How to clean the Tefal iron inside from scale at home?

For any housewife, the iron is an indispensable assistant in everyday life, because almost every day you have to steam and iron mountains of linen and clothes. And with such an operation, scum from hard water containing impurities can form inside any device. You must admit that not every housewife hears the advice of the manufacturer, who recommend using only distilled or purified water for steaming for the iron, for sure, the operating rules are violated. Therefore, today we will tell the owners of modern appliances how to clean the Tefal iron inside from scale at home so as not to damage it.

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Scale formation process

Modern models of irons have a very high functionality and quality, but they require a more careful attitude. The most common problem with steamer irons is scale inside the appliance and soiling of the sole outside. To understand how to clean the iron with a steamer, it is necessary to understand the process of scale formation and take all preventive measures to prevent the problem.

Limescale refers to solid, water-insoluble, salt deposits (mainly magnesium and calcium) formed on heating elements. The scale layer invisible inside can cause irreparable harm to the device:

• Firstly, salt deposits have a fairly low thermal conductivity (ten times lower than steel). Because of this, the device malfunctions. The iron may fail much earlier than the intended life.
• Secondly, particles of salt fall off over time and clog passages for steam or come out with water, leaving stubborn stains on clothing.

It is necessary to clean the iron from scale inside regularly so that the contaminants do not affect the quality and efficiency of ironing, and so that the equipment does not fail. But in order to resort to cleaning procedures much less often, follow the operating rules of the equipment recommended by the manufacturer.

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Limescale Prevention

How to clean tefal iron with steam generator from soot? Scale occurs inside the device due to the use of hard water and improper use of the device. To ensure that the iron lasts as long as possible, and ironing is of high quality, follow simple rules:

• Use only distilled water for steaming. It is completely freed from various types of impurities and can significantly reduce the process of scale formation. You can use filtered or pre-boiled water.
• After the ironing process, be sure to drain the remaining water from the steamer.
• Correctly choose and observe the mode of ironing and steaming.
• If possible, purchase models of devices with integrated water filters. Filters purify water from impurities of hard salts, thereby preventing the appearance of scale.
• Store and place the iron only in an upright position.
• Descale for prevention at least 1-2 times per month. Use the self-cleaning function available in all modern iron models for this purpose.

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How to descale in a steam iron?

Since the invention of steam devices, the problem of scaling began to worry not only users, but also manufacturers of equipment. Therefore, modern models of irons with a self-cleaning function were invented. Different manufacturers implemented a special “self-clean” function in their own way. Next, we will tell you how to clean the Philips iron or any other brand from scale at home using the self-cleaning function.

To descale an iron with a steamer quickly and efficiently, you can apply several methods, for example:

• Use the self-cleaning function.
• Clean the anti-lime rod.
• Use various salt-disrupting drugs.

Consider each method in detail.

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How to descale a steam iron using the self-cleaning function?

Numerous modern models of steam appliances have the function of “self-clean” - auto-cleaning, which allows without any extra effort to clean the iron from internal scale. The device instructions often describe the sequence of actions. For example, specialists from one of the most famous Philips companies advise to clean the iron from scale inside as follows:

1. Fill the water tank with distilled water to the maximum mark.
2. Set the heating control to maximum temperature.
3. Turn on the appliance. Make sure that heating occurs before automatic shutdown.
4. Set the steam control to “0”.
5. Take the iron and hold it over a previously prepared container (sink, basin).
6. Press the self-cleaning function enable button.
7. While holding the iron over the container, shake it vigorously so that contamination starts to come out of the sole along with water and steam.
8. Unplug the device.
9. Put the device on the “heel” and let it cool completely.
10. Rinse the steam chamber thoroughly with running water.
11. Wipe the unit dry.
12. Leave the device for a day and do not use it for its intended purpose during this time.

