K RCHER SC 3 Upright Steam Cleaner Instruction Manual

K RCHER SC 3 Upright 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 future owners.

Intended use
Use the device only in private households for cleaning level hard floors (e.g stone floors, tiles, PVC floors and sealed wooden floors such as parquet and laminate) that can withstand the high temperature, pressure, and moisture of the device. Do not clean water-sensitive floor coverings such as untreated cork floors (the moisture could penetrate and damage the floor). With the carpet glider fitted, the device can be used for freshening short-pile carpets, runners, etc. Detergents are not required.

Environmental protection

• The packing materials can be recycled. Please dispose of packaging under the environmental regulations.
• Electrical and electronic devices 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 danger to human health and the environment. However, these components are required for the correct operation of the device. Devices marked by this symbol are not allowed to be disposed of together with household rubbish.

Notes on the content materials (REACH) Current information on content materials can be found at: www.kaercher.de/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 sales company apply in all countries. We shall remedy possible malfunctions on your device 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 authorized 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)

Safety valve
In the case of excessively high pressure in the event of a fault, a safety valve relieves the pressure into the atmosphere.
Fuse
The fuse prevents the device from overheating. If the device overheats, the fuse disconnects the device from the power supply.
Before re-commissioning the device, contact the responsible KÄRCHER Customer Service.

Device description

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

1. Button/switch area

2. Switch – Off

3. Switch – On

4. Indicator light (red)

   • replace decalcification cartridge.

5. RESET button

   • set water hardness
   • confirmation after cartridge replacement

6. LED operating indicator
   Flashing red – mains voltage present and the device is
   heating up
   Green – The device is ready for operation

7. Display for steam stage setting

8. Button for steam stage setting

9. Steam stage 1 – Wood

10. Steam stage 2 – Carpet

11. Steam stage 3 – Tiles/Stone

12. Handle

13. Wall anti-slip handle

14. Steam lever

15. Cable hook with cable fastener

16. Decalcification cartridge

17. Filling hole for water

18. Water reservoir with reservoir cover and carrying handle

19. Mains connection cable with mains plug

20. Unlocking button for floor nozzle

21. Floor nozzle

22. Hook and loop fastener

23. Microfibre floor cloth (1 x)

24. ** Microfibre floor cloth (2 x)

25. ** Abrasive floor cloth (1 x)

26. Carpet glider

    • optional

Initial Start-Up
ATTENTION
Device damage due to calcification

The decalcification cartridge only works properly if you adjust the device to the local water hardness before operating it for the first time.
Set the device to the local water hardness.
Set the device to the current water hardness before using it in an area with a different water hardness (e.g. after a move)

1. Insert the decalcification cartridge into the water reservoir and press it firmly into place.
   Illustration F

2. Set the water hardness, see chapter Setting the water hardness.

Note
When steaming for the first time after removing and reinserting the decalcification cartridge, the steam jet may be weak or irregular, and individual drops of water may be expelled. The device requires a short running-in period in which the decalcification cartridge fills with water.
The steam volume that is expelled increases constantly until the maximum steam volume has been reached after approx. 30 seconds.
Note
Please note that here it is set to steam stage 3 (tiles/stone), since the running-in period will otherwise be extended.

Installation

Installing the handlebar

1. Hold the basic device.
2. Fit the handlebar to the end stop into the basic device until it audibly latches into place. The handlebar must sit tightly in the device. Illustration B

Installing the floor nozzle

1. Hold the device by the handle.
2. Connect the lower section of the basic unit to the floor nozzle until it audibly latches into place. Illustration C

Operation

Unwinding the power cord
WARNING
Risk of electric shock
If the power cable is not completely unwound, the danger exists of you straining and damaging the mains cable by overestimating the range of the cable.
Always completely unwind the power cable.

Note
The lower cable holder can be rotated by 360° for removing the cable. The upper cable hook cannot be rotated.

1. Turn the lower cable holder upwards.
2. Completely remove the power cable from the cable hook.
3. Fasten the cable in the fastener of the upper or lower cable hook to prevent it from being run over during cleaning work. Illustration J

Filling water
The water reservoir can be filled at any time.
ATTENTION
Material damage through open reservoir cover or incorrectly seated or loose water reservoir Liquid can escape and damage the floor covering if the reservoir cover is not correctly closed or the water reservoir is not correctly inserted into the device.
Take care to ensure that the reservoir cover is securely closed and the water reservoir is seated tightly in the device when the water reservoir is full.

ATTENTION
Damage to the device

• Unsuitable water can block the nozzles.
• Do not use condensation from the clothes dryer for filling.
• Do not use collected rain water for filling.
• Do not use cleaning agents or other additives (e.g. scents) for filling.

