The function of steaming linen appeared in electric irons in the second half of the last century. Until that time, wet gauze or a sprayer was used to moisturize things, which was not very convenient and did not allow high-quality ironing of clothes in hard-to-reach places.
To date, irons, equipped with a water tank, are present in a wide range, and need to use high-quality fluid.
Steam Features
Irons with steamers are firmly established in modern everyday life, and today it is hard to imagine how they used to do without them. The principle of operation of such a device is quite simple: the liquid from the reservoir falls into a flat container, located immediately behind the sole of the iron, instantly heats up, and the steam escapes through numerous holes located in the sole. Further, in the process of ironing, steam penetrates into the fibers of tissues and moisturizes them.
As a result of heat exposure, wet matter begins to actively evaporate water., because of what the friction between the fibers is noticeably reduced and the fabric begins to stretch. In addition, many modern models are equipped with a vertical steam function that allows you to tidy up clothes of exclusive tailoring, for example, multi-tiered wedding dresses, coats and suits.
The influence of fluid quality on the state of the device
According to the instructions, which are equipped with electrical appliances, for steaming clothes, it is recommended to use tap water. However, modern realities are such that often water intakes are not able to provide consumers with high-quality drinking water.
In some regions of our country, the water coming from the tap is more suitable for technical needs than for drinking, which is why people have to buy bottled water or use filters.
In this regard, recommendations on the use of tap water for irons can not be taken literally: they are often written by manufacturers from other countries who do not have a clue about the quality of drinking water in many regions of the country.
The most common reason for the ban on the use of liquid from the tap is its increased stiffness. Hard water contains a large amount of mineral salts and lime, because of which it quickly precipitates and leaves a lot of scale behind it. Scale, in turn, clogs the holes for steam, and over time can lead to clogging of the entire steam system, up to its failure. In addition, the high content of chalk in water can lead to whitish stains on clothing, which will be especially noticeable on dark fabrics.
Numerous reviews and comments from consumers forced many foreign manufacturers to equip irons with a filtration system and cartridges to reduce stiffness, and some particularly famous companies even provided a self-cleaning function in their devices. However, not everyone can buy such an advanced model, so the issue of water quality for an iron remains quite relevant.
What water to use?
Before determining which water can be used for the iron, and which is not, it is necessary to consider the properties of each type, and only then draw the appropriate conclusions.
Boiled
Such water is not an ideal liquid for the steamer; this is due to the fact that most salts remain unchanged even after boiling. However, it is still possible to reduce the negative impact of boiled water on iron parts. To do this, dilute it with a demineralized liquid in a 1: 1 ratio.
The mixing procedure will save money on the purchase of special water and will save the structural elements from excessive formation of scale.
Special
This liquid appeared on the shelves of home appliances stores relatively recently and immediately gained popularity. The use of such water completely eliminates the formation of scale and the appearance of white spots on clothing. Special water is often flavored and is available in a wide range of flavors. Stripping clothes with an aromatic agent gives things a light, pleasant smell that keeps on the fabric for quite a long time. However, use perfumed water very carefully.
The fact is that it contains a large amount of mineral components and synthetic flavors, and during the heating of the liquid to a vapor state, essential oils can cause stains and stains on clothes. However, the acquisition of this kind of liquid imposes additional costs, and does not allow to regard it as the only means suitable for use.
Not every consumer is willing to pay for the purchase of specialized formulations, therefore, in this case only publicly available types of water and purification methods should be considered.
Thawed and well
Such types of water are not a very good option for ironing. This is due to the presence in them of a large amount of mineral and organic compounds, which is fraught with the appearance of stains on clothing and scale.
Distilled
Such water becomes the subject of frequent disputes about the feasibility of its use for iron. Some argue that the liquid is completely free of salts and impurities, and is not capable of harming clothing and appliance. Another point of view is that the water, deprived of the majority of these most harmful salts, cannot boil in time and has too high a boiling point.
As a result, the device spends additional energy on its boiling, which from the position of rational use of resources does not seem appropriate. In addition, the slow evaporation of water often leads to the melting of the silicone shell inside the evaporator. The truth, most likely, lies somewhere in the middle.
Many experts recommend mixing distilled water with a regular tap in a ratio of 1: 2, and boldly use it for a steamer.
Water from the cooler
She, as well as table bottled water, is not suitable for refueling the iron. This is due to the high mineralization of the liquid and the risk of plaque on the bottom of the device.
Water from the tap
It can be used for steam generators with only one condition: it, as well as boiled, must be mixed with demineralized liquid in equal quantities. In addition, it will be correct to fill only warm liquid.
The use of hot water often leads to the appearance of stubborn stains on clothing.
Filtered
Filtered tap fluid is ideal for an iron. It contains the optimal amount of salt, which allows it to boil in time and not form scum and stains on clothes.
Useful tips
In order for the iron to serve as long as possible, it is necessary to periodically flush the container of the appliance at home. To do this, dilute one and a half tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of water, pour the solution into the iron, turn off the steam supply function and turn it on. After the iron heats up, you must leave it for a few minutes and then drain the solution. Turn on the steam with this method of cleaning is impossible.
For more tips, see the next video.
