How to clean a tefal steam generator? When removing limescale in an iron and steam cleaner at home
How to Clean a Tefal Iron with a Steam Generator from Limescale? Scaling occurs inside the appliance due to hard water and improper use. To keep your iron as long as possible and your ironing quality, follow these simple rules:
- Only use distilled water for steaming. It’s completely free of all kinds of impurities, and it can significantly reduce the formation of limescale. Filtered or pre-boiled water can also be used.
- After ironing, be sure to empty the residual water from the steamer.
- Choose the correct ironing and steaming mode and follow it correctly.
- Whenever possible, buy an appliance with a water filter built in. Filters remove impurities of hard salts from the water, thus preventing limescale.
- Store and display the iron only in an upright position.
- Scale the iron at least once or twice a month as a precaution. Use the self-cleaning function on all newer irons.
How to remove dirt from the soleplate of the iron?
To clean the soleplate on your Philips iron, you can use Greenfield. The pencil is inexpensive, but it gently removes all types of dirt from the soleplate.
- Plug in iron and heat.
- Use a pencil to move the pencil on the hot surface of the iron.
- Wipe off all traces of treatment with a cotton rag.
- If the dirt remains, you can repeat the process.
- Turn the iron off.
During the cleaning, a chemical odor appears, so the procedure must take place in a well-ventilated room.
You can use any remedy you can think of, such as
Any of the above compounds are applied to the soleplate of the iron, then heated and the cotton cloth is ironed for 2 minutes. After the surface has cooled down, any residual dirt is removed. Cleaning is carried out with a soapy solution, then wipe the product with a damp cloth.
Abrasives such as metal brushes and brushes are not suitable for cleaning steam generators. The device will be hopelessly ruined.
Effective tools
Professional cleaners
Today there are many means for cleaning household appliances from carbon deposits and limescale on sale. Their advantage is the speed of cleaning, as well as the fact that you do not need to prepare separate compositions. You just pour the ready-made liquid from the bottle into the reservoir of the steam generator and after a short time use the device.
Vinegar citric acid
Those who want to save money and eliminate the use of harsh chemicals at home can safely use vinegar and acid.
Citric acid is used to combat scale in a wide variety of devices
Soap solution
Soapy water is also used as a gentle cleaner, soapy water is used to remove the soot from the soleplate. Especially with Teflon coated irons. You must mix liquid soap and water in the ratio of 1:3 respectively, soak a sponge with this mixture and thoroughly wipe the dirty surface.
Vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar-soda solution works great with lime scale. Mix 20 grams of soda with 100 ml of vinegar and wipe the surface slightly warmed with this mixture. The Teflon coating can be cleaned with laundry soap. To do this, lightly heat a steam iron and rub the soleplate with soap, then remove the scale with a wooden spatula. Along with the soap will be removed and soot.
How to descale Philips and Tefal steam generators
Note that many models of devices for ironing well-known brands, such as Philips and Tefal, are equipped with indicators that reflect the degree of contamination of the device. A beeping or flashing light warns you when it is time to descale. In doing so, the steamer may stop operating until the cleaning process is completed.
Tefal and Philips steam generators have a self-cleaning system: The device has a cartridge which softens the water and prevents limescale build-up. Fill the tank fully with liquid, set the steaming temperature to the maximum, shake the appliance over the sink by pressing and holding the designated button on the appliance housing. Any scale formed should escape with the steam through the holes in the soleplate.
Modern appliances are equipped with a tank for collecting limescale, which must also be cleaned periodically
The procedure can be repeated several times until the desired effect is achieved. Remember to wipe the soleplate of the iron and test the appliance on a piece of cloth so as not to soil your clothes with any residue.
After using the appliance, we recommend draining the water reservoir completely, to extend the life of the cartridge.
How to keep your steam generator clean
Timely preventive maintenance and care of your iron’s soleplate and steam system will extend the life of your appliance considerably. When using a steam iron, there are a few simple rules to keep in mind:
Pour only quality water. Various impurities in the composition can settle on the internal components of the device, provoking scale;
Do not clean the Teflon or ceramic soleplate with abrasives;
Do not use sponges with metallic abrasives;
Most steam generators have a self-cleaning system. You will be reminded of the right time to perform the procedure by a blinking indicator light.
You will need:
- cotton cloth
- sponge
- cloth
- citric acid
- vinegar solution
- sparkling water
- salt
- laundry soap
- hydrogen peroxide
- toothpaste
- nail polish remover
Ways to clean the soleplate of a steam iron
The iron plate itself will inevitably get dirty. This can be caused by burnt-on fabrics. Fouling impairs gliding on the material and stains things.
Do not use it clean to avoid scratching the coating. Therefore, a cotton material is laid on top of the layer. Unplug the iron when it is slightly warm, and easily iron the fabric. This method is safe for non-stale soiling.
Laundry soap
A slightly damp piece is rubbed on the sole and left on for half an hour. After wiping until clean. Soap scum will come off with the soapy foam.
