The steam generator is a useful invention and helps contain things in impeccable state. With it, it is possible not only to smooth out clothes, but also to care for solid surfaces, removing solar stains with them and checking disinfection. However, the instrument itself needs regular cleaning from scale, which is formed both inside and outside the steam cleaner.
Why do you need cleaning?
In the process of the steam station, thin channels for which steam passes are clogged with lime deposits, which are formed from salts present in tap water. Scale creates a number of inconveniences, such as the difficult passage of steam jets and the appearance of dirty heights and lime flakes on the underwear. This causes the need to reversal things, and in the case of the formation of yellow spots and does the thing in disrepair. Many patterns of steam generators are equipped with a self-cleaning function, however, when using poor quality water, the system is not able to cope with scale independently, and requires helping from the outside.
In addition to the appearance of spots and rusty leather, the need to clean the instrument says foreign sounds, which are hearing during vaporization, uneven steam supply and the presence of lime fragments on the escaping surface.
Features of the function of self-cleaning
The option of self-cleaning of the steam generator is found on more expensive models and helps protect the device from scale and climb. There are 3 types of self-cleaning systems - this is Anti Calc, Self Clean and Calc Clean. The principle of operation is first based on the action of an anti-referee rod installed on a steam switch and a calcium and magnesium salt. Periodically, the rod is removed from the device, 20 minutes are placed in a solution prepared from 200 ml of water, 1 tbsp. l. vinegar and 1 tsp. Lemonic acid, after which was washed under running water and put in place.
The Self Clean and Calc Clean systems are equipped with a special filter, which is also periodically removed from the device, immersed in a vinegar solution for 30-40 minutes, after which they are rinsed. To start the self-cleaning process, the filtered either distilled water is poured into the reservoir of the steam generator, the switch is set to maximum heating and turn on the device. After the water is warming up, the device is kept above the sink in a horizontal position, while pressing the self-cleaning button.
Together with water and steam from the holes, dirt and scale accumulated on the inner walls of the tank. For better cleaning, the procedure is done twice.
Some models instead of filter are equipped with special replaceable cartridges, which as dirty change to new ones. More modern steam cleaners are equipped with a special DE-CALC light indicator reporting that the instrument needs cleaning. Such models are capable not only to supply the signal, but also to turn off electrical power in excessive contamination of the tank. After cleaning the device from the lime tax, the protection is turned off, and the power supply is restored. The self-cleaning system makes it easier to care for the device and extends its service life.
Types of funds
For cleaning steam generators from scale, there are many different means, the most famous of which is anti-Nakipin. The drug is produced in the form of tablets, powder or gel and helps to quickly remove lime deposits from the tank walls. The required amount of means is dissolved in distilled water in proportion according to the supplied instructions, poured into the steam cleaner capacity and leave for 30 minutes. The device is then included in the network, and the switch to the most powerful steam feed mode is displayed. Next, the unnecessary tissue is stroken until the fluid is completely evaporated, after which the reservoir was washed with clean water.
Good results gives the use of funds such as Topperr, Cillit, Top House and Optima Plus With which you can quickly and absolutely safely remove from the walls of the reservoir, salt deposits and lime taxes. In addition, regular use of these drugs protects the tank from the appearance of mold and greenery, eliminates unpleasant odors that can appear from poor-quality tap water.
Folk Methods
Clean the iron or steam generator from the scale at home can be with the help of folk remedies. Such formulations are available in any house and cope with the removal of lime taxes are not worse than chemicals.Lemon acid
To remove salt sediments from the walls of the container, a solution prepared from 250 ml of hot water and 25 g of citric acid is used (1 h. L). The resulting agent is poured into the tank and leave for 25 minutes. Then include steam supply mode and stroke cotton fabric until the tank is completely released. Further, clean water is poured into the device, withstand 15 minutes and drained into the sink.
Vinegar
If the steam generator holes have been scored, it is possible to fix the problem with 9% vinegar. To do this, it is mixed with water in equal parts, then filled with the resulting solution with a reservoir for 1/4 of the total volume. After 20 minutes, the device turns on complete power and stroken with steam unnecessary tissue. This method is effective not only for cleaning the tank, but also for cleansing the sole of the iron.
The only minus acetic processing is a sharp smell, which is accompanied by the process of evaporation of the material. In addition, due to the negative impact of acid on rubber and plastic elements of the steam generator, the vinegar is too often not recommended.
Mineral water
This method is the most harmless for the details of the device and can be used regularly. Mineralo pour into the boiler, turn on full capacity and fason the fabric to completely evaporate water in the tank. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times depending on the degree of contamination of the device, after which is washed with clean water and wipe with a clean cloth.Steam bath
This method is used to cleanse the holes on the iron platform. To do this, take a deep pallet and two brus with a thickness of 2 cm, which are located on the bottom of the pallet. From above put iron sole down, poured into the pallet cleansing fluid so that the sole of the device is in water. Then the pallet put on fire, waiting for the water boiling, then boil 5 minutes. The boiling composition contributes to the purification of the holes of the iron sole and the output of the rusty flakes . Then the sole is washed with warm water and wipe dry.
If a acetic mixture is used as a cleansing solution, then it is recommended to open the window.
How to clean the sole?
For cleaning the sole iron use several ways. The choice of a more optimal method depends on the degree of contamination and the material manufacturing material. So, For Teflon coating, the economic soap is good, which rubbed the soles, after which they remove the resulting layer with Nagaro M. Instead of soap, you can use the dishwashing detergent, which is applied to the sponge, then wipe it with a heated sole. In this case, all the actions for clearing the sole should be carried out only after turning off the iron from the network.
Instruments with a conventional stainless surface are well cleaned with salt and paraffin. For this, the paraffin is carefully crushed, mixed with shallow salt and scatter on a white sheet. The iron is heated, then stroke the sheet until the mixture does not cover the iron sole. Next, the device is disconnected from the network, and after complete cooling, the sole of a soft cloth is wiped.
A mixture has a good effect, which includes vinegar, water, soda and toothpaste. The resulting composition is treated with the sole of the iron, after which the dry was wiped with a clean cloth. If you need to drop the burnt synthetics, you use acetone, without forgetting to open the window. Small point contamination of ceramic soles are well removed with cotton wands, moistened in hydrogen peroxide.
To clean the non-stick coatings, you can use the mixture of ammonia and water taken in the ratio of 1: 10.
Prevention measures
In order for the steam generator to serve as long as possible and less on the formation of scale, it is recommended to comply with a number of simple rules. For example, On the tank should be poured only the filtered or melting water . Water water contains a large number of salts and impurities, so it is forbidden to use it in the right filtered form. Boiled water is also not suitable for steam cleaners, since in the boiling process forms a precipitate. As for distilled water, it has a too high steam formation temperature, therefore it is not the best option. Spring water contains a large amount of minerals and salts that quickly turn into a scale, and a special flavored liquid often leaves spots on clothes.
With regular use of the device, its cleaning should be carried out at least 2 times a month And after each application, be sure to merge water residues from the tank. It is not recommended to clean the steam cleaner with hard sponges and abrasive substances, as well as preparations containing hydrochloric acid.
If a steam cleaner is planned to use for a while, then it should be rinsed, wipe it with a clean cloth, remove into the box and stored at room temperature away from the heating devices.
The method of cleaning the steam generator see below.