Advice:

• To clean and efficiently scale your Philips iron inside your home, use only clean water without any means. Otherwise, rubber (silicone) gaskets can be harmed.
• Strictly adhere to the operating rules outlined in the instructions, especially for modern complex models of irons.
• When purchasing a device model, carefully read the instruction manual. Ensure that the instrument has a useful and convenient self-cleaning function.
• Pay attention to the models of household appliances Bosch and Siemens. Iron manufacturers of these brands offer an integrated cleaning system that neutralizes lime. In the design of the technique there is a cartridge equipped with granules that change positive ions of manganese and calcium to negative. Specialists of this technique claim that the system works efficiently throughout the life of the equipment.
• To verify the effectiveness of self-cleaning, check the condition of the anti-lime rod. Next to the water tank is a button (mostly white), when pressed, a rod pops up. If there are traces of scale on the part, remove the rod and clean. We will describe in more detail about the method of cleaning the rod below.

Safety Precautions When Using the Self-Cleaning Function

During self-cleaning, drops of boiling water and steam with scum pieces will come out of the iron. In order not to get a burn, follow the safety rules:

1. Do not touch the iron platform, as it is too hot.
2. Make sure that hot jets of steam and drops of water do not get on your skin.
3. Do not use the iron immediately after cleaning.Check its operation first on an unnecessary piece of fabric to make sure that there are no spots when ironing.

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The method of cleaning anti-lime rod

In order to familiarize you with the process of cleaning the rod, we will consider how to clean the Tefal iron from scale at home. Modern models of this brand are equipped with a special removable rod, which collects all the limescale.

Important! If the model of the steam appliance is equipped with an anti-lime cartridge or cartridge, they are not cleaned, but replaced as necessary.

To properly clean the Tefal iron from scale inside, proceed as follows:

1. Wait until the iron cools down after self-cleaning.
2. Pull the brackets and pull out the shaft.
3. Prepare a container to place the part in it.
4. Prepare the vinegar solution: pour 1 tbsp of water into a glass of water. a spoonful of vinegar. You can use citric acid in this way: 1 teaspoon of acid per 1 liter of water.
5. Pour the prepared solution into a container.
6. Soak the rod in the solution for 1 hour (you can for a longer time if necessary).
7. Rinse the shaft with running water to remove any salt deposits.
8. Wipe the part dry.
9. Reinstall the shaft.

Important! Clean the anti-lime rod at least 1 time per month. If using untreated water, perform this procedure more often.

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How to clean the steamer in the iron using chemicals?

To qualitatively and effectively remove residual salts from the internal parts of the iron, you can use the means of the chemical industry. Their main advantages:

• Availability.
• Efficiency.

Important! After using household chemicals, it is necessary to rinse thoroughly all parts of the device. It is not recommended to use aggressive chemicals if the iron is designed for ironing children's things.

The most popular chemicals:

• Antinakipin. Under the influence of the drug, salt and minerals are broken down. Dilute the product with water according to the instructions. The prepared solution is poured into a water tank. Then the iron must be connected to the network, heated to maximum temperature, disconnected and left for 20-30 minutes. After the device has completely cooled down, the solution is removed along with the remaining salts. Rinse the water tank several times with running water and wipe dry. Before using the appliance for the next time, carry out a test ironing using unnecessary cloth.
• Topper is a concentrated descaler. Use the drug for the most serious internal deposits. Due to the high level of concentration (ratio with water 2: 1), even the most difficult precipitation is eliminated, while there is no negative effect on the iron parts.
• Optima Plus OP-020 is made in Germany. The composition of the drug includes only natural components, so the tool is safe for human health. The effect of the drug is visible the first time.

Advice:

• Instead of “Anti-scale”, I advise many to use the “Silit” cleaning agent.
• When using special cleaning products for “Magic Power”, “Bon” irons and others, be sure to read the instructions for their use.

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How to clean the iron from scale inside using improvised means?

Even the simplest steam iron without additional self-cleaning functions can be descaled using improvised means. The most effective are:

• Lemon acid.
• Table vinegar.
• Mineral water.