Note
The decalcification cartridge must be installed in the water reservoir when filling the water reservoir.
Filling the water reservoir directly on the device

1. Hold the device.
2. Open the water reservoir cover and fill the water reservoir with max. 0.5 L tap water, directly at the device. Illustration G
3. Close the reservoir cover.

Removing the water reservoir for filling

1. Hold the device.
2. Turn the lower cable hook upwards.
3. Pull the water reservoir vertically upwards by the handle.
4. Open the water reservoir cover and fill the water reservoir with max. 0.5 L tap water. Illustration H
5. Close the water reservoir cover.
6. Insert the water reservoir and press downwards until it locks into place.

Switching on the device
ATTENTION
Device and material damage due to tipping over
The device can fall over and be damaged if inadequately secured during work breaks or storage. Liquid can also leak out and damage the floor covering in the process.
Position the device with the floor nozzle on a solid base, or the handle with the wall anti-slip protection in a vertical position on a solid wall.

ATTENTION
Device damage due to incorrectly set water hardness The decalcification cartridge only works properly if the device is adjusted to the local water hardness. The device may calcify if the water hardness is set incorrectly. Adjust the device to the local water hardness before first operation, see chapter Setting the water hardness.
Note
When steaming for the first time after removing and reinserting the decalcification cartridge, the steam jet may be weak or irregular, and individual drops of water may be expelled. The device requires a short running-in period in which the decalcification cartridge fills with water.
The steam volume that is expelled increases constantly until the maximum steam volume has been reached after approx. 30 seconds.
Note
Please note that here it is set to steam stage 3 (tiles/stone), since the running-in period will otherwise be extended.

1. Place the device on a firm surface.
   Illustration I

2. Insert the mains plug into a socket.
   Illustration K

3. Press the On switch.
   Illustration L

4. The LED operating indicator flashes red.
   Illustration M

5. The LED operating indicator lights up constantly
   green after approx. 30 seconds.
   Illustration N
   The device is ready for use.

Regulating the steam volume
The steam volume setting depends on the surface to be cleaned.

• Press the button with the direction arrows on the handle repeatedly until the desired steam stage is selected.
  Illustration P

• 3 different steam stages are available:

Note

• The maximum steam stage (Tiles/stone) is always selected when the device is switched on.
• Press the steam lever after setting the steam volume. Illustration O

Refilling water
Note
The water level can be seen through the transparent freshwater tank.
When topping up the water, the decalcification cartridge remains secured in the device.

• Open the water reservoir cover and fill the water reservoir with max. 0.5 L tap water, directly at the device. Illustration G or
• Remove the water reservoir, open the water reservoir cover and fill the water reservoir with max. 0.5 L tap water, see chapter Filling water. Illustration H

Interrupting operation
ATTENTION
Material damage due to condensate/moisture See the chapter Storing the device to prevent material damage during longer work breaks.
To save energy, we recommend that you switch off the device for breaks in operation of longer than 20 minutes.

1. Press the OFF switch. Illustration S

Switching off the device

1. Press the OFF switch. Illustration S
   The device is switched off.

2. Pull the mains plug out of the socket. Illustration T

ATTENTION

• Device damage due to water putrefaction
• The water in the reservoir may be buried if the device is not put into operation for more than 2 months.
• Drain the water reservoir before longer breaks in operation.
• Drain the water reservoir. Illustration U

Storing the device
ATTENTION
Material damage due to condensate/moisture
The floor covering can be damaged by moisture remaining on the floor cleaning cloth or floor nozzle/device after cleaning.
Remove the floor cleaning cloth/carpet glider and dry the floor nozzle/the device after finishing the floor cleaning work.
Do not place or store the device on heat-sensitive surfaces.

1. Remove the floor cleaning cloth or floor cleaning cloth and carpet glider, see the chapter Floor nozzle and carpet glider.
   Illustration D
   Illustration E

2. Remove moisture from the floor nozzle/device.

3. Wind the power cable around the upper and lower cable hooks.
   Illustration V

4. Store the device in the vertical position on a solid base or on the wall.
   Illustration I

5. Store the device in a dry location that is protected from frost.

Important application instructions

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.

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 device for cleaning unsealed wood or parquet floors.
• Do not use the device for cleaning painted or plastic-coated surfaces such as kitchen or living room furniture, doors or parquet.

How to use the Accessories

Floor nozzle
The floor nozzle is suitable for cleaning washable floor coverings, e.g. stone floors, tiles, and PVC floors, and also sealed wooden floors such as parquet and laminate.

