KARCHER SC 1 Premium Steam Cleaner Instruction Manual

: June 12, 2024
: Karcher

Table of Contents

KARCHER SC 1 Premium Steam Cleaner
Accessories and spare parts

KARCHER SC 1 Premium Steam Cleaner

General notes
Read these original operating instructions and the enclosed safety instructions before using the device for the first time. Proceed accordingly.
Keep both books for future reference or for future owners.

Intended use
Only use the appliance in private households. The appliance is intended for cleaning with steam and can be used with appropriate accessories as described in these operating instructions. Detergents are not required. Observe the safety instructions.

Environmental protection
The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging in accordance with the environmental regulations.

Electrical and electronic appliances contain valuable, recyclable materials and often components such as batteries, rechargeable batteries or oil, which – if handled or disposed of incorrectly – can pose a potential threat to human health and the environment. However, these components are required for the correct operation of the appliance. Appliances marked by this symbol are not allowed to be disposed of together with the household rubbish.

Notes on the content materials (REACH)
Current information on content materials can be found at: www.kaercher.com/REACH

Accessories and spare parts

Only use original accessories and original spare parts. They ensure that the appliance will run fault-free and safely.
Information on accessories and spare parts can be found at www.kaercher.com

Scope of delivery
The scope of delivery for the appliance is shown on the packaging. Check the contents for completeness when unpacking. If any accessories are missing or in the event of any shipping damage, please notify your dealer.

Warranty

The warranty conditions issued by our relevant sales company apply in all countries. We shall remedy possible malfunctions on your appliance within the warranty period free of cost, provided that a material or manufacturing defect is the cause. In a warranty case, please contact your dealer (with the purchase receipt) or the next authorised customer service site.
(See overleaf for the address)

Safety devices

CAUTION Missing or modified safety devices
Safety devices are provided for your own protection. Never modify or bypass safety devices.

Symbols on the device
(according to type of appliance)

KARCHER SC 1 Premium Steam Cleaner 6

Safety lock
The safety lock seals the steam boiler from the steam pressure present. If the pressure regulator is defective and overpressure occurs in the steam boiler, an pressure relief valve opens in the safety lock and steam leaks out through the lock.
Prior to restarting the appliance, contact the responsible KÄRCHER Customer Service.

Description of the unit

The maximum amount of equipment is described in these operating instructions. Depending on the model used, there are differences in the scope of delivery (see packaging).
For the illustrations, refer to the graphics page. Illustration A

Safety lock
Filling hole for water
Steam switch
Child lock
Carrying handle
Mains connection cable with mains plug
Indicator light (green) – mains voltage present
Steam boiler
Steam nozzle
Unlocking button
** Steam hose
Steam gun
Unlocking button
Steam connector
Spotlight nozzle
Round brush
Power nozzle
Manual nozzle
Microfibre cover for manual nozzle (1 x)
** Microfibre cover for manual nozzle (2 x)
** Extension tubes (2 x)
Unlocking button
Floor nozzle
Hook and loop fastener
Microfibre floor cloth
Measuring jug
** optional

KARCHER SC 1 Premium Steam Cleaner 1

Initial Start-Up
During initial start-up, a small cloud of smoke may be emitted from the steam nozzle. The appliance requires a short run-in time. At the start, the steam output is very irregular and damp, single droplets of water may even leak out. The steam volume that leaks out increases constantly until the maximum quantity has been reached after approx. 1 minute.

Installation

Installing accessories

Push the open end of the accessory onto the steam nozzle or steam gun until the unlocking button of the steam nozzle or steam gun engages. Illustration F
Illustration I
Illustration J
Push the open end of the accessory onto the spot-light nozzle.
Illustration K
Connect the connection pipes with the steam nozzle or steam gun.
a Push the 1st extension tube onto the steam nozzle or steam gun until the unlocking button of the steam nozzle or steam gun engages.
The connection pipe is connected.
b Push the 2nd extension tube onto the 1st extension tube.
The connection pipes are connected.
Illustration N
Push the accessory and/or the floor nozzle onto the free end of the extension tube.
Illustration O
The accessory is connected.

Disconnecting accessories

Push the child lock down.
Illustration G
The switch is locked.
Push the unlocking button and pull the parts apart.
Illustration L
Illustration M

KARCHER SC 1 Premium Steam Cleaner 2

Operation

Filling water
Note

Descaling the steam boiler is not required if commercially available distilled water is used.
Warm water reduces the heating-up time.
To do this use the measuring jug supplied. When filling the water, pay attention to the marking (max. 200 ml).

