How do I descale my Philips Garment Steamer?

Handheld Steamer:
To find your Philips handheld steamer’s model and follow the correct descaling routine below, you can check your User Manual or see the model number under the water tank, on the back of the handle, or under the steamer head (see images A and B). Examples of model numbers are: STH7030/10, GC801/10.

Stand Steamer:
To find your Philips stand steamer’s model and follow the correct descaling routine below, you can check your User Manual or see the model number under the base of the stand steamer (see image C). Examples of model numbers are: STE3170/80, GC482/27.

Over time, your appliance can build up scale. The harder the water in your area, the faster scale impurities develop and solidify. Descaling your Philips Garment Steamer every 1-2 months can prevent brown stains, brown water and leaking. Regular cleaning keeps steam output at its highest and extends the lifetime of your appliance.

Below information apply only to: StyleTouch Pure (GC440, GC442) 8000 Series (GC800, GC801, GC810).

Note: Your garment steamer should be emptied of scale approximately once a month — and more frequently if the water in your area is very hard.

1. Unplug and let cool completely (at least 1 hour). 
2. Remove the cover marked "De-Calc".
3. Hold over the sink, remove the rubber stopper and shake gently to empty water and scale.
4. Place the stopper and cover back.
5. Repeat this process once a month, or more if necessary.

Important: Do not put water, vinegar, descaling agents, or other chemicals into the garment steamer.

Below information apply only to: 7000 Series (STH7020, STH7030, STH7040, STH7050, STH7060).

Note: With regular use, your garment steamer should be emptied of scale approximately once a month — and more frequently if the water in your area is very hard.

1. Plug in to mains, power on and wait for 30 seconds for garment steamer to heat up. 
2. Press and hold the steam setting button and steam trigger simultaneously until 2 LED lights blink.
3. Hold over the sink and shake gently to empty the hot water and scale.
4. After 30 seconds, ECO mode will blink to indicate product is back to heating up.
5. You may power off and plug out from mains.
6. Wait for garment steamer to cool down for 60 mins and using soft cloth to wipe clean the steamer soleplate.

Important: Do not put water, vinegar, descaling agents, or other chemicals into the garment steamer.

Below information apply only to: ProTouch (GC610, GC612, GC625, GC626, GC627) | ProTouch 2-in-1 (GC617, GC618).

If you have a ProTouch garment steamer, your garment steamer will automatically descale due to innovative PureSteam technology. You don’t have to do anything, just go ahead and steam as much as you like with ordinary tap water or distilled/demineralized water (50% demineralised water mixed with tap water could be used too) if you live in an area with hard water.

Below information apply only to: DailyTouch (GC502, GC503, GC504, GC506).

1. Unplug and let cool completely (at least 1 hour). 
2. When cool, dismantle the pole, disconnect the steam hose, and remove the water tank.
3. Pour the water out of the base unit into the sink and shake gently. 
4. Fill the water tank and place it back. Wait 10 seconds. Shake. Empty. Repeat several times. 
5. Repeat this process once a month, or more if necessary.

Below information apply only to: EasyTouch (GC48x, GC499, GC50x), EasyTouch Plus (GC51x & GC52x), ComfortTouch (GC55x), ComfortTouch Plus (GC558), ComfortTouch Advanced (GC57x), 3000 Series (STE31xx).
 

1. Unplug and let cool completely (at least 1 hour). 
2. Make sure the water level is above the MIN mark. Hold the steamer over a bucket or drain.
3. Turn the DE-CALC knob counterclockwise to remove. Allow the water and scale to drain out. 
4. When empty, place the DE-CALC knob back and turn clockwise to lock. 
5. Repeat this process once a month, or more if necessary.

Below information apply only to: CompactTouch (GC410, GC420, GC430).

Note: With regular use, your garment steamer should be descaled every 2 weeks.

1. Fill the water tank and plug in the steamer near a sink.
2. Point the steamer head into the sink. Press and hold the AUTO CLEAN button for 2 seconds.
3. Wait 2 minutes until the steamer shuts off and the AUTO CLEAN light goes out.
4. Repeat this process once a month, or more if necessary.

Did the solutions above help solve the issue? If not, please contact us for further assistance.