The Kärcher SC 1.050 is a compact steam cleaner designed for private household use, offering an efficient and chemical-free cleaning solution. This device is intended for steam cleaning and can be used with various accessories as described in the operating instructions. No detergents are required, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Function Description
The SC 1.050 operates by heating water in a boiler to produce steam, which is then expelled through various nozzles and brushes to clean surfaces. The device features a pressure regulator that maintains a constant boiler pressure during operation. When the maximum operating pressure of 0.32 MPa (3.2 bar) is reached, the heating element switches off and reactivates when the pressure drops due to steam consumption. A safety thermostat is in place to shut down the appliance if the pressure regulator fails and the unit overheats. The safety lock seals the boiler against steam pressure and includes an overpressure valve that opens to release steam if excessive pressure builds up.
The steam cleaner is equipped with a selector switch for steam volume, allowing users to regulate the amount of steam discharged. This switch has three positions: maximum steam volume, reduced steam volume, and no steam (child protection). In the "no steam" position, the steam lever cannot be activated, ensuring safety, especially around children.
Important Technical Specifications
- Power Connection: The device operates on a voltage of 220-240 V at 1~50/60 Hz.
- Protection Class: Class I.
- Protection Degree: IPX4, indicating protection against splashing water.
- Heating Output: 1500 W.
- Max. Operating Pressure: 0.32 MPa.
- Heating Time: Approximately 8 minutes.
- Steam Volume: Continuous steaming at 40 g/min, with a maximum steam boost of 100 g/min.
- Boiler Capacity: 1.0 liters.
- Weight (without accessories): 3.1 kg.
- Dimensions: Width 254 mm, Length 380 mm, Height 260 mm.
Usage Features
The SC 1.050 is designed for versatile cleaning tasks around the home.
- Initial Setup: To start, unscrew the safety cap, fill the boiler with a maximum of 1 liter of fresh tap water (warm water can reduce heating time), and screw the safety cap back on tightly. Plug in the mains plug; both green and orange indicator lamps will light up. Wait approximately 8 minutes until the orange heating indicator lamp goes out, signaling that the steam cleaner is ready for use.
- Accessory Attachment: Accessories are easily connected to the steam gun. Open ends of accessories are pushed onto the steam gun until the unlocking button clicks into place. Extension tubes can be used to reach higher or more distant areas.
- Floor Cleaning: For floor surfaces, it is recommended to sweep or vacuum first. The floor nozzle (F1) with a terry floor cloth (F3) is ideal for washable wall and floor coverings like stone, tile, and PVC. Work slowly on heavily soiled areas to allow the steam to act longer.
- Textile Refreshing: Before treating textiles, always test in an inconspicuous area for steam resistance. Steam, let dry, and then check for color or shape changes. The steam gun (B1) can be used without accessories to remove odors and wrinkles from hanging clothes (10-20 cm distance) or to dust plants (20-40 cm distance).
- Coated/Lacquered Surfaces: For painted or plastic-coated surfaces (e.g., kitchen furniture, doors, parquet), briefly steam a cloth and wipe the surfaces to avoid wax, polish, or paint dissolving.
- Glass Cleaning: In cold temperatures, especially in winter, pre-warm window panes by lightly steaming the entire glass surface to prevent tension and breakage. Then clean with the hand nozzle (D1) and terry cloth cover (D2), using a squeegee or wiping dry.
- Detail Cleaning: The detail nozzle (C1) provides a concentrated steam jet, ideal for hard-to-reach areas, joints, fittings, drains, sinks, toilets, blinds, and radiators. For heavy limescale, pre-treat with vinegar or citric acid for 5 minutes.
- Round Brush: The round brush (C3) attaches to the detail nozzle for removing stubborn dirt. Not suitable for sensitive surfaces.
- Steam Turbo Brush: The steam turbo brush (C2) vibrates with the steam flow, making it effective for extreme dirt in kitchens and bathrooms. Prolonged use may cause circulation problems in hands due to vibrations, so breaks are recommended.
- Hand Nozzle: The hand nozzle (D1) with a terry cloth cover (D2) is suitable for small washable areas, shower stalls, and mirrors.
- Microfiber Abrasive Cover: The microfiber abrasive cover (D3) is used with the hand nozzle for removing calcium and soap residues in bathrooms. It can be washed at 60 °C without fabric softener.
Maintenance Features
- Boiler Rinsing: The boiler should be rinsed at least every 10 fillings. Fill the boiler with water, shake vigorously to loosen limescale, and then empty the water.
- Boiler Descaling: If commercially available distilled water is used continuously, descaling is not necessary. Otherwise, descaling intervals depend on water hardness. For very hard water (>21 °dH), descaling is recommended every 25 boiler fillings. Use Kärcher descaler sticks (order no. 6.295-206) according to packaging instructions. Fill the boiler with the descaling solution and let it act for approximately 8 hours. After 8 hours, completely empty the solution and rinse the boiler 2-3 times with cold water to remove all residues.
- Accessory Care: Floor cloths (F3) and terry cloth covers (D2) are pre-washed and can be used immediately. Dirty cloths can be machine-washed at 60 °C; avoid fabric softener to maintain their dirt-absorbing capacity. They are suitable for tumble drying.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance for common issues such as long heating-up time (due to limescale), no steam (empty boiler or locked steam lever), or high water output (overfilled boiler or limescale). For any repairs or issues not listed, contact authorized customer service. Maintenance and repair work should only be performed when the appliance is unplugged and cooled down.