1. Unscrew the safety lock.
Illustration B
2. Fill a maximum of 200 ml distilled water or tap water into the steam boiler.
3. Insert the safety lock.
Illustration C

Switch on the appliance

Risk of scalding
The appliance has a high water outlet if you incline more than 30° to the side.
Do not incline the appliance more than 30° (maximum angle) to the side.

Place the appliance on a firm subsurface.
Insert the mains plug into a socket.
Illustration D
Indicator light lights up green.
After approx. 3 minutes, the appliance is ready for use.
Illustration E
Push the child lock up.
Illustration G
The switch is unlocked.
Press the switch.
Illustration H
Steam leaks out.

Refilling water

If the steam volume is reduced during work or if no more steam volume comes out, the water will have to be re-filled.
Note The safety lock cannot be opened as long as the steam boiler is still pressurised.
Note Warm water reduces the heating-up time.

Switch the appliance off, see Chapter Switch off the appliance.
Illustration Q
Unscrew the safety lock.
Drain the water completely out of the steam boiler. Illustration R
Fill a maximum of 200 ml distilled water or tap water into the steam boiler.
Insert the safety lock.
Insert the mains plug into a socket.
Push the child lock up.
The switch is unlocked.
The appliance is ready for use.

KARCHER SC 1 Premium Steam Cleaner 3 Switch off the appliance

Pull the mains plug out of the socket. Illustration Q
Press the switch until no more steam escapes. The steam boiler is depressurised.
Push the child lock down.

Rinsing out the steam boiler
Rinse the appliance’s steam boiler after completing the work.

Switch the appliance off, see Chapter Switch off the appliance.
Allow the appliance to cool down.
Disconnect the accessory.
Fill the steam boiler with water and swing it around vigorously. Lime residue which has been deposited on the bottom of the steam boiler will be released as a result.
Drain the water completely out of the steam boiler. Illustration R

Keep the appliance safe

Disconnect the accessory.
Drain the water completely out of the steam boiler. Illustration R
Coil the mains connection cable around the water reservoir.
Illustration S
Allow the accessory to dry.
Store the appliance in a dry location that is protected from frost.

ATTENTION: Material damage due to a stuck safety lock
If the safety lock is not removed after cleaning, there is a possibility that the lock could get stuck in the thread. After cleaning, unscrew the safety lock and store it, for example, with the other device accessories.

Important application instructions4

Cleaning the floor areas
We recommend sweeping the floor or vacuum cleaning it before using the appliance. In this way the floor will be cleared of dirt and loose particles before the wet cleaning.

Freshening up textiles
Prior to using the appliance, always check the compatibility of the textiles at a concealed point: Steam down the textile, allow it to dry and then check it for any change in colour or shape.

Cleaning coated or painted surfaces
ATTENTION Damaged surfaces

Steam can loosen wax, furniture polish, plastic coatings or paint and edge band from edges.
Do not direct the steam at glued laminated edges as the edge band may loosen.
Do not use the appliance for cleaning unsealed wood or parquet floors.
Do not use the appliance for cleaning painted or plastic coated surfaces such as kitchen or living room furniture, doors or parquet.

How to use the Accessories

Steam nozzle/steam gun
The steam nozzle or steam gun can be used for the following application areas without accessories:

For removing slight creases from the hanging clothing items: Steam the clothing item from a distance of 10- 20 cm.
For wiping damp dust: Steam a cloth briefly and use it to wipe over the furniture.

Spotlight nozzle
The spotlight nozzle is suitable for cleaning areas, joins, fittings, drains, sinks, WCs, blinds or radiators that are difficult to access. The closer the spotlight nozzle is to the soiled area, the greater the cleaning efficiency will be as the temperature and steam volume are at their highest at the nozzle opening. Larger lime deposits can be treated before steam cleaning with a suitable detergent. Allow the detergent to soak in for approx. 5 minutes and then steam it off.

Push the open end of the spotlight nozzle onto the steam nozzle or steam gun.
Illustration F
Illustration J

Round brush
The round brush is used for cleaning stubborn dirt.
Stubborn dirt can be removed more easily by brushing.

ATTENTION
Damaged surfaces
The brush may scratch sensitive surfaces.
It is not suitable for cleaning sensitive surfaces.

Install the round brush on the spotlight nozzle.
Illustration K

Manual nozzle
The manual nozzle is used for cleaning small areas that can be washed down, shower cubicles and mirrors.

Push the manual nozzle onto the steam nozzle or the steam gun according to the spotlight nozzle.
Illustration J
Pull the cover over the manual nozzle.

Floor nozzle
The floor nozzle is used for cleaning washable wall and floor coverings e.g. stone floors, tiles and PVC floors.

