How to descale the steam station?

The steam iron is a compromise between a traditional iron and a garment steamer. Access to hot steam and a moisture dispenser makes ironing much easier, especially in case of strong creases. However, constant contact of the device with tap water, unfortunately, leads to the formation of limescale over time. How to descale the steam station so that it lasts you as long as possible?

How do I descale my steam iron?

Which method of descaling your iron is right for you depends on how your steam station works. A large part of modern devices of this type is equipped by manufacturers with the so-called easy descaling system combined with self-cleaning. If it is used on your steam station, then cleaning it will be extremely easy. So: how to descale an iron with a steam station equipped with this technology?

The cleaning of the station happens automatically, without your intervention. The steam channels are constantly cleared by the system, so you don't have to wonder if it's time to refresh this element. Moreover, the water heating boiler is sometimes equipped with a limescale filter. This means that the contamination remains on it, and thus does not get to other parts of the steam station and iron: all kinds of channels or dispensers.

This is a reusable element, so it is enough to remove it and rinse it under running water or additionally treat it with a bacteria killer. However, the filter is not standard, in some models self-cleaning is limited to automatic collection of water by a stone in a specially designated place: a container, a box.

Instead of a possible filter, irons with a steam station can also have a disposable anti-calc cartridge. This is a container filled with small granules that hold the stone. Unlike the filter, it cannot be cleaned, so from time to time you have to buy a new one. As you can see, modern steam stations essentially clean themselves. Your task is to regularly empty the container, rinse it, i.e. make sure that no sediment remains on the walls and, if necessary, clean the filter or replace the cartridge.

One is enough for an average of 3 to 6 months, depending on the frequency of ironing. What's more, some irons - such as the Philips Perfectcare Aqua Pro - are sometimes equipped with a built-in tank instead of a retractable limescale container. In their case, it is enough to remove the special plug and pour the water with the stone into a separate vessel.

How to descale a steam station with home methods?

If your station doesn't have a simple descaling system or can't handle XNUMX% very hard water, you will definitely need home remedies to descale your steam iron. You will no doubt be pleased to know that in most cases, the products that you already have in your kitchen or you can buy them for a few zlotys at any grocery store are enough for a thorough cleaning of the device.

The most popular and very effective way to descale a steam station is with a solution of water and citric acid. You will prepare it by dissolving two teaspoons of the product in one glass of liquid. What to do with the mixture? Moisten a cotton pad with it and wipe the soleplate. Then dip the heads of the cotton swabs into the solution to open the channels on the foot (holes through which steam escapes). The penultimate step is to pour the rest of your household cleaner into the container of the steam station (or steam iron) that you normally fill with water.

It remains only to evaporate the solution so that it “throws out” all the remaining stone from the device. To do this, you just need to iron, preferably at the maximum power of the iron. Be sure to use scrap materials or rags to work with because they will be dirty and possibly even damaged by the loose stone. When all the liquid has evaporated, rinse the container thoroughly and fill it with fresh water. You can iron unused fabrics again to make sure all dirt is removed. Ready!

Other methods of descaling your steam iron

Many use vinegar instead of citric acid, making a 1:1 mixture, usually about half a cup of vinegar to half a cup of warm water. The descaling process itself is identical to acidic. This method is also effective, inexpensive and easy to use, but leaves behind an unpleasant odor that will take some time to remove (completely evaporate). Moreover, in the case of some models, manufacturers indicate that vinegar cannot be used for cleaning.

There is another, extremely safe way to descale the steam station. This is the use of specialized finished products, where you do not have to think about the right proportion or the possibility of damaging the equipment. An example of this type of product is a universal descaling liquid for household appliances. If the problem lies not only in the scale deposited in the steam station, but also in the burnt or dirty soleplate of the iron, you can additionally arm yourself with a special stick for cleaning this equipment, which additionally polishes the device.

Thus, descaling the steam station does not require much effort. With regular repetition, preferably once every 2-3 months, you can significantly extend the life of the equipment, so, of course, it is worth taking care of its condition from time to time.