How do you descale a steam generator iron?
In this article, we’ll help you to descale and clean your steam generator iron.
How to descale a Steam Generator Iron?
Steam generator irons are indispensable tools for maintaining crease-free garments, but over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside, affecting their performance.
Descaling your steam generator iron is a critical maintenance task that ensures its longevity and efficiency.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to describe your steam generator iron effectively:
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary supplies:
- Vinegar or a commercial descaling solution
- Water
- A container large enough to hold the iron
- A clean cloth
2. Prepare the Solution
Depending on your preference, mix equal parts vinegar and water in the container or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for diluting a commercial descaling solution.
3. Empty the Water Tank
Ensure the iron is unplugged and cooled down completely. Empty any remaining water from the tank to prepare for descaling.
4. Fill the Tank with the Descaling Solution
Pour the vinegar or descaling solution into the water tank until it’s about halfway full.
5. Let it Soak
Place the iron on its base and allow it to soak for at least an hour. This allows the solution to break down the mineral deposits inside the iron effectively.
6. Flush the Iron
After the soaking period, empty the tank and fill it with clean water. Turn on the iron and set it to its highest steam setting. Allow the iron to steam for several minutes to flush out the descaling solution and any loosened deposits.
7. Rinse and Repeat (If Necessary)
If you notice remaining mineral deposits or if the steam output is still compromised, repeat the descaling process until the iron is clean and functioning optimally.
8. Wipe Down the Soleplate
Use a clean cloth dampened with water to wipe down the soleplate and remove any residue that may have accumulated during the descaling process.
9. Test the Iron
Once the descaling process is complete, fill the water tank with clean water and test the iron to ensure it’s working properly. Check for consistent steam output and smooth gliding of the soleplate.
10. Regular Maintenance
To prevent future buildup, consider using distilled water in your steam generator iron, as it contains fewer minerals. Additionally, descale your iron regularly, depending on your usage and water hardness.
Descaling your steam generator iron is a simple yet essential task that prolongs the life of your appliance and ensures optimal performance. By following these steps, you can keep your steam generator iron in top condition for years to come.
Clean Steam Generator Iron
Here is a step-by-step process to clean your steam generator iron:
- Descale Water tank
- Soleplate
- Fix the steam generator iron that keeps tripping
- Steam generator iron not steaming
- Steam generator iron leaking water
Clean Steam Generator Iron Soleplate
Most of the steam generator irons have stainless steel or ceramic soleplates. You can use toothpaste to remove gunks with the help of a damp cloth.
Sometimes the steam holes could become clogged. If this is the case, you can use cotton swabs dipped into the vinegar solution and rub them on affected areas.
Fix the steam generator iron that keeps tripping
Tripping the breaker or fuse is caused by excessive current draw. These are safety devices that are meant to protect from electrical overloads and fires.
More than likely your steam generator iron has a failing heating element and should be replaced. It is also possible that it has developed an internal water leak causing a shortage.
Contact a repairman to fix your steam generator iron from tripping the fuse in the main power box. It’s advised to not use the product unless fixed.
Steam generator iron not steaming
When a steam generator iron stops steaming, the chances are that it has limescale.
It can be removed by descaling your iron. You can also use an anti-limescale solution and mix tap or well water with distilled water of 50%.
It’s recommended to prevent further calcium buildup to clean your iron regularly and remove the remaining water from the reservoir after every use.
Steam generator iron leaking water
You can read our guide on water leaking out of your iron from here.
Can you put a descaler in a steam generator iron?
Modern steam generator iron comes with a calcium collector or anti-calc function which removes the impurities from water to keep the steam holes working.
For this reason, you don’t need to put a descaler into the water tank of your iron.
How do you change a Morphy Richards iron filter?
- Remove your iron from the power supply.
- Let it cool down properly.
- Slide out the water tank and remove the anti-scale filter.
- Empty the water in the tank by holding it upside down K.
- Replace the anti-scale filter and reinstall the water tank.