, you should use the desired nozzle and carry out steam treatment.
Floor cleaning
Cleaning flooring made of natural stone and tiles should be done with a special nozzle with elongated holes.
For cleaning, you need to attach a napkin folded in 2 times to the nozzle.. You need to make movements back and forth, and regularly supply steam.
To clean seams, make movements diagonally to them. For regular cleaning, a single treatment with medium steam is sufficient.
For varnished parquet and laminate flooring, use two napkinsto make 4 layers, and reduce the steam supply to minimum. Treat the surface only once to avoid waterlogging of the top layer.
Cleaning clothes from odors and dirt
Before processing the entire product, it is necessary to check it for color stability and deformation from exposure to steam. First, treat a small, preferably inconspicuous area of clothing, let it dry completely and evaluate the result of the steam treatment.
To remove unpleasant odors and straighten wrinkles in clothes, you can do without additional attachments., you need to hold the gun at a distance of 5-10 cm.The strength of the steam supply must be adjusted depending on the degree of wrinkling and durability of the fabric.
The attachment, which is a steam iron, can be used to steam an item without removing it from the hanger; you can also use it on an ironing board.
Carpet processing
First, if possible, it is necessary to clear the room of furniture. To work you will need:
- hand brush,
- terry cover.
The carpet should be treated by directly touching the surface with the nozzle.. Sections of the coating are sequentially processed from the center to the edge (or from the window to the door).
Treatment time and steam power can be adjusted depending on the degree of contamination. Typically, for a surface that is subject to regular cleaning, a single cleaning at a medium steam level is sufficient. The steam-treated coating must be left to dry.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, the steam generator will clean the sink, countertops, hood, removes traces of grease and dried food residues:
- glass ceramic hob,
- tiled walls,
- external surfaces of the refrigerator,
- kitchen furniture facades,
- seams between tiles.
To work, you will need a floor nozzle with a cloth, a round brush nozzle and a hand nozzle with a terry cloth cover:
- The cooking surface and tile joints should be treated with a round nozzle with brass bristles, combining mechanical action with a cleansing jet of steam at high pressure.
- Seams sealed with silicone can be treated with short-term exposure to steam itself.
- Walls and furniture facades, the refrigerator are cleaned with a manual nozzle with a cover, moving from top to bottom along the surface. Do not direct the steam jet at the glued edges of the tabletop.
- Clean stainless steel surfaces from adhering grease using a hand-held nozzle with a cover, vigorously wiping and regularly applying steam. After complete cleaning, polish the surface with a microfiber cloth.
- For floors and tiled walls, a floor nozzle with a napkin folded in 2 layers is suitable.
Bathroom
Steam generator in the bathroom you can clean almost all surfaces except the ceiling if it is painted:
- The walls and bottom of the shower stall, sink, bathtub, mirrors, floor, walls, joints and water drainage points, pipe surfaces, including corrugated ones, can only be treated once with steam from a gun in high-pressure mode at a distance of 10 cm and remove loose dirt with a napkin.
- Heavy limescale deposits, which may be in the shower stall, on the walls and faucets, must first be sprayed with vinegar or a weak solution of citric acid. Leave for a short time and then steam.
- After processing, wipe the mirror with a paper towel so that dried drops of water do not leave a mark.
Cushioned furniture
Furniture upholstery is cleaned with a special hand brush with a cover., sequentially processing each section or piece of furniture.
Heavy stains should first be cleaned with a non-aggressive agent, depending on the nature of the stain. Apply directly to the upholstery or spray it from a distance of 10 cm and leave for 15 minutes.
Treat the stained area with a nozzle in high steam mode to completely remove the stain; other areas can be cleaned with medium steam.
Removing dust from plants
To remove dust from plants, it is necessary to treat them once with a steam gun without additional nozzles at a distance of 40-50 cm, the steam supply level is low. Then wipe with a clean cloth.
Other Applications
The functions of the steam generator are not limited to this, it can handle other tasks too:
- Cleaning the surface of seats and decorative trim in the car interior.
- Cleaning car rims.
- Removing old wallpaper.
- Cleaning washable wallpaper.
- Care for suede shoes and bags.
- Cleaning and disinfection of soft toys.
- Washing windows and mirrors - at negative outside temperatures, cold glass must first be sprayed with a stream of steam at a distance of 5 cm. Next, clean the glass from accumulated dust and dirt using a hand nozzle with a cover, and only then clean it with a nozzle with a rubber tie, moving it from top to bottom in overlapping stripes , regularly supplying steam at full power;
- Treatment of sleeping mattresses.
Despite the wide range of steam generator capabilities, not all surfaces can be exposed to steam. Do not process natural leather, plastic, or some fabrics:
- gas,
- linen,
- wool,
- velours.
When treating surfaces coated with varnish, wax or paint, as well as just wooden ones, it is necessary to spray a napkin with steam and wipe the products with it.
Precautions for use
When working with a Karcher steam generator The following safety precautions must be observed:
- Before each use, it is necessary to check the serviceability of the steam generator and its components - the housing, steam supply hose and power cord must be in good condition;
- do not open the water tank until it cools down;
- Do not turn on the device if there is no water in the tank;
- do not direct the steam jet at nearby people and animals; due to the high temperature of the steam released, you can get a significant burn even through clothing;
- during operation, hold the device only by the handle or gun at the end of the hose, do not touch the hose itself with your hands;
- Do not remove the nozzles or disconnect the tubes when the steam supply mode is on;
- Do not add detergents, solvents, or alcohols to the water tank; only water can be used;
- During operation, it is prohibited to block the steam supply lever.
These measures will ensure long and safe operation of the steam generator.
Caring for your household appliance
Caring for Karcher steam generators involves preventing the formation of scale in the water tank.
Scale from the walls of the tank should be removed on average every 40 fillings. To do this, you need to dilute the solution with a special product (you can use citric acid), pour it into a cooled device, and leave it overnight. In the morning, pour out the liquid and rinse well 2-3 times with clean water.
No descaling is required if you use a water softener or distilled water.
The microfiber cloth and terry covers for the brush can be washed in a washing machine. at a temperature not exceeding 60°C, without adding rinse aid. The extension tubes, hand nozzle and round brush can be washed under running water.
Useful video
Video about cleaning with a Karcher steam generator:
Conclusion
The Karcher steam generator is an admirable multifunctional device that will significantly save time and effort when cleaning.
One unit combines the entire arsenal of cleaning equipment: from a nozzle for cleaning floors to a device for removing wrinkles from clothes. In addition, the device is completely safe for use in homes with small children.
A distinctive feature of Karcher steam generators is the absence of a twisting function for the power cord. This causes inconvenience during storage, but company representatives assure that the design change will reduce the durability of the steam generator.