Using an iron with a steaming system, you probably came across the appearance of limescale on the steam outlet openings. The Internet is replete with recipes for solving this issue. But the scum is formed not only on the external stomata, inside the device it is no less.
Home appliance manufacturers are also worried about finding a solution to this problem. As a result of their research, a self-cleaning function for the iron called self clean appeared. What this beast is and what to do with it, you will learn from this article.
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Why self clean
Literally translating self clean on the iron means: self-cleaning. This automatic system is designed to help us deal with the appearance of hated limescale and rust in irons with a steam generator easily and effortlessly. During operation, microparticles of lime and rust appear on internal surfaces. If you do not get rid of them, the steamer will work worse over time, and in extreme cases it may break. If you notice that flakes fall out of the steam holes and leave white or brown marks on your linen, then it's time to clean the equipment.
The main tasks of the self-cleaning system in the iron are:
- prevention of accumulation of scale;
- rust control of metal parts;
- removal of contaminants from the water tank.
As a result of using this mechanism, we get a perfectly working steamer.
How iron self-cleaning works
The big plus of this system is that it is automatic. That is, the iron has a special self clean button, by clicking which you will start the device cleaning process. You don’t have to do anything yourself.
A self-cleaning system in the steam generator is located between the water tank and the pump. Modern models of Brown, Bosch firms are equipped with it. In Philips irons, the self-cleaning system is called Calc Clean, which means the same thing, just a patent was registered for a “new” development.
The principle of operation is based on the fact that the particles of contaminants are retained by a special self-cleaning filter and accumulate in the built-in container. By clicking on the button, you start the self-cleaning process, and the scum is washed out by the stream of water from the device.
How to use the self clean function
To use self clean correctly, you must follow the sequence of steps. In the kit with the device there is always an instruction manual for its use, but who needs it, except for the manufacturers. And since we all got rid of excess waste paper long ago, it will describe what you need to do to ensure that your iron cleans itself correctly.
- We buy distilled or demineralized water, this is necessary.
- We fill the water tank to the brim.
- Set the temperature to maximum and wait for the heating indicator light to go out
- We turn off the device and carry it to the sink / bath.
- Hold horizontally and press the Self Clean button. Do not let it go until all the water flows out.
The sight of falling pieces of dirt from the iron with which you stroked freshly washed linen is not the most aesthetic. In addition, it is accompanied by the sounds of "sneezing" and the release of steam flows. Do not be alarmed. Every cleaning process has little to do with beauty.
Shake the iron periodically over the sink so that all residues come out. If the leaking fluid is too dirty, repeat the cleaning process again.
After you are satisfied with the result, rinse the device inside under running water and dry it. Then carry out trial ironing on a piece of fabric, which is not a pity: it is possible that residual contaminants will still leave the reservoir, leaving spots on the material.
To completely clear your machine of scale, you need to take out and clean the self-cleaning filter from time to time. It is easily pulled out of the iron.To return the filter to its original purity, soak it for half an hour in a solution of vinegar or citric acid, and then rinse with water.
Iron self-cleaning function
In irons equipped with a self-cleaning system, filters for collecting scale do not always stand. Sometimes it can be a special Anti Calc rod or cartridges. They also need to be periodically removed and soaked in an acid solution. From the point of view of ease of use, it is easiest to clean the irons in which the Calc Clean system is installed. They do not contain elements that need to be removed.
To keep your steam iron as long as possible, try pouring purified or distilled water into it. This will reduce the load on the mechanisms and improve the quality of the steaming.
