You can find the product name on the side of your steam generator
It is very easy to find the name if your steam generator iron. Just look at the right or left side of your steam generator iron. The name of your product is written there such as PerfectCare Elite, PerfectCare Performer etc.
Why descale a steam generator?
Over time, steam generators can build up scale. The harder the water in your area, the faster scale impurities develop and solidify. Regular descaling prevents problems such as brown stains on your clothes, brown water, and leaking. Cleaning your steam generator regularly keeps steam output at its highest and extends the lifetime of your iron.
How to clean your steam generator
Easy de-calc Plus
PerfectCare Elite (GC96xx), PerfectCare Elite Plus (GC96xx), PerfectCare 9000 series (PSG90xx), PerfectCare 8000 series (PSG80xx)
* Warning: If you are performing decalc after ironing or when the steam generator is hot/heated up, unplug the steam generator and let it cool down for two hours first. Remove the knob. Let the water and scale particles flow out.
Easy de-calc
PerfectCare Aqua Pro (GC93xx, GC94xx), PerfectCare Expert Plus (GC89xx), PerfectCare 7000 series (PSG70xx, PSG71xx)
1. Unplug the steam generator 2. Remove the iron from the iron platform. 3. Remove the detachable water tank. 4. Hold and shake the base of the steam generator. 5. Remove the EASY DECALC knob 6. Hold the base of the steam generator over the sink and empty it through the EASY DECALC opening. Note: Be mindful on the heavy weight of the appliance when you tilt it. 7. Reinsert the EASY DECALC knob and turn it clockwise to fasten it. 8. You are now ready to keep ironing! * Warning: If you are performing decalc after ironing or when the steam generator is hot/heated up, unplug the steam generator and let it cool down for two hours first. Remove the knob. Let the water and scale particles flow out.
Descaling the soleplate
PerfectCare Elite (GC96xx), PerfectCare Elite Plus (GC96xx), PerfectCare 9000 series (PSG90xx), PerfectCare 8000 series (PSG80xx), PerfectCare Aqua Pro (GC93xx, GC94xx), PerfectCare Expert (GC92xx), PerfectCare Expert Plus (GC89xx), PerfectCare 7000 series (PSG70xx, PSG71xx)
If you do not use the EASY DE-CALC function regularly and/or experience white/brown flakes coming out form the iron, descale the soleplate by following the procedure below.
See how to clean your steam generator
Smart Calc Clean function
PerfectCare Compact (GC78xx) | PerfectCare Compact Essential (GC68xx) | FastCare Compact (GC67xx) | HI59xx series | PerfectCare Performer (GC87xx) | PerfectCare Viva (GC70xx) |PerfectCare Compact Plus (GC79xx), PerfectCare 6000 series (PSG60xx)
When your steam generator beeps and the CALC CLEAN light flashes, it's time to descale.
NOTE: For some models, the calc-clean button is in front of the iron handle.
See how to clean your steam generator
PureSteam anti-scale cartridge function
PerfectCare Pure (GC76xx)
Frequently Asked Questions about Philips Steam Generators
- Should I use demineralized or ironing water to prevent limescale in my steam generator?
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Using the right type of water will help prolong your Philips steam generator’s lifespan. Your Philips steam generator has been designed to be used with tap water. However, if you live in an area with hard water, fast scale build-up may occur.
We recommend using distilled or demineralized water (50% demineralised water mixed with tap water could be used too) for all Philips steam generators: it prevents limestone build up in the appliance.
Please never use perfumed water, water from the tumble dryer, vinegar, starch, descaling agents, ironing aids, chemically descaled water or other chemicals as they may cause water spitting, brown staining or damage to your garment steamer.
- Can I still use my steam generator when the descaling light is blinking?
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No, when the descaling light is blinking, your steam generator iron will stop steaming. You need to complete the full descaling routine before the steam generator is ready to use again.
- I finished descaling my steam generator but the descaling light continues blinking
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It might happen that the descaling routine is not fully completed and so the reset was not done successfully.
Conduct the descaling activity again and ensure the process is completed. When the descaling routine is completed, your iron will reset and the descaling light will switch off automatically. (Easy De-Calc function)If the issue remains or you have any questions, please always feel free to contact Philips Consumer Care
- The Calc-Clean procedure does not start, what should I do?
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The Calc-Clean routine will start only after completing the following steps:
- Fill the water container
- Put the steam generator iron on the descaling tray
- Press and hold for 2 seconds the Calc-clean button
If the issue remains or you have any questions, please always feel free to contact Philips Consumer Care
- White flakes or brown stains continue coming out of my iron’s soleplate after descaling
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When there are still white flakes or brown stains on your garment after descaling the iron, we recommend repeating the descaling routine: by doing this, you will be rinsing your iron again and all calc residues will be flushed out of it.
- My steam generator iron is not steaming after descaling
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After you finish the descaling routine and start ironing again, you might still experience water coming out of the soleplate and no (or low) steaming. This happens if your iron still contains water from the descaling routine.
To solve this and remove the water from the system, please press the steam button continuously for at least 30 seconds: You will hear a pumping sound, and once all water is removed you will notice steam being generated.
- Do I need to descale my steam generator even though I always use demineralized water?
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If you always use demineralized water, there will be no limescale build up in your iron. However, in some irons the descaling light will blink based on the amount of time that the appliance has been used. In this case, please complete the descaling routine in order to use the iron again.
