Instructions on how to repair a clothes steamer with your own hands

Design and operating principle

The operating principle of the device is based on the production of steam from water poured inside thanks to a heating element. It is this element that is most often subject to breakdowns. If there is no liquid in the tank, the heating element should turn off automatically, but in the event of a failure, it burns out and the device fails.

All types of steamers have a similar design and practically do not differ in external features. The main part of the devices is the housing, which houses the steam generation system. A fluid reservoir is attached to the body. The devices are also equipped with a steam hose with an iron, inside which steam moves. An additional element is a stand where there is a mount for a steam iron and clothes hangers. The type of racks may differ in different models of steamers.

Operating principles and design

Before you start repairing, you should carefully study the structure of the clothes steamer and all the technical documentation for it, determine the type of steamer, and only then start repairing it yourself.

There are two types on sale: floor-mounted and manual. The manual one is compact and designed for ironing items of clothing made from light fabrics, as well as disinfecting household items. Due to the fact that the volume of the tank is small and the power is inferior to the floor-standing type, the range of its application is not as wide as that of the latter. A vertical floor steamer is a structure that looks like a vacuum cleaner with a hose and brushes. Thanks to the wheels it is easy to move. Power and volume are higher, operating time is longer.

The operating principle of the device is based on the supply of wet steam under pressure. It is formed by boiling water from a heating element. The heating element maintains a constant temperature, ensuring the production of a steam jet directed through a special brush. The necessary pressure is created by the pump.

The device of a floor steamer includes the following required elements:

1. Boiler - a compartment where a tubular electric heater is located.
2. The water tank is a closed container made of heat-resistant material.
3. An outlet tube for removing steam from the vessel.
4. Steam hose for removing and directing the working jet.
5. Heat-insulating plastic handle for manipulation.
6. Working surface with attachments.

Basic Troubleshooting Methods

The procedure for repairing a device depends on the specific type of failure. Before you begin repairing the steamer, you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and understand the characteristics of the malfunction. It is also worth studying in advance information about the most typical equipment breakdowns.

Lack of steam

The reason why the device does not release steam is most often the formation of scale. As a result, the heating element transmits heat less well and the steam channels become clogged. This malfunction does not require major repairs, and to solve the problem it is enough to clean it mechanically or chemically.

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Mechanical cleaning

For mechanical cleaning, you will need to disassemble the device. Due to its simple design, a regular screwdriver will be enough. The steamer is disassembled in the following way:

1. Disconnect the electrical wiring and fluid supply system.
2. Remove the tubular electric heater and clean off the scale.
3. Rinse the tank with a solution of water and food vinegar. You can also use a specialized anti-scale solution created for steamers.

When disassembling the case, it is recommended to draw a schematic drawing or take photographs of each step. This will help to properly assemble the device after descaling, without leaving any unnecessary parts.

Chemical method

The advantage of the chemical method is that you do not need to disassemble or even disconnect the device from the network. To get rid of the accumulated scale, the tank is filled with a mixture of water and vinegar essence with a concentration of 3%, maintaining equal proportions. Then the device is turned on and the solution is heated until steam forms, waiting until the liquid has completely evaporated. As a result, not only the heating element will be cleaned, but also the openings of the atomizer and tube, which are also often covered with scale.

If the built-in heating element, atomizer and conductive tubes are not covered with scale, and the device still does not release steam, you will need to contact a specialist.

It is recommended to use the services of the service center of the company that produced the steamer.

Pump repair or replacement

A common reason why steam does not flow and the device requires repair is a broken pump. In this situation, it is easier to use professional help, but situations may arise when you have to do the repairs yourself. Opening the case is not difficult, but it will be necessary to turn it on in a disassembled state, which can lead to dangerous consequences.

To disassemble the structure, you must take precautions and follow step-by-step instructions. Since the pump is installed parallel to the heating element, the following steps are performed for repair:

• open the case;
• connect the device to the network;
• check the voltage at the pump contacts so that it corresponds to the value specified in the attached technical documentation;
• if the contacts are working properly and voltage is present, pull out the plug from the socket;
• Using a tester, all elements of the pump are called and, if there is no signal, new windings are wound onto the motor or replacement is carried out.

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Steam leakage

As a result of using the steamer too intensively, defects may appear on the hose. Even small cracks are enough for steam to escape through them, and not through the spray. When faced with a problem, you should immediately begin repairs, since the holes in the hose will gradually increase in size.

The optimal solution to the problem is to replace the hose. You can replace it yourself or contact a service center. It is important not to try to tape or tape the holes. Electrical tape and adhesive tape are unable to withstand the effects of heated steam, so this method of repair will only take time and will not bring results.

