Step 1: Use clean and clear water from the beginning

To prevent calcification, it is best to use clean, clear water from the moment you start using the clothes steamer. This will extend the life of the appliance and improve its performance. All of our STEAMR clothes steamers have a special coating on the inside that helps to reduce the formation of limescale, but unfortunately it is still unavoidable to have to descale after a while.

Step 2: Descaling with vinegar

If you find that your clothes steamer isn't working as well as it used to, it's time to descale it. Vinegar is an effective and natural remedy for removing limescale. Follow these steps to descale your clothes steamer with vinegar:

• Mix 1 cl of vinegar (minimum 12% acetic acid) with water in the water reservoir. Use the mini measuring cup provided to get the correct ratio.

• Steam with the clothes steamer until the water reservoir is empty. Note: Do not steam on textiles because vinegar can cause stains. It is normal for some brown lime residue to come out of the holes of the headpiece of the clothes steamer and it may smell a little unpleasant. Hold the clothes steamer over the sink to avoid staining furniture.

• Refill the water tank with fresh, clean (filtered) water and steam again until the tank is empty. This will ensure that any lime residue left behind is properly rinsed away. Still do not steam on textiles.
  
  

Step 3: Repeat if necessary

You may need to repeat this process a few times to fully descale the clothes steamer. When no more lime residue comes out of the garment steamer while steaming, it is fully descaled.

7 most frequently asked questions about descaling a clothes steamer

See below the 7 most frequently asked questions about descaling a clothes steamer: 

1. Why is it important to descale a clothes steamer?
   Descaling is important because scale can build up in the steam channels of a clothes steamer, which can hinder steam production and reduce performance.

2. How often should I descale my garment steamer?
   The frequency of descaling depends on usage and water hardness. Generally, it is recommended to descale the garment steamer every 3-6 months.

3. What methods can I use to descale a clothes steamer? Popular methods for descaling a clothes steamer include using vinegar, citric acid and commercial descaling solutions.

4. How do I descale a clothes steamer with vinegar?
   Dilute vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:1, pour the mixture into the clothes steamer's water tank and let it soak for a while. Then let the appliance steam through and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

5. Can I use other household agents for descaling? Yes, in addition to vinegar, there are alternative household agents such as lemon juice, citric acid powder and even baking soda that can help descale a clothes steamer.

6. What are the possible consequences if I do not descale my clothes steamer regularly? Failure to regularly descale a garment steamer can lead to reduced steam production, clogging of the steam channels and possibly even damage to the appliance.

7. Can I use my clothes steamer during the descaling process?
   We do not recommend using the garment steamer during the descaling process because the descaling solution can clog the steam outlet and affect performance. It is not intended to get particles of vinegar or any other descaling agent on your garment.

Is your question not listed here? Contact STEAMRS customer service and we'll tell you everything you need to take care of your garment steamer in the best way possible!