Hydrogen peroxide
Works on both old and fresh dirt. A clean cloth is moistened with peroxide and ironed with a hot iron.
Toothpaste
Start by heating up the iron a little, then spread the paste over the entire surface, rubbing a little on tough spots. After drying completely, rinse off with a damp sponge
Paint remover
Helps get rid of traces of polyethylene and synthetics.
Folk ways can not always remove dirt, and it takes a long time to wash. It is much more effective to use a cleanser. Cif Active Lemon easily removes stubborn and even old limescale. Spread a small amount of cream evenly on the soleplate and leave on for a few minutes. You can wipe with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse off and wipe dry. Thanks to special micro-crystals, the cream removes dirt and is absolutely safe for ceramic surfaces.
Did new types of dirt/stains appear on your clothes during the self-insulation?
The steam generator is an indispensable household helper that can completely change the way you think about routine ironing. But the longevity of the device is largely up to you. If the water in your area is hard, use only filtered or distilled liquid. Keep your steam generator free of limescale on the inside. Be sure to rinse the tank with clean water and drain the residue after ironing, so the liquid doesn’t stagnate. Keep your steam generator dry.
How to clean your steam generator at home
To clean the scale, you can apply the following recipe:
- Add 30 grams of citric acid to 1 liter of hot water. Dissolve the powder thoroughly so that no crystals remain.
- Pour the resulting liquid into the water tank and leave it for 25-30 minutes. If the tank is larger than 1 liter, increase all components in the same proportion.
- Turn on the mode, which operates at maximum temperature, and wait for the device to heat up completely.
- Run the output of the steam jet until all the liquid in the tank is evaporated.
- Repeat the same with clean water.
- Clean the tank and rinse it thoroughly.
The acid can be replaced with vinegar. In this case, it must be mixed with water in equal proportion and repeat the same process as with citric acid.
Preventing the occurrence of limescale
To reduce the formation of salt plaque of the steam generator will help to follow a number of rules:
- The water to be used must be filtered or store-bought.
- Remove limescale from the device at least once a month.
- The tank must be emptied completely after each use.
- Never use metallic sponges to clean the soleplate of the appliance.
- Keep the appliance dry and free of debris.
Proper maintenance and timely cleaning procedures will have a positive effect on the operating time of the steam generator. And remember to read the instructions that come with the appliance.
Limescale and self-cleaning: what you need to know?
Scale build-up tends to coat the exterior and interior of the appliance. Scale builds up from the salts in the water you put in the iron to steam it during ironing. Even if you use boiled and purified fluid, sooner or later you will notice an accumulation of hard deposits and you will notice that the performance of the device has deteriorated.
Self-cleaning function means you don’t need any more cleaning supplies
If you have a modern ironing machine brand Bosch, Braun or Philips, then most likely it is equipped with a special function of self-cleaning. Manufacturers recommend to do it every 2-3 months (all the basic information can be found in the manual of your appliance).
Regardless of the model of iron, the self-cleaning function should be carried out as follows:
- Fill the tank with clean water up to the maximum allowable mark.
- Prepare in advance a container into which the used liquids with scale will be drained or perform the procedure over the sink.
- Set the temperature regulator to the maximum mark and connect the device to the mains.
- Wait until the appliance is fully warmed up and turns off automatically.
- Holding the iron with the soleplate down over a prepared container or basin, start the self-cleaning function (usually indicated by a Calc Clean button on the case). Shake the appliance gently to loosen the deposits from the elements.
- Repeat the procedure several times, then wait until it has cooled down completely and remove any residual scale from the soleplate.
The automatic cleaning function makes caring for your appliance easier and less expensive, since only pure water is used in the process. Before carrying out the procedure for the first time, carefully review the instructions for the device and follow the algorithm specified there.
Folk remedies for limescale
Citric Acid
If your appliance does not have the above function, you can descale the inside of the iron at home using any common household remedy. For example, the use of citric acid is considered one of the easiest and most affordable methods of removing plaque.
Citric acid powder is excellent for removing plaque
Prepare a solution of a glass of water and 25 g of citric acid (2 tsp. л. per 250 ml of liquid), mix the components thoroughly. Pour the descaler into the water tank and proceed in the same way as with the self-cleaning function, pushing the steam button (to create a steam blow). After repeating the manipulation several times, finally wipe the soleplate with a soft cloth moistened in water, ridding the surface of residual dirt and streaks.
Vinegar
An effective descaling agent is 9% vinegar. It helps to clean the soleplate and steam ducts. This method is only good for irons with a metal soleplate.
Properly carry out the cleaning in the following sequence:
- Take a baking tray or pan the size of the ironing appliance and place 2 wooden sticks parallel to each other on the bottom.
- Place the appliance on the prepared structure with the soleplate facing downwards. We recommend placing the back part a little higher than the front.
- Mix 1 liter of water and a glass of vinegar.
- Turn the steam knob to the max, then pour the vinegar solution onto the tray so that it covers the sole of the iron completely, but doesn’t reach the plastic parts.