ATTENTION
Damage due to steam effect
Heat and the effects of steam can lead to damage.
Check the heat resistance and steam effect on an inconspicuous area using a minimal volume of steam before use.
Steam clean sealed wooden floors using the correct, preset steam level, and do not remain in the same position on the floor for too long.
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.

CAUTION
Beware of burns to your feet
The floor nozzle/floor cleaning cloth heats up during steaming.
Hot water may drip out when pulling off the floor cloth.
Only operate or remove the floor nozzle/floor cleaning cloth with suitable footwear.

• Fasten the floor cleaning cloth to the floor nozzle.
• Place the floor cleaning cloth with the hook and loop fastener pointing upwards on the floor.
• Place the floor nozzle onto the floor cleaning cloth, applying slight pressure.
  Illustration D
  The floor cleaning cloth will stick to the floor nozzle of its own accord due to the hook and loop fastener.

Micro fibre cloth
The microfibre floor cloth is suitable for cleaning stone floors and PVC floors, and also sealed wooden floors such as parquet and laminate. The microfibre floor cloth is also suitable for freshening carpets when used in conjunction with the carpet glider.

Abrasive floor cloth
The abrasive floor cloth is suitable for cleaning insensitive surfaces such as tiles or stone.
ATTENTION
Damage to floor coverings
The abrasive floor cloth can damage sensitive floor coverings and surfaces.
Do not use the abrasive floor cloth for cleaning wooden surfaces.

Do not use the abrasive cloth with the carpet glider.
Removing the floor cleaning cloth

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.
Removing the floor nozzle from the basic device

ATTENTION
Material damage due to an unstable device Removing the floor nozzle makes the device unstable and it can tip over and damage the device and floor covering.
Do not remove the floor nozzle from the basic device after installation.
Remove the floor nozzle only when sending the device for servicing.

1. Press the OFF switch
   Illustration S

2. Pull the mains plug out of the socket.
   Illustration T

3. Empty the water reservoir.
   Illustration U

4. Hold the device by the handle.

5. Actuate the unlocking button on the floor nozzle.

6. The floor nozzle is released from the device and can
   be removed.
   Illustration W

7. Store the device safely in a horizontal position.

Carpet glider
The carpet glider is used for freshening up carpets.
ATTENTION

• Beware of damaging the carpet glider and carpet Contamination on the carpet glider, as well as heat and moisture penetration, can result in the carpet being damaged.
• Use the carpet glider only with a microfibre floor cloth on the floor nozzle.
• Steam clean using only the correct steam stage when using the carpet glider (see the display indicator on the handle, carpet floor covering symbol – medium steam stage).
• Before the application, also check the heat resistance and impact of steam on the carpet at an insignificant spot using the smallest steam volume.
• Observe the cleaning instructions from the carpet manufacturer.
• Before using the carpet glider, make sure that the carpet has been vacuumed and that stains have been removed.
• Prior to use and following operating pauses, remove any possible water accumulation (condensate) in the device by evaporating the condensate into a drain (without floor cleaning cloth / with accessories).
• To prevent too much moistening and to avoid the risk of damage due to temperature effects, do not direct the steam continuously onto one spot (maximum 5 seconds).
• Do not use the carpet glider on deep-pile carpets.

Fastening the carpet glider to the floor nozzle

1. For fastening the floor cleaning cloth to the floor nozzle, please refer to the chapter Floor Nozzle. Illustration D
2. Using light pressure, allow the floor nozzle to slide into the carpet glider and engage there. Illustration E
3. Start cleaning the carpet.

Removing the carpet glider from the floor nozzle
CAUTION

• Beware of burns to your feet
• The carpet glider can heat up during the steaming process.
• Do not operate or remove the carpet glider bare-footed or using open sandals.
• Only operate or remove the carpet glider using suitable footwear.

Care and service
Draining the water reservoir

ATTENTION
Device damage due to water putrefaction If the device is not put into operation for more than 2 months, the water in the reservoir may putrefy.
Drain the water reservoir before breaks in operation.

1. Press the OFF switch.
   The device is switched off.

2. Pull the mains plug out of the socket.

3. Remove the reservoir cover.

4. Drain the water reservoir.
   The cartridge can remain the water reservoir.
   Illustration U

Replacing the decalcification cartridge
ATTENTION
Device damage and shortened service life If the replacement intervals (indicator light) for the decalcification cartridge are not observed, there is a risk of device damage and the service life of the device may be shortened.
Observe the replacement intervals (indicator light).
Note
The replacement intervals depend on the local water hardness. Areas with hard water (e.g. III/IV) have a higher replacement interval than areas with soft water (e.g. I/II).

