Descaling an iron or steam generator
Your iron spits brown water or white powder? Steam no longer comes out? Limescale is the culprit.
Recommended Materials
- White vinegar
- Water
- Cotton swab
- Old cloth
Steps to follow
Step 1
For the tank: Fill it with a 50% water / 50% white vinegar mixture. If your iron is very scaled, you can go up to 100% vinegar.
Step 2
Heat the iron in a vertical position, maximum steam setting.
Step 3
Once hot, release steam in bursts (steam boost button) over a sink. The limescale will come out through the soleplate holes in the form of white pieces or brown water.
Step 4
Turn off the iron and let the remaining mixture act in the tank for 1 hour (iron unplugged).
Step 5
Empty the tank, rinse it 2 or 3 times with clear water. Fill with clear water and release steam again to rinse the circuits.
Step 6
For the soleplate: If the holes are clogged, use a cotton swab dipped in pure vinegar. If the soleplate is brown/burnt, rub it (when it is lukewarm) with a cloth and toothpaste or a paracetamol tablet (hold the tablet with pliers, rub it on the hot soleplate, it melts and peels off the burnt part).
Frequently Asked Questions
What water to use daily ?
Tap water is suitable for most modern irons. If it is very hard, cut it with 50% demineralized water. Never use 100% demineralized water (too acidic for some internal seals) nor rainwater or dryer water (contains dust).
Steam generators ?
They often have a scale collector (metal rod) to unscrew on the side of the tank. Simply rinse it under water at each emptying.
Precautions
- Rinse well to avoid the smell of vinegar on clothes.
- Do not burn yourself with the steam.