ATTENTION Damage due to build-up of steam
Heat and moisture can lead to damage.
Check the heat resistance and steam effect on an inconspicuous area using a minimal volume of steam prior to use.

Note
Detergent residue or care emulsions on the surface to be cleaned can lead to streaks during steam cleaning, which will disappear however once these have been used several times.

We recommend sweeping the floor or vacuum cleaning it before using the device. In this way the floor will be cleared of dirt and loose particles before the wet cleaning commences. Work slowly on surfaces that are heavily soiled so that the steam has longer to take effect.

Connect the extension tubes with the steam gun.
Illustration N
Push the floor nozzle onto the extension tube.
Illustration O
Fasten the floor cleaning cloth to the floor nozzle.
Place the floor cleaning cloth with the hook and loop fastener strips pointing upwards on the floor.
Place the floor nozzle onto the floor cleaning cloth, applying slight pressure.
Illustration P

The floor cleaning cloth will stick to the floor nozzle of its own accord due to the hook and loop fastener.

Removing the floor cleaning cloth
Place one foot on the bottom corner of the floor cleaning cloth and lift the floor nozzle up.
Illustration P

Note
Initially, the floor cleaning cloth’s hook and loop fastener strip is very strong and cannot be removed from the floor nozzle easily. After the floor cleaning cloth has been used several times and washed, it is easier to remove from the floor nozzle and it has reached the optimum adhesion.

Care and service

Descaling the steam boiler
Note Descaling the steam boiler is not required if commercially available distilled water is used.
Note Since the lime becomes caked on the appliance, we recommend descaling the appliance as specified in the table (BF=boiler fillings) based on the number of times the steam boiler is filled.

Hardness range	°dH	mmol/l	KF
I	soft	0-7	0-1.3
II	Medium	7-14	1.3-2.5
III	Hard	14-21	2.5-3.8
IV	Very hard	>21	>3.8

Note
Your water board or municipal utilities authority can provide information on hardness of tap water.

ATTENTION Damaged surfaces
The descaler may corrode sensitive surfaces.
Fill and empty the appliance carefully.

Switching off the device, see chapter Switch off the appliance.
Allow the device to cool down.
Unscrew the safety lock.
Drain the water completely out of the steam boiler.
Illustration R
Appliance damage due to descaler
An unsuitable descaler or incorrect dosing of the descaler may damage the appliance.
Only use KÄRCHER descaler.
Use 1 dosing unit of the descaler for 0.5 l water.
Apply descaler solution to the descaler according to the details.
Fill the descaler solution into the steam boiler. Do not seal the steam boiler.
Allow the descaler solution to take effect for approx. 8 hours.
Drain descaler solution completely out of the steam boiler.
Repeat the descaling process if necessary.
Rinse the steam boiler 2-3 times with cold water in order to drain all the descaler solution residue.
Drain the water completely out of the steam boiler.
Illustration R

Troubleshooting guide

Malfunctions often have simple causes that you can remedy yourself using the following overview. When in doubt, or in the case of malfunctions not mentioned here, please contact your authorised Customer Service.

WARNING Risk of electric shock and burns
Trying to eliminate faults while the appliance is connected to the mains or has not yet cooled down is always dangerous. Remove the mains plug.
Allow the appliance to cool down.

Reduced steam quantity
The steam nozzle is blocked.

1. Disconnect the accessory from the steam nozzle.
2. Clean the nozzle insert.
3. Start up the appliance briefly.
4. Attach the accessory to the steam nozzle.
The steam boiler is scaled.

Descale the steam boiler.
No steam
No water in the steam boiler
Refill water, see Chapter Refilling water. The switch cannot be pressed
The switch is locked with the child lock.
Push the child lock up.
The switch is unlocked.

High water egress
The appliance is “spitting out” water

Do not incline the appliance more than 30° (maxi-mum angle) to the side during cleaning.
Do not exceed the maximum filling quantity of 200 ml.

Technical data

Electrical connection|
---|---
Voltage| V| 220-240
Phase| ~| 1
Frequency| Hz| 50-60
Protection class| | IPX4
Protection category| | I
Performance data| |
Heating capacity| W| 1200
Maximum operating pressure| MPa| 0.3
Heating-up time| Minutes| 3
Continuous steaming| g/min| 35
Maximum steam blast| g/min| 80
Filling quantity| |
Steam boiler| ml| 250
Maximum filling quantity| ml| 200
Dimensions and weights| |
Weight (without accessories)| kg| 1.5
Length| mm| 321
Width| mm| 127
Height| mm| 186
Subject to technical modifications.| |