Philips Support

How do I descale my Philips Steam Generator Iron?

Published on 21 September 2023
Find your Philips Steam Generator Iron’s model and follow the correct descaling routine below (not for steam irons). Check your User Manual or see the model number (e.g., GC9682/86, PSG7030/20, HI5900/99) below the base of the appliance as the following image shows.
model number

Why is descaling needed?

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 Steam Generator Iron 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.

Easy de-calc Plus

Below information apply only to: PerfectCare Elite (GC96xx), PerfectCare Elite Plus (GC96xx), PerfectCare 9000 series (PSG90xx), PerfectCare 8000 series (PSG80xx).
  1. Unplug the steam generator 
  2. Place the steam generator at the edge of a table or sink. Hold a cup (at least 900 ml) under the EASY DE-CALC knob.
  3. Remove the knob. Let the water and scale particles flow out.
  4. Put the knob back in place and turn clockwise to tighten.
  5. 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.
easy de-calc +
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Easy de-calc

Below information apply only to: PerfectCare Aqua Pro (GC93xx, GC94xx), PerfectCare Expert Plus (GC89xx), PerfectCare 7000 series (PSG70xx, PSG71xx).

Note: When your steam generator beeps and the CALC CLEAN light flashes, it's time to descale.
  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.
  7. Note: Be mindful on the heavy weight of the appliance when you tilt it.
  8. Reinsert the EASY DECALC knob and turn it clockwise to fasten it.
  9. 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.
easy de-calc

Descaling the soleplate

Below information apply only to: 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).

Note: 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.
  1. Unplug and let it cool completely — at least 2 hours. 
  2. Place the steam generator at the edge of a table or sink. Hold a cup (at least 900 ml) under the EASY DE-CALC knob.
  3. Remove the knob. Let the water and scale particles flow out. 
  4. Hold the appliance in the position that EASY DE-CALC opening is facing up and pour 500ml distilled water into the opening. (NOTE: for PerfectCare Elite (GC96xx) and PerfectCare Elite Plus (GC96xx), PerfectCare 9000 series (PSG90xx) and PerfectCare 8000 series (PSG80xx) pour 900ml distilled water.)
  5. Keep the EASY DE-CALC opening facing up, reinsert the EASY DE-CALC knob and turn it clockwise to fasten it. 
  6. Plug in the appliance and switch it on. Wait for 5 minutes for the appliance to heat up. 
  7. Keep the steam trigger pressed continuously while you move the iron on a piece of thick cloth for 3 minutes. 
  8. Stop moving the iron when no more water comes out or when steam starts coming out. You are now ready to keep ironing!
  9. Repeat this whole process once a month, or more if necessary.
soleplate de-calc

Smart Calc Clean function

Below information apply only to: 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).

Note: When your steam generator beeps and the CALC CLEAN light flashes, it's time to descale.
  1. Fill the water tank halfway and ensure that your steam generator is turned on. If your iron has a temperature dial with CALC CLEAN setting, set the dial to CALC CLEAN.
  2. Place your iron on the SMART CALC CLEAN container. The container was provided with your steam generator in the box.
  3. Press and hold the CALC CLEAN button for 2 seconds, until it beeps.
  4. NOTE: For some models, the calc-clean button is in front of the iron handle.
  5. The iron will start to clean itself, this will take about 2 minutes.
  6. When your steam generator stops beeping and the CALC CLEAN light stops flashing, the cleaning process is complete. Use a clean towel to dry the soleplate.
  7. You are now ready to keep ironing.
smart calc clean
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PureSteam anti-scale cartridge function

Below information apply only to: PerfectCare Pure (GC76xx).

As the Pure Steam anti-scale cartridge is discontinued, you can continue ironing using demineralized water, or descaled water from Philips IronCare water filter.


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