Indicator lamp at end of the run time
The “decalcification cartridge indicator light” indicates when the decalcification cartridge has to be replaced:

• The indicator light flashes 2 hours before the run time expires.
  Illustration R

• The indicator light flashes more quickly 1 hour before the run time expires.

• The indicator light and the LED strip on the device light up when the run time of the decalcification cartridge has expired. The floor-covering symbols on the handle do not light up. The pump switches off automatically (no water steam) to prevent damage to the device.

Inserting the decalcification cartridge
ATTENTION
Device damage
There is a risk of damage to the device if the used decalcification cartridge is re-used.
Work carefully to prevent mixing up the cartridges.

Installation information
When steaming for the first time after removing and reinserting the decalcification cartridge, the steam jet may be weak or irregular, and individual drops of water may be expelled. The device requires a short running-in period in which the decalcification cartridge fills with water.
The steam volume that is expelled increases constantly until the maximum steam volume has been reached after approx. 30 seconds.

Note
Removing the water reservoir makes it easier to remove and install the decalcification cartridge.

1. Press the OFF switch.
   The device is switched off.

2. Remove the reservoir cover.

3. Remove the decalcification cartridge.

4. Insert the new decalcification cartridge and press it firmly into place.

5. Press the On switch.
   The device is switched on.

6. Press and hold the RESET button for 4 seconds.
   The “replace decalcification cartridge” indicator light goes out and the run time for the decalcification cartridge starts again.
   Illustration Q

7. Allow the device to heat up.

8. Press and hold the steam lever for approximately 30 seconds to vent the decalcification cartridge.

Setting the water hardness
ATTENTION

• Device damage due to calcification
• Without a decalcification cartridge, the device may calcify if the water hardness is set incorrectly.
• Always work with a decalcification cartridge.
• Set the device to the local water hardness.
• Set the device to the current water hardness before using it in an area with a different water hardness (e.g. after a move).

Note
Your water board or municipal utilities authority can provide information on hardness of tap water. The water hardness is set using the RESET button. The water hardness setting is stored until a new setting (e.g. after a move) is made. The device is set to the highest water hardness (level IV) in the factory. The device indicates the set water hardness with flash pulses. Water hardness levels and flash pulses

Note
The anti-calcification effect of the decalcification cartridge is activated as soon as the reservoir is filled with water and the device is put into operation. Lime in the water is absorbed by the granulate in the decalcification cartridge. Additional descaling is not required.
Note
The granulation in the cartridge can discolor on contact with water due to the mineral content in the water, which is no cause for concern and has no negative effects on the device, cleaning work or the functionality of the cartridge.
Note
Do not pause for longer than 15 seconds when setting as the device will otherwise be set automatically to the last selected water hardness or the highest water hardness set during initial start-up.

1. Connect the mains plug.

2. Make sure that the device is switched off.

3. Hold the RESET button pressed and switch on the device.
   Illustration Q
   After approximately 2 seconds, the indicator light flashes and signals the current water hardness setting with the number of pulses.

4. Release the RESET key.
   The device is set to water hardness level IV at the factory and the indicator light therefore flashes 4 times in succession.

5. You can cycle between the different water hardness levels by pressing the RESET button repeatedly until the desired water hardness level is reached.

6. Once the desired water hardness level has been reached, press and hold the RESET button for 3 seconds to store the selected water hardness level.

The indicator light for the water hardness lights up to confirm saving.

Care of accessories
(Accessories – depending on the scope of delivery)
Note
The microfiber cloths are not suitable for dryers.
Note
Observe the instructions on the washing tag when washing the clothes. Do not use any liquid softeners as this will affect the ability of the clothes to pick up dirt.

1. Wash the floor cleaning cloths in a washing machine at a max. temperature of 60 °C.

Removing the handle
ATTENTION
Device damage
The handle components can be damaged by repeated removal.
Do not remove the handle from the basic unit once it has been assembled.
The handle may only be removed from the basic device if the device is sent out for service purposes.

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.

No steam / little steam although there is water in the reservoir
The decalcification cartridge has not been inserted or has been inserted incorrectly.

• Fit the decalcification cartridge and/or check that the decalcification cartridge sits tightly in the reservoir and press in again if necessary.
• The decalcification cartridge has been removed when filling with water and/or a new decalcification cartridge has been fitted
• Always leave the decalcification cartridge in the water reservoir when filling with water.
• Press and hold the steam lever constantly. The full steam output is reached after approximately 30 seconds.

The red “Replace decalcification cartridge” indicator light flashes but the device still functions correctly

• