How do you descale your iron and steam generator?
What kind of anti-limescale systems are there?
Not every iron has an anti-limescale system. If it doesn't have one, you have to descale it manually. The irons with an anti-limescale system have 3 different types. An iron with a cleaning program, an anti-limescale cartridge, or a limescale collector. In this article, we'll explain every system to you. That way, you'll know how to keep your iron limescale-free.
Manually descaling
You descale a steam iron or steam generator without anti-limescale system manually. This isn't difficult, but it's very important. Descaling itself will take you about 15 minutes, but it has to soak for about half an hour. This means that it'll take you about 45 minutes in total. Go through the steps below and your can continue your ironing work soon again.
Steps manual descaling
| Step 1 | Empty the water tank and rinse it under the faucet. |
|---|---|
| Step 2 | Fill the water tank with water up to the maximum amount and add a little bit of cleaning vinegar. |
| Step 3 | Turn the iron to the highest setting for at least 4 minutes. Press the steam button a few times. |
| Step 4 | Turn off the iron and let the water soak for 30 minutes. |
| Step 5 | Clean the water tank and the soleplate with a microfiber cloth. Is there still limescale? Repeat step 2 to 5. |
| Step 6 | Rinse the water tank and steam it empty on an old kitchen towel. Make sure no vinegar remains in the iron. |
Automatic descaling
Cleaning program
A steam iron or steam generator with a cleaning program cleans itself. You just have to select the right program. Check the manual of your iron to read how to turn on the descaling program and your iron or steam generator will do the rest.
Anti-limescale cartridges
With this type of anti-limescale system, a cartridge descales your iron or steam generator. The cartridge is located inside your iron or steam generator and you can easily take it out. A cartridge lasts 3 months on average. After 3 months, you have to replace it. That way, you prevent stains on your clothes and the steam production remains best. Check the manual of your steam iron or steam generator to read how to replace the cartridges.
Limescale collector
A limescale collector is a container or rod in your steam iron or steam generator that collects limescale. Rinse the limescale collector under the faucet when you descale the appliance. Put it back afterwards. Do this every 3 months to keep your steam iron or steam generator limescale-free. Do you iron more than 3 times a week, or do you live in an area with a high water hardness? Descale your iron on a monthly basis.
Preventing limescale buildup
Prevention is better than cure. That's why you should empty the water tank after each time you iron. Don't put your steam iron or steam generator away with some water left in it. You can prevent limescale even better if you use descaled water. For example, purchase a filter pitcher that descales most of the water. In the advice article, you can read how to prevent limescale as much as possible.
