For the best effect, irons use a steaming function, which is carried out by heating the water located in the internal reservoir of the iron. It is the heating of water to a vapor state that leads to the fact that over time scale forms in the device, which worsens the ironing process and renders the iron unusable. Cleaning it out is labor-intensive, so most manufacturers have begun to produce devices with a self-cleaning function. Their range has now increased so much that choosing the optimal model has become very difficult. And today our editors will consider the best self-cleaning irons, which have earned numerous positive reviews and expert ratings.
Cleaning function
As a result of technological progress, even simple household appliances receive new useful functions that can make the life of a housewife easier, for example, the self-cleaning function of the iron, or Self Clean. As a rule, manufacturers place the cleaning button next to the steam button and place it in the most accessible place.
The literal translation of the phrase self clean is self-cleaning. This option will allow the device to automatically get rid of excess dirt and scale. This function is ineffective for removing carbon deposits from the soleplate of the iron.
The cause of scale formation in the iron is salt. Dissolved in tap water, it turns into a solid at high temperatures and disrupts the operation of the steam generator. The Self Clean button can neutralize the formation of salt flakes.
Important: For proper operation of the iron, you need to monitor the quality of the water poured into the device’s container. Experts advise using a 50% solution of distilled water and then draining the remaining liquid.
Regular use of Self Clean can increase the life of the device and maintain its appearance.
Buttons on the iron - answers to frequently asked questions
Modern steam irons are equipped with a number of additional functions and systems that not only make ironing easier, but also make it safer.
Fabric humidification, steam boost, vertical steaming, auto-shut-off system, anti-drip system, scale prevention - today even budget versions of irons have these functions. The most advanced models are equipped with their own steam generator and self-cleaning system.
To control operating modes, the iron's control panel has several buttons and switches.
Depending on the manufacturer and model of the device, these may be:
- Temperature regulator - is a rotating switch, while the temperature scale is often designated by the type of fabric;
- Steam regulator - is a mode switch: no steam, 1 (weak steam), 2 (medium steam), 3 (strong steam) and max (maximum steam);
- Water spray button. When pressed, the spray tip dispenses water from the reservoir;
- Steam boost button. By repeatedly pressing the button at intervals of 5 seconds, a powerful stream of steam at maximum temperature is supplied from the holes on the sole of the iron;
- Self clean system button . When you press it, the iron’s self-cleaning function of limescale and scale starts.
The self clean button appeared on irons later than others. Today it can be found on all flagship models of leading iron manufacturers (Philips, Bosch, Tefal, Braun, Scarlett, VITEK, Bork, Polaris, etc.).
How to use the self wedge button
To clean the steam chamber and heating elements from unwanted scale particles, you must perform the following steps:
- Disconnect the iron from the mains, set the steam regulator to the OFF position;
- Fill the tank with water to the mark;
- Connect the iron to the mains, set the temperature regulator to the maximum position;
- After complete heating, when the thermal relay operates (the power indicator should go out), disconnect the iron from the network;
- Raise the iron over the bathtub or sink;
- Press the clean button and, without releasing it, shake the iron until about 1/3 of the water volume from the reservoir has evaporated. This must be done with extreme caution, because... boiling water will flow from the sole and steam will escape, removing existing particles of scale and other deposits;
- Release the clean button and gently shake the iron for 5-7 seconds;
- Repeat the steps described in points 6 and 7 several times until the water tank is completely empty;
- Plug in the iron and heat until the remaining water has completely evaporated;
- Disconnect the iron from the power supply, and after cooling, wipe the soleplate with a damp cotton cloth.
Why do the buttons on the iron stick or are difficult to press?
As a result of prolonged and intensive use of ironing equipment, some buttons begin to press poorly and become stuck.
Most often, this problem occurs with the steam button - when pressed, it is pressed with great difficulty, but no steam comes out.
The cause of this problem is scale, which is clogged in the steamer pump.
If the steam button is broken , you can fix the problem yourself using available tools.
To do this you need:
- Remove the back cover of the case. To do this, you need to unscrew 1-3 mounting screws using a regular Phillips screwdriver;
- Remove the top steam and spray buttons (they are not secured). Unscrew the screw that is hidden under the buttons and remove the top decorative trim on the iron handle;
- Remove the upper part of the case by first unscrewing the existing screws and removing the temperature regulator disk;
- Since the steam button on the iron is stuck, it is necessary to remove the steamer pump, disassemble it, and clean it of scale and other deposits. Assemble and put in place;
- Taking this opportunity, you should descale all accessible parts of the iron. Particular attention should be paid to the tubes through which steam and water move. They often become clogged, especially if unboiled hard water from the tap is poured into the iron;
- Reassemble the iron in reverse order.
VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS ” alt=””> In the same way, you can fix other problems that arise during the operation of the iron with your own hands.
How to use
Often housewives immediately begin to use a new iron, and familiarization with its functions occurs at random. This should not be done. Even such a familiar device as an iron requires a more serious approach.
Despite the complexity of the terminology, the instructions contain information that describes step by step the principles of operation of the self-cleaning iron for a specific model.
Basic rules for using the iron's self-cleaning function:
- Study the instructions for the device to avoid possible errors.
- Prepare a 50% solution of distilled water and pour it into the iron reservoir.
- Set the maximum temperature and turn on the iron.
- It is worth preparing a suitable container in advance into which a stream of steam containing fragments of contamination will be directed. If possible, it is better to carry out the cleaning procedure over the sink.
- When the maximum temperature is reached and the iron turns off, you must press the Self Clean button.
- It is worth shaking the device periodically to better separate contaminants.
During the cleaning process, the sole becomes very hot, and the steam release effect occurs more intensely. At this moment, you should remember safety precautions and treat the procedure with increased attention.
How does iron self-cleaning work?
The big advantage of this system is that it is automatic. That is, the iron has a special self clean button, by pressing which you will start the cleaning process of the device. You don't have to do anything yourself.
The self-cleaning system in the steam generator is located between the water tank and the pump. Modern models from Brown and Bosch are equipped with it. In Philips irons, the self-cleaning system is called Calc Clean, which means the same thing, it’s just that a patent was registered for a “new” development.
The operating principle is based on the fact that contaminant particles are retained by a special self-cleaning filter and accumulate in a built-in container. By pressing the button, you start the self-cleaning process, and the scale is washed away with a stream of water from the device.
Frequency of use of the cleaning option
Almost throughout the entire territory of Russia there is increased water hardness. In addition, tap water is saturated with sodium and fluoride. Using such water to fill the iron's container increases scale and limestone deposits inside the appliance.
Therefore, the self-cleaning function should be performed as often as possible. Irregular or occasional cleaning leads to the formation of a dense layer of scale on the internal parts of the appliance sole. Then the self clean function on the iron becomes useless.
Pros and cons of Self Clean
The self-cleaning system involves the presence of a water softening cartridge. It may fail and the cleaning process will be ineffective.
Also, at the moment of maximum heating, there is an increased load on all systems of the device, and premature failure may occur. Models from Bosch, Vitek and Phillips are not affected by this.
The advantage of the Self Clean function is its simplicity. The housewife does not need to use additional cleaning solutions, buy special filters and replace them. Simply fill the iron's reservoir with water and turn on the cleaning function.
What does the Self Clean button on the iron mean and what is it for?
Some models of modern irons have a special button marked Self Clean. It is responsible for automatically cleaning the device from scale and rust.
During operation, sediment from hard water inevitably accumulates in the unit. Lime settles on the walls of the tank, as well as in the internal channels of the outlet openings. Such deposits negatively affect the performance of the device; it begins to heat up worse, does not iron and deliver steam as well.
The Self Wedge button is usually located under the handle of the device near the temperature regulator
Self Clean allows you to remove scale and rust quickly and without additional effort. There is no need to add special cleaning solutions to the iron. To remove deposits, ordinary distilled water is sufficient.
Important! The literal translation of Self Clean on an iron is “self-cleaning,” for which the button is responsible.
How the function works
Irons with a Self Clean button are equipped with a special additional self-cleaning system. Physically, it is located in the steam generator of the device between the pump and the water tank.
During use of the unit, hard particles present in the liquid are retained by a special filter and accumulate in a small container. When you press the corresponding button, water flows into this reservoir under pressure, and lime deposits are washed out of the device.
Peculiarities
An iron from any manufacturer has its own structure. The structure of the Braun models includes an anti-calc rod (Anti Calc) or cassettes. They are used to filter water and prevent the release of salt particles and other sediments.
To use our function, you need to remove such “gadgets” from the iron and clean them separately. Execution order:
- Immerse the rod in a vessel with lemon juice or a specialized descaler for 4-5 hours.
- After time has passed, it must be pulled out and washed under high water pressure.
Remember! It is prohibited to touch the rod with your fingers!
Thanks to careful use, modern irons have been pleasing housewives for years. And by choosing a device with a self-cleaning system, you can forget about the problems of scale and white stains on things.
