How do I clean the steamer from the scum at home?

Iron or its modern modification - steam generator, as well as a steamer for clothes, reliably took their place in every house, because no family neglects the ironed look of their clothes. And now imagine the situation when such a necessary thing in the household will cease to perform its functions or a spray of dirty water will start flying from the steam holes, leaving spots on your favorite products. All this can happen if you pour unrefined tap water into the steamer. In the article, we will tell you how to clean the steamer from scale in the home, because it is because of the plaque on the walls of the tank, in the steam channels and holes that ironing, the device's performance is deteriorating.

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Which steamers can be cleaned and which are not?

Before cleaning the descaling agent from scale, choosing the method and means, it is necessary to understand the type of your steamer. It is on how the device is arranged and the possibility of its cleaning at home conditions depends.

Steamers are of various types.

Simple models

In simple devices, the process of steam formation resembles the work of a conventional electric kettle. That is, in such devices, immediately the entire volume of water is heated and the scale settles on all surfaces that come into contact with the boiling liquid. Clear this lime scale model is quite simple.

Just like for an electric kettle, folk remedies are used for this: vinegar, citric acid or household chemicals, for example "Antinakipin".More details about the methods of using the funds will be described below.

Complex devices

In some devices, water is heated and converted into steam in small portions. The portions of water are supplied to the heater either by gravity( without pressure) or by means of a pump( pump).In the pump-type model, the sound of the pump is heard - it is either constant, or at intervals.

Of course, working with such devices is very comfortable, because you can quickly get the desired result. However, there are such devices and minus - clean the steamer from scale, if it is equipped with a pump, at home it is impossible:

1. First, the scale, in such devices, settles not only on the heating element, but also on the walls of the water tank and componentspump.
2. Secondly, if you pour a cleaning solution, this will lead to a breakdown of the device, since the acid is harmful to the plastic and rubber parts of the device.
   

Tip one - contact your household appliance technician. They can disassemble the equipment for parts and clean all the elements from scale.

Important! In the newest models of devices with a pump system there is a self-cleaning function. From time to time, switch on the self-cleaning mode so that steam under strong pressure removes all contamination from the complex system of the unit. Besides, this is a good prophylaxis against scale.

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How to clean the household steamer from scale?

Methods of cleaning the tank of such household appliances are no different from the same procedure for other household appliances. Clean the steamer from scale in the home can be by well-known methods and means. Consider them.

Method number 1.Citric acid or vinegar

The sediment is perfectly removed by boiling water with the addition of citric acid or vinegar.

Clean as follows:

1. Dilute a small amount of citric acid( vinegar) in hot water( 25 g of acid to a glass of boiled water).
2. Carefully pour the solution into the water tank.
3. Heat the appliance to maximum.
4. Shake and press the "Steam Release" button.
5. Keep the device above a suitable size so that all contaminants are removed.
6. Continue the procedure until the liquid evaporates completely.
7. Drain the solution.
8. Rinse the water tank thoroughly from the acid solution.

Important! The cleaning procedure can also be carried out with the use of vinegar. In a glass of boiled water, dilute 100 grams of vinegar. Vinegar under heating destroys a hard layer of scale. One drawback is the sharp odor that stands out during the cleaning process. Therefore, carry out this procedure in a well-ventilated area.

Method number 2.Mineral water

Calcareous lime perfectly suits simple mineral water. The method is very effective and harmless for the plastic parts of the device. Therefore, you can safely use it to clean the steamer from scale in the home.

This method is simple enough:

1. Fill the water tank with mineral water.
2. Heat the device to maximum temperature.
3. Hold the unit above the container or sink and press the "Steam Release" mode.
4. The process continues until complete evaporation of the mineral water.
5. Repeat the same cleaning process with ordinary boiled water.

Important! Use for cleaning you can and drinks such as "Coca-Cola", "Sprite", "7-UP".But it is better to use colorless fizzy drinks. After cleaning, rinse the device thoroughly from the rest of the beverages.

Method number 3.Special tools

In addition to folk remedies, you can use special chemical products, which include additives that contribute to gentle cleansing. In the economic departments or specialized stores, purchase special solutions for cleaning steamers and steam generators.

The method of application does not differ from the above, and the effect will be the same, but you will be calmer, since you did everything "according to the rules" and instructions.