- Place the container with the device on the stove and bring the contents to a boil, then remove from the fire and cool. Repeat the procedure.
- After the iron has cooled down, shake it, clean the soleplate with a damp cloth or brush, additionally rinse the water tank.
- Leave the ironing device in the off position for 24 hours, then perform a test ironing of the cotton fabric you don’t need with steaming in order to remove any residual deposits and clean the steam outlets.
This is how the cleaning process with vinegar
The disadvantages of cleaning with vinegar are considered an unpleasant odor when the acid evaporates and the inability to use the product for Teflon and ceramic coatings.
The iron must be unplugged while warming up on the stove
Remedies for descaling the steam generator
The shelves of hardware stores are full of remedies, allowing easy and hassle-free not only to remove limescale, but also to prevent its appearance. The most famous are such means:
“Anti-scaling”, the substance is diluted in water according to the instructions provided, after which it is quite good at removing contaminants.
Topper removes all limescale deposits due to its high concentration of cleansing and dissolving agents.
Top House is another product which makes it possible to remove all lime flakes from the tank of the liquid.
Greenfield removes soot from the steam generator soleplate, leaving it as smooth and even as it was at the time of purchase.
To use the steam generator cleaner, proceed as follows:
- unplug the steam generator;
- add a special detergent to the reservoir in the quantity indicated in the instructions;
- Increase the steam flow and press the steam release button;
- Place the iron in the sink with two wooden sticks at the bottom;
- Let the steam generator stand in this position for at least half an hour, during this time, the product will permeate through the holes and clean them;
- Now you can drain the rest of the composition and rinse the container with the cleaned liquid 2-3 times.
It is worth noting that the use of store-bought and home remedies for descaling steam generators is quite justified, because it allows you to extend the life of the device. However, it is much easier to remove water from the tank in a timely manner, to use only purified liquid to keep the device from lime deposits as long as possible.
Heroes of Sword and Magic 3. Castle embroidery
Friends, hello to all! I wanted to share my long-awaited finish work based on my favorite game Heroes of Sword and Magic 3, which I dreamed to do.
This is my favorite castle from my childhood! Loved playing the good factions, in dreams to embroider another work, namely Oplot. I’m really glad I made it in 7 months.
Embroidery scheme made by myself, someone will say that this is a fierce run, for me no.
You all know that photos of locks are not in the best quality, so the scheme is also not the best, but still this is the most large-scale picture I have made and it will warm my heart and inspire nostalgia! Good for all:)
Recently I often see an increased interest of Russians to changes of life in the European Union after certain events.
I was born and have lived all my life in Estonia, I consider myself a person with “normal” standard of living and I will ly my observations.
So everyone is interested in inflation. I’ve read a lot on TV about the skyrocketing inflation in the EU
Fuel suffers the most. In winter, they say the heating costs were sky-high. We didn’t feel it, fortunately, because the apartment is big (85 sq. m.) but the house is new with high energy efficiency and in our neighborhood (we live 10 km away from Tallinn) there is a boiler house that doesn’t use much gas. But this is rather an exception. According to people I knew, in Tallinn used to go up two or three times, depending on the energy efficiency of the house and the location. The government arranged compensations, for many people it was just too much. Frankly speaking, we are anxiously waiting for the next winter.
About fuel: Gasoline has always cost about 1.3 euro / l and now holds at 1.8 euro / l. ( at one time jumped to 2 euros, but still fell to 1.8). I wouldn’t say that there are too few cars in town (even though public transportation is free for residents of Tallinn), but my husband and I will think twice before going to a nearby town for a walk 🙂
Everything else is also getting more expensive, including groceries and housewares. Fortunately, the competition in this sector is big, just recently came on the market budget Lidl, and all stores are still forced to keep low margins and do campaigns and promotions, which really saves. ( and yes discounts are real, because when you get the same items you know how much they cost without discounts )
Personally I more and more often get discounted goods, sometimes I buy them with stock or just to spare (if the time allows), which I almost never did before. My husband and I have become more cost-conscious, but we have not abandoned our usual diet and lifestyle. At least for now 🙂
Real Estate. Honestly, I am shocked by the prices. Over the past 5 years, a huge jump. Banks are tightening the conditions for loans, but people are still buying. My husband and I bought our apartment 2 years ago and frankly, now we can not afford it. The interest rates on home loans are adequate (for us, for example, from the bank 2.01% interest per year) but with the euribor. While it is negative, that is, nothing is added, but to be honest events are so unpredictable that the euribor can easily start to grow. And then the monthly payment may increase to a really large amount, which is frankly frightening.
In general, I would say that there is a price increase, we have to tighten our belts a little, but it does not change the way of life. Rather frighten by cloudy (as elsewhere) prospects, but in general we are holding up well, not everything is as awful as described in the media.
And you are holding on. This madness will end and everything will work out.
PS: originally I wanted to tell about the refugees, about the attitude to the Russians, but I realized that the letters and so too much and should limit myself to the prices. Some other time I will tell you about this side of our life.