One of the most common problems with a steam generator is seeing it spitting water on the laundry. When a steam generator spits out water, the laundry becomes wet and ironing becomes difficult. The water discharged by your steam generator can often contain limestone or scale: most often this can be explained by a faulty part. Otherwise it will simply be enough to descale the appliance with white vinegar.
If you have descaled your steam generator, but despite everything it continues to spit water, you will then have to test using the multimeter: the boiler, the thermostat and the thermofuse.
A steamer or iron that spits water can be problematic, causing damp spots on fabrics and potentially leading to water stains. The reasons behind this issue can range from simple user errors, like improper temperature settings, to technical issues like a faulty heating element. This article explores the reasons behind a steamer or iron spitting water and how to troubleshoot these issues.
Possible Causes and Solutions
1. Incorrect Temperature Setting
Possible Cause: If the temperature setting of the steamer or iron is too low, it might not be hot enough to turn the water into steam, causing the appliance to spit water instead.
Solution: Make sure the temperature setting is high enough for steam generation. Consult your user manual for the correct settings for different types of fabric.
2. Ironing Too Soon
Possible Cause: If you start ironing before the appliance has had enough time to heat up, it might spit water because the heating element hasn’t reached the necessary temperature to generate steam.
Solution: Always wait for the steamer or iron to heat up properly before starting to iron. Most appliances have an indicator light that lets you know when they’re ready to use.
3. Overfilled Water Reservoir
Possible Cause: If the water reservoir is overfilled, the steamer or iron might spit excess water.
Solution: Always fill the water reservoir to the recommended level. Most appliances have a clear water tank with a max-fill line to guide you.
4. Use of Impure Water
Possible Cause: The use of hard or impure water can lead to mineral build-up inside the appliance, which can block the steam vents and cause water to spit out.
Solution: It’s recommended to use distilled or demineralized water in your steamer or iron to prevent mineral build-up. If you’ve been using hard water, consider cleaning your appliance to remove any existing build-up.
5. Faulty Components
Possible Cause: Faulty components, like a malfunctioning thermostat or a damaged heating element, can prevent the appliance from reaching the necessary temperature, causing it to spit water.
Solution: If you’ve tried all the above solutions and your appliance continues to spit water, it might be due to a faulty component. In this case, consult a professional for a thorough inspection and repair.
Conclusion
While a steamer or iron spitting water can be frustrating, most of the time, the issue can be resolved by simple troubleshooting steps. Always ensure to use the correct temperature setting, wait for the appliance to heat up properly, and use the recommended type of water to prevent this problem. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help prevent this issue and ensure your appliance continues to function optimally.
