Why Should You Add Distilled Water to a Steamer?
Introduction
While tap water might seem convenient, using distilled water for a steamer offers many advantages that can prolong its life and enhance its performance. Once you understand how tap water will damage your steamer, you'll never use it again.
1. Understanding of Distilled Water
1. Understanding of Distilled Water
Distilled water undergoes a purification process called distillation, where water is boiled, and the steam is condensed back into liquid form. This method effectively removes impurities and minerals from the water, leaving only pure H2O molecules. As a result, distilled water is free of impurities and dissolved salts, which prevents corrosion of the internal parts of a steamer.
2. How tap water will damage your steamers
2. How tap water will damage your steamers
• Corrosion
Minerals and salts in tap water will wear down metal components over time, especially if the water is frequently used and not discarded after use. This corrosion can ultimately lead to system failure. Adding starch or other additives to distilled water in a steamer can have the same corrosive effect as tap water.
• Foaming
Minerals like calcium carbonate in tap water will accumulate, leading to a buildup of solid material inside the steamer. If left unaddressed, this buildup may cause the steamer to foam when used. This foam can contain solid calcium carbonate deposits and may transfer the residue onto your clothes.
• Reduced Steam
The buildup can reach a point where it obstructs the flow of heat or steam within the steamer. Consequently, the steamer may take longer to generate steam, and the process of steaming garments will be prolonged.
3. The Benefits of Using Distilled Water
3. The Benefits of Using Distilled Water
Using distilled water in your steamer offers several benefits that contribute to the overall effectiveness and lifespan of the appliance:
• Remove Minerals That Clog Your Steamer
• Remove Minerals That Clog Your Steamer
Tap water contains minerals like calcium, which can lead to the buildup of mineral deposits in your steamer. Using distilled water, which lacks these minerals, eliminates the risk of limescale buildup and ensures a consistent steam output.
• Prevent Staining and Discoloration
• Prevent Staining and Discoloration
Some deposits can be transferred onto the fabric, leaving unwanted marks. Distilled water prevents such stains, ensuring that your clothes remain in pristine condition.
• Extend Appliance Lifespan
• Extend Appliance Lifespan
Limescale buildup can lead to blockages in the heating elements, causing decreased heat transfer and increased energy consumption. Using distilled water prevents these issues, resulting in a longer lifespan.
• Improve Performance
The absence of minerals means there are no obstructions to impede the flow of steam. As a result, you can enjoy consistent and powerful steam output, making your ironing or steaming tasks faster and more effective. Your clothes will have a crisp, professional look with minimal effort.
• Avoid Unpleasant Odors
Tap water often contains chlorine and other chemicals that can emit unpleasant odors when heated. These odors can be transferred to your clothes during the ironing or steaming process, leaving them with a lingering smell. By using distilled water, you eliminate the risk of these odors, ensuring your clothes smell fresh and clean.
4. Additional Tips for Steamer Maintenance
4. Additional Tips for Steamer Maintenance
In addition to using distilled water, here are some tips to help maintain your steamer:
• Only Distilled water: Adding fabric softener, clothing fragrance, or any other liquid to distilled water in a steamer can indeed have the same corrosive effect as tap water.
• Empty the Water Tank: After each use, be sure to empty any remaining water from the tank to prevent stagnation and the growth of bacteria.
• Clean the Steamer: Periodically clean the water tank and nozzle of the steamer to remove any residue or buildup that may accumulate over time.
• Descale as Needed: If you observe a decrease in steam output or notice mineral deposits, descale your steamer using a mixture of vinegar and water or a commercial descaling solution.
• Only Distilled water: Adding fabric softener, clothing fragrance, or any other liquid to distilled water in a steamer can indeed have the same corrosive effect as tap water.
• Empty the Water Tank: After each use, be sure to empty any remaining water from the tank to prevent stagnation and the growth of bacteria.
• Clean the Steamer: Periodically clean the water tank and nozzle of the steamer to remove any residue or buildup that may accumulate over time.
• Descale as Needed: If you observe a decrease in steam output or notice mineral deposits, descale your steamer using a mixture of vinegar and water or a commercial descaling solution.