Water heating problem

If the water does not heat up when you turn on the device, there may be several reasons for the problem, and all of them are related to the components of the boiler. As a rule, heating does not occur due to a breakdown of the heating element, thermostat and thermal fuse. If this problem occurs, you will not be able to use the steamer for its intended purpose, since it will not convert the poured liquid into steam.

heating element

To figure out if the heater is not functioning due to scale formation or is completely burnt out, you need to disassemble the device. Dismantling is carried out in the same way as is required to clean the heating element. For diagnostic purposes, the heater is called a tester. If a breakdown is detected, repair will be impractical, so it is recommended to replace the faulty part or the entire device.

Thermostat

The thermostat in a clothes steamer is a relay made in the form of a bimetallic strip. Its purpose is to stop the supply of electric current when the heating temperature reaches a set value. If diagnostics confirm that the cause of the problem is a failed thermostat, it must be replaced.

Thermal fuse

The fuse is attached to the broiler body using a special bracket. Most often, the water in the device does not heat up precisely because the thermal fuse is broken. To diagnose and repair the element, you need to disconnect the device from the power supply and ring the wire on both sides. If there is no signal when the tester makes a call, it means the fuse has blown.

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How to eliminate mechanical damage

Minor chips and cracks on the body of the device may not affect its functioning, but serious mechanical damage leads to problems in everyday use. It is almost impossible to eliminate large defects on the case, so it is better to replace the damaged element.

How to make a device correctly

How can these two devices be connected to create one universal whole?

Important: It will not be possible to make an option from a regular steamer model that can perform professional ironing. Because they have different designs. The power of such models will not be enough to perform high-quality ironing.

How to convert a steam generator into a steamer? The device must have two elements:

• Steam – a high-quality model has good power and produces a lot of steam;
• Possibility to turn off the iron, as well as connect a hose for steaming. In this case, you can connect two devices at the same time.

There are models of devices that have a plug connection system with the iron. This means that the iron can be easily turned off, and a hose can be connected in its place for ironing. You can easily create a steam generator from a steam generator.

To do this, you must initially purchase a steam generator with a plug connection. This can significantly increase the functionality of the device.

Important: You can both iron with steam and steam any clothes.

The steam generator can serve as a regular steam cleaner. To do this, you need to buy a cleaning hose with nozzles. It is connected to the steam generator using a special plug system.

Making an effective cleaning device from this device is very simple. In this case, when choosing a model, it is necessary to choose the right device.

In what cases should you contact specialists?

It is recommended to use the help of service center employees in situations where you cannot independently find out the causes of the malfunction or when you doubt the effectiveness of the repair. In addition, repairs may require the use of specialized equipment. The advantages of contacting a service center from the manufacturer include:

• availability in the service of parts necessary for repairing a specific type of steamer;
• fast comprehensive diagnostics, which allows you to determine the exact cause of the breakdown;
• repairs by professional employees with a quality guarantee.

Handheld clothes steamer

Most often, the appearance of this type resembles electric kettles. Their characteristic feature is low power and small volume of water tank. But at the same time, the compact size and light weight of these devices allows you to take them with you on trips instead of heavy irons in order to tidy up a small amount of clothing.

Advantages of hand steamers:

• Compact size and light weight, making it convenient to take with you on trips;
• Convenient for steaming in hard-to-reach places. For example, when steaming curtains at height.

Flaws:

• Relatively low power compared to floor-mounted (vertical) steamers;
• Small tank volume and, accordingly, shorter operating time;
• In most cases, skill is required to use the steamer correctly. At first, it is better to use a thermal mitten;
• Impossibility of long-term continuous work. It is not recommended to use the steamer for more than 30 minutes.

Bestsellers among handmade models in our store:

Why use clean water

The cause of most steamer problems is scale, so it is important to try to prevent its occurrence. An effective way is to properly prepare the liquid. The best option is to use distilled water, which can be purchased at auto stores and pharmacies.

Since purchasing distilled water frequently is expensive, you can prepare your own water using a kettle, a water filter, and a heat-resistant container.

To prepare the liquid, you need to boil water in a kettle, pour it into a heat-resistant container, let it brew and filter the sediment. It is recommended to use a vessel with a carbon cartridge for filtering to improve the quality of the liquid.

Checking the operation of the product after assembly

Steam is a wonderful cleansing and disinfectant that penetrates into various crevices, is absorbed into the structure of materials, helps iron clothes, cleans products under pressure, as well as mechanisms. The device can perform well when cleaning various products:

• Air conditioner filters;
• Hoods, etc.

The main condition of operation is thorough heating, as well as water supply. It is also necessary to exercise control at every stage of work. Many models of homemade devices are equipped with automatic systems for such control.

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Why is repair at a service center preferable?

It may turn out that you will not be able to independently determine the cause of the problem. In addition, during work, defects periodically arise that are simply impossible for an inexperienced person to cope with.

What to do? The answer is clear - contact a service center, preferably from the company from which you purchased the device.

The advantages of this repair option are obvious:

• there are parts necessary to repair devices of your particular brand;
• there are specialists who have been trained according to the company’s programs;
• The service center will find the cause of the problem faster than you can do it yourself, and accordingly, they will repair it faster