The use of citric acid

To properly and efficiently carry out the cleaning procedure, proceed as follows:

1. Dilute 1 pack of citric acid in 200 ml of warm boiled water.
2. Stir the ingredients until completely dissolved.
3. Pour the solution into the water compartment to the maximum mark.
4. Set the highest temperature.
5. Plug in the appliance.
6. Wait for automatic shutdown.
7. Place the iron over a container (sink, basin, or bathtub).
8. Clean the device from liquid by repeatedly pressing the steam release button. You can use the “Steam boost” function.
9. Unplug the appliance and let it cool.
10. Rinse the parts of the device thoroughly with running water.
11. Wipe the device dry.
12. Perform a check ironing to ensure that the equipment is clean.

Important! When working with citric acid, adhere to safety rules. Protect your hands with protective gloves and respiratory organs with a respirator.

Similarly, you can clean with vinegar using a solution of table vinegar and running water in a ratio of 1: 1. The procedure should be carried out only near an open window, as during the cleaning process caustic vapor will be released.

Vinegar Cleaning

The most laborious process of removing salt residues is digestion with vinegar. After this procedure, the scum will not have a single chance.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Prepare a metal pan and place wooden sticks on it parallel to each other.
2. Place the iron on the wooden slats with the sole down.
3. Prepare the vinegar solution by mixing 200 ml of 9% vinegar with 1 liter of water.
4. Bring the solution to a boil.
5. Pour the boiling solution into the pan so that the water barely covers the lower edge of the bottom of the appliance. The plastic parts of the iron must not touch the liquid.
6. Place the pan on a small fire to enhance the effects of cleaning products. Boil the solution for 10-15 minutes.
7. Rinse the water tank separately if there are traces of salts on it.
8. Wait for the iron to cool, rinse its surface with running water.
9. Dry the device and do not use during the day.

Important! Use this method only in a well-ventilated area or if there is a hood over a gas stove.

The use of mineral water

Effectively removes dirt inside the device mineral water. To carry out this cleaning method, proceed as follows:

1. Pour mineral water into the compartment to the maximum mark.
2. Set the maximum heating temperature.
3. Plug in the appliance.
4. Wait for automatic shutdown, place the iron over the sink (basin).
5. Let off steam.
6. Repeat the procedure several times.
7. Rinse the parts with running water.
8. Dry the surface of the appliance.

Important! Purification with mineral water should be carried out 3-5 times, depending on the degree of contamination, so prepare at least 1 liter of mineral water for work.

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How to clean the sole of a Tefal iron?

If you need to clean the outer surface of the device, then you can use improvised means or chemicals.

How to clean the sole of a Tefal iron?

Use proven home remedies:

• Hydroperite.
• Ammonia.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Lemon juice.
• A solution of vinegar.
• Laundry soap.

Household chemicals also cope well with pollution:

• Pencil for cleaning the sole.
• Detergent for dishes.

Important! Use only soft sponges, a cloth or gauze to clean the soleplate. Eliminate the use of powder products and metal sponges that leave a mark on the surface.

We suggest you use the following effective methods to clean the sole of the Tefal iron:

• Rub the surface of the heated appliance with household soap (72%). Cool the device, remove the soap with a soft cloth. If soap particles get into holes in the surface, then remove them with a cotton swab. After cleaning the work surface, blow the steam using distilled water.
• Dampen a piece of cloth or gauze with your chosen improvised product (vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, ammonia). Wipe the cold surface of the appliance. Pour dish detergent onto a soft sponge and wipe the surface. Rinse off the product and wipe the work surface dry.
• Hydroperitum (tablet) rub the heated surface of the household appliance. After the iron has cooled, wipe the sole of the iron with a soft cloth.
• A special pencil will help to qualitatively remove scale from the holes of the working surface. Pour water into an iron and heat it. After 2-3 minutes, rub the surface with a pencil. Erase the molten pencil with a piece of cloth. Iron the unnecessary piece of fabric with steam to remove scale from inaccessible places.

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Stock footage

To extend the service life of a faithful assistant - the iron, follow only 3 rules: first - carefully read the attached instructions for the device, second - carry out all preventive measures to prevent scale both outside and inside, third - regularly carry out the procedure of cleaning the device from salts and minerals deposits. And for work when caring for the equipment, use the tools and methods that we selected for you in the article.