Important! If you have a steam generator at home, do not risk with improvised means to save yourself from expensive repairs, and the household steam station from premature failure. Use only high-quality specialized cleaners, as the steam generator has a very complex structure and requires a more serious approach.

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How to clean the descaler for clothes?

The clothes steamer has firmly entered our life, because with its help it is possible not only to bring in a perfect order clothes, but also to destroy dust mites on pillows and mattresses. Using the device, you can steam up the drapery on the sofas and chairs. The steamer performs the tasks that the iron can not cope with.

However, the maintenance of the unit requires special. According to the instructions, the steamer should be cleaned once a month. If you use distilled or demineralized water for cleaning, this will reduce the frequency of cleaning.

Cleaning technology

Before storage and during use, the steamer must be cleaned. According to the standard instruction, the procedure should be performed as follows:

1. Turn off the device. Turn the switch to the "OFF" position.
2. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
3. Allow the device to cool down.
4. Disassemble the hose and the telescopic stand.
5. Delay the items separately.
6. Take the base to the bathroom.
7. Remove the tank and drain.
8. Rinse the tank with clean water.
9. Dry.
10. Remove water from the steamer by unscrewing the drain plug and removing the contents.
11. To facilitate water flow, tilt the base in the direction of the drain hole.
12. Screw the drain plug back.
13. Rinse the base - for this, fill the tank with fresh water and drain.
14. Assemble the device.

Descaling

Calcareous plaque eventually settles on the units and parts of the unit. Therefore, manufacturers of household appliances recommend monthly cleaning of the steamer from scale.

The descaling procedure looks like this:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Unplug it from the mains.
3. Wait until the machine has cooled down.
4. Prepare the vinegar solution: 1 part vinegar and 1 part water. Two cups are enough for cleaning.
5. Slowly pour the solution into the tank.
6. Place the tank on the base.
7. Once the solution has poured into the base, leave the device for 40 minutes.
8. Drain the solution into the sink. Fill plain water in the tank.
9. Drain the water.
10. Repeat the procedure for pouring and draining the water until the vinegar smell disappears.
11. Assemble the steamer.

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What kind of water should be poured into the ironing system, steam generator, steamer?

Modern ironing devices are unique devices that have excellent quality, reliability and unsurpassed functionality. Therefore, it is so important to use "correct water" for the formation of steam, otherwise - with no less intensity than steam, scale will form. And this will lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the device and the clogging of holes on the sole.

Let's consider what water can be used and which one is not available, in the following versions:

1. Normal tap water. Can not be used in its pure form. If your tap is too hard water, then mix it with the purchased demineralized in a 1: 1 ratio.
2. Distilled water. Such a liquid is almost completely purified from salts, organic and other impurities. However, in distilled water, the boiling temperature is much higher than that of conventional water, so it is more difficult to evaporate. Specialists do not recommend the use of pure distilled water for ironing, because the silicone coating in the evaporation chamber can be destroyed due to the difficult vaporization. Use distilled water along with a simple tap in a 1: 1 ratio, and if you have very hard water in the area, then in a 2: 1 ratio
3. Filtered water is perfect for steam appliances.
4. Chilled boiled water contains a small precipitate, and this can speed up the deposition of plaque. Therefore, experts do not recommend the use of this water for the formation of steam.
5. Special demineralized water. Use this water for steam technology in a diluted form. For example, with tap water in a 1: 1 ratio.
6. Water from a well or well. Specialists do not recommend the use of water from artificial reservoirs, not only for drinking, but also for any household purposes. In the well or well, even if there is a filter, particles of harmful microorganisms remain.
7. Bottled water is not recommended for steam appliances - due to high mineralization.
8. Special flavored water for irons contains mineral or organic substances that, when heated, increase their concentration and can spoil the iron.

Useful advices:

1. For sale are models of steam generators with cartridges for water softening. In such devices, you can use ordinary tap water. However, if the water in your area is stiff, then do not change the cartridge frequently, pour clean water into the device.
2. Summarizing the above, use for pouring in steam units: ordinary filtered drinking water, diluted distilled or special demineralized, also diluted with plain water.
3. You can also use ordinary tap water if you dilute the anti-scale agent Kalstop Polti( Italy) in it. With each ironing, add 5 ampoules of water to 5 liters of water.

We hope that the information obtained helped us to choose an effective method for combating the scum. But in order not to further deal with the most complicated manipulations with acids and chemistry, save your time and money, use the "right water" for steam devices and regularly conduct preventive measures.