How to clean the steam generator from scale

Over time, limescale from poor-quality water forms in the steam generator. What to do to avoid this and how to clean the device yourself?

Due to the large amount of salt in hard water, its frequent use in a steam generator leads to scale formation. Salt sediment prevents the heating of the device, which entails its failure without the possibility of repair.

Signs that a lot of scale has accumulated inside the steam generator:

• yellow marks on clothes during ironing;
• residues of lime flakes during steaming;
• leakage of dirty water through holes in the sole;
• uneven steam supply;
• the presence of extraneous noise.

IMPORTANT! Before using the steam generator, carefully read the operating instructions. There is information about what water is suitable for your model.

In order to increase the service life of the device, it is necessary to purify limescale and use only clean water.

Which water does not fit:

• from the tap (it's too stiff);
• boiled (it has a precipitate);
• distilled (high temperature is required for its evaporation);
• imported from the well (it has a high degree of mineralization);
• a special liquid with a fragrance (it can leave marks on clothes and disable the device).

Types of steam generators, their advantages and disadvantages, we consider in the comparative table:

Some models are equipped with a scale collection tank. In this case, it will be sufficient to drain this liquid after cooling the iron. On models with a removable descaling cartridge, simply replace it. In steam generators with automatic cleaning, you need to fill in the water and turn on the desired mode. The appliance will clean in a few minutes.

IMPORTANT! If the steam generator has a self-cleaning function, you must strictly follow the instructions for use.

On your own you can only clean simple gravity-fed steam generators.

IMPORTANT! The surface should be cleaned when the appliance is unplugged and cooled down. The sole of the iron also needs to be cleaned. This can be done with hydrogen peroxide. Moisten a cloth in the solution and wipe the contaminated areas.

Some effective and fairly simple cleaning methods:

1. Cleaning with citric acid. Two teaspoons of citric acid will be needed per liter of water. The resulting mixture must be poured into the tank, let stand 10-20 minutes, and then make the steam at full power. While the resulting liquid evaporates, you should iron some scrap of fabric so that a solution with scale particles settles on it. Then rinse the tank with clean cold water. It must also be evaporated at full capacity to clean the inside of citric acid.
2. Acetic acid cleaning. To prepare a cleaning solution, you need to take nine percent vinegar and mix it with clean water one to one. Pour the solution into the tank, let it brew and evaporate this liquid the same way as when cleaning with citric acid. This method cannot be used too often, because rubber and plastic parts may deteriorate.
3. Cleaning with special descaling agents. Finished powder must be dissolved in clean water. The proportions and further actions will help determine the instructions for this tool.
4. Cleaning with dishwashing detergent. Dishwashing detergent diluted in warm water and mix until smooth. Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth. After the procedure, wipe the surface with a clean, soft cloth to remove any residue.
5. Mineral water cleaning. Mineral water should be poured into the tank. Turn on maximum mode and evaporate it completely. After this, you need to repeat the action only with clean water. This method is absolutely harmless to the device and quite effective.
6. Steam bath cleaning. This method is not simple, but very effective. Suitable if the steam generator has very much clogged holes that release steam. You will need a baking sheet and two wooden sticks. They need to be put in a container, put an iron on sticks. Pour boiling water so that it touches only the sole. Then add a special descaler to the water. Leave on for ten minutes. After this procedure, the water will become dirty with grains of scale.

REFERENCE! There are magnetic water transducers. They will forever save you from plaque formation. They are fairly easy to install, and they are inexpensive.

Prevention of the appearance of scale.

It is always easier to prevent a problem than to fix it. In order for the steam generator to serve as long as possible, you need to follow simple rules:

• use only filtered water or buy clean water in a store;
• once a month to clean the device from scale;
• after each use, it is necessary to drain the remaining water from the tank;
• Do not clean the sole of the iron with metal sponges;
• always keep the appliance dry and clean.

Proper care and timely descaling will extend the life of the steam generator. Also, do not forget to familiarize yourself with the instructions that come with the device.