Russell Hobbs RHST100 - User Manual

This document describes the Russell Hobbs "digital revolution" Steam Station, Model No. RHST100, a steam iron designed for domestic use. It provides comprehensive instructions for its operation, maintenance, and safety.

Function Description

The Russell Hobbs "digital revolution" Steam Station is a steam iron that combines a traditional iron with a separate base unit containing a water reservoir and steam generation system. This design allows for continuous steam production, making ironing more efficient. The iron is designed to remove wrinkles from various fabrics, offering both dry ironing and steam ironing capabilities, including vertical steaming for hanging garments and curtains. A key feature is its anti-scale cartridge system, which softens tap water to reduce scale build-up and prolong the life of the iron. The device also incorporates an auto shut-off function for safety and energy saving.

Usage Features

The steam station offers a range of features to enhance the ironing experience:

• Water Hardness Input: Before first use, the user must input the local water hardness level into the base unit. This allows the system to accurately monitor the anti-scale cartridge's lifespan and alert the user when a replacement is needed. The setting is retained unless the iron is moved to an area with different water hardness.
• Preparation for Ironing: The manual recommends ironing fabrics in order of temperature sensitivity, starting with low-temperature items (nylon, acrylics, polyester), moving to medium-temperature items (wool, polyester mixtures), and finishing with high-temperature items (cotton, linen, denim/jeans). This minimizes waiting time for temperature changes.
• Filling the Reservoir: The reservoir is filled with tap water, which is then softened by the anti-scale cartridge. If the cartridge needs replacing and a new one isn't available, distilled water can be used temporarily. The manual explicitly warns against using chemically descaled water or water from a water softener, as these can damage the iron. It also advises against adding any chemicals, perfumes, or additives to the water, as they can coat the steam chamber and shorten the iron's life. The reservoir is easily removable for filling by squeezing a latch and pulling it away from the base unit.
• Temperature Control: The iron features a temperature control dial that allows the user to select the appropriate heat setting based on fabric type. A thermostat light indicates when the iron is heating up and cycles on and off to maintain the set temperature.
• Steam Level Setting: The steam level can be adjusted using plus and minus buttons on the base unit's display. Options include high, medium, low, and no steam. The display shows an animated graphic during steaming.
• Priming the Pump: When using steam for the first time or after refilling the reservoir, the pump needs to be primed by pressing and holding the steam button until steam consistently reaches the soleplate. This can take up to a minute, and the pump sound will become quieter as steam comes through.
• Dry Ironing: For dry ironing, the steam button is simply not pressed. For added assurance against accidental steaming, the steam generator can be turned off by selecting the "no steam" setting on the display.
• Vertical Steaming: This feature allows for wrinkle removal from hanging clothes, curtains, and furnishing fabrics. Users are advised to ensure adequate ventilation behind the fabric to prevent moisture build-up and to check that nothing behind the fabric could be damaged by steam. Delicate fabrics should be steamed from a distance using low steam.
• Auto Shut-Off: For safety and energy conservation, the iron automatically switches off if motionless for approximately fifteen minutes. The base unit beeps, the display backlight goes out, and a flashing 'N' symbol appears. To reactivate, the user presses a button, lifts, tilts, and then sets the iron upright, allowing it to return to operating temperature. No settings are lost during this process.
• End of Use: After ironing, the temperature control should be set to its minimum position, the iron placed on its base unit, and the display and elements turned off by pressing the power button. The base unit should then be unplugged. To prepare for the next use and prevent running out of water inadvertently, the reservoir can be topped up.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the Russell Hobbs Steam Station:

• Cooling Down: Before moving or storing the iron, it must be allowed to cool down completely.
• Cleaning: Outer surfaces should be wiped with a damp cloth, optionally with a little washing-up liquid. Spots on the soleplate can be removed with a little vinegar. Users are cautioned not to scratch the soleplate and never to immerse the iron in water or other liquids. Harsh or abrasive cleaning agents and solvents should be avoided.
• Holidays/Long Storage: If the iron will be unused for more than a week, it's recommended to empty the reservoir to prevent mould growth. The iron must be unplugged and cold before emptying the main reservoir via the front slot and wiping away any excess moisture.
• Changing the Anti-Scale Cartridge: This is a critical maintenance task for reducing scale build-up. The base unit will indicate when the cartridge needs replacing by flashing a symbol on the display, based on the input water hardness and usage. The cartridge must be changed while the base unit is plugged in and switched on for the new cartridge to be registered.
  • Procedure for Cartridge Replacement: The manual provides detailed steps for replacing the cartridge:
    1. Allow the iron to cool down completely.
    2. Place a folded towel under the front of the base unit to catch spills.
    3. Remove the main reservoir.
    4. Use fingers to lift the front of the cartridge tray.
    5. Carefully pull out the cartridge tray, tilting it rear-end-up to minimize water spillage, as the cartridge will be full of water.
    6. Drain the old cartridge into a sink.
    7. Wipe up any spills from the base unit and tray.
    8. Insert the new cartridge into the tray.
    9. Replace the cartridge tray and then the reservoir into the base unit.
    10. A flashing symbol on the display indicates if the cartridge or tray is not pushed in properly.

This comprehensive guide ensures users can effectively and safely operate and maintain their Russell Hobbs "digital revolution" Steam Station for optimal performance and extended product life.