Steam Cleaner Troubleshooting

• Apart from your basic things like the tank is empty of water etc, depending on the model and age of the unit, has the boiler ever been descaled ? If not the scale buildup inside the boiler slows down and even prevent the water from boiling. If left long enough it will cause total failure of the unit.
• Also it could be the failure of a part inside. like a boiler, pump, thermostat or power switch etc. In most cases it would need to be assessed by a service agent.

• Yes there is. The article number is 2.863-243.0. It is a microfiber bonnet, used for even better loosening and intake of dirt and grease. Ideal for particularly heavy and stubborn dirt in bathrooms and kitchens. Effortlessly removes even stubborn stains on hobs.

• SV1902’s yes at a 1/1 ratio
• All others are OK on mains town water, however you need to maintain the regular descaling process

• Like any cleaning product ( brush, steam or high pressure water ) the grout must be in sound condition. If there is any loose grout then there may be the possibility of the steam cleaner causing more damage. If the grout is in good condition there is no reason the steam cleaner will damage it, and would be more gentle on the surface than a scrubbing brush.

• Residue from cleaning products and detergents can leave streaks on the floor when being used with a steam cleaner. Always sweep and vacuum the floor well before steam cleaning and ensure the cleaning bonnet is kept as clean as possible. Never put any cleaning agents / chemicals into the steam cleaner as this may cause damage to the machine and also the surface of the floor.

• Was the customer physically unable to unscrew, or were they unscrewing but nothing was happening ?

If physically unable to unscrew. This could be as a result of the machine has not been descaled as required. Due to limescale build up in the boiler, this can cause the screw to seize. The machine would need to be inspected by service. 

Unscrewing but nothing happening. The machine is still under pressure, and the teeth in the cap are not engaged. Get the customer to turn the machine off and pull the trigger for a couple of minutes until all the steam has escaped from the trigger, and then carefully try again. Caution, care needs to be undertaken here, and this should be done slowly. The machine can still be hot and steam can escape once the cap is removed.

• Descale every 6 months if you use it at least once per week
• Otherwise descale it annually
• If you have left water sitting in your steam cleaner for a period of time, it may require descaling

• Switch the machine off then back on
• If this doesn’t work send to service agent

• This is a safety feature and it will only remove when the machine has cooled down.
• Press trigger of steam gun to quicken the process (releases pressure)

• This is just steam that has pooled in the hose. Hold it over the sink until the excess water leaves.
• There is a chance that the machine has been overfilled. Make sure that it’s only filled to the maximum level.
• Attach your cloths once you have warmed the accessories. This will prevent your cloths from getting too wet prior to use.

• Certain machines with a reservoir make this noise when it pumps water from the fresh water tank to the boiler.

• When you have finished using the machine, make sure that you have released all remaining pressure from the hose and gun assembly. When the pressure has been released you can then unscrew the safety cap. Drain the machine of any remaining water in the boiler. Store the machine with the accessories removed, the boiler empty and the safety cap removed.

• If a new cartridge has been installed and the correct procedure for re programming has been followed, and this fault continues to exist there could be a fault with the circuit board inside the unit. It would need to be assessed under warranty by one of our service agents, or replaced at store.

• This is for the operator to identify different brushes for different cleaning tasks (note the only difference is the colour)

• Check o-rings are in place and are not damaged.

1. Purchase a Karcher descaling agent: Part Number 6.295-987.0 RM DESCALING POWDER *INT 6X17g.
2. Dissolve the descaling stick into 1 litre of warm water.
3. Pour the solution into the boiler and allow it to react for approximately 8 hours. DO NOT screw the safety lock onto the appliance while you are de-scaling.
4. Place the steam cap in to a separate solution.
5. Clean the threads on the cap with a toothbrush and rub petroleum jelly around once clean.
6. Once the descaling is completed, empty the solution from the machine, a small amount of solution will remain inside the boiler. Rinse the boiler 2 or 3 times with clean, cold water to remove any descaler residue.

The solid red light means there is no water in the steam boiler.

Overheating protection of the pump was triggered, please:

1. Turn off the appliance

2. Fill the water reservoir

3. Turn on the appliance

Another reason for the light to be solid red is that the water reservoir has not been inserted properly or is calcified, please:

1. Remove the water reservoir and rinse

2. Insert the water reservoir and press downwards until it clicks

• Check that the steam trigger isn't turned to the child-lock setting. This is indicated by an image of a lock on the trigger gun.

• Yes, you can wash dirty floor cloths and terry cloths in the washing machine up to 60°C. Do not use a liquid softener as this will affect the ability of the cloths to absorb dirt. The cloths can also be tumble dried.

• No, this will destroy the boiler and void your warranty.

• Unless you can check with the manufacturer of your floorboards, we do not recommend ANY steam due to moisture getting into the wood.

• We would not advise using a steam cleaner on a painted surface, it is likely that the heat of the steam and volume of water will damage the paintwork.

• Ensure you look under the flap of the machine.

• The SC4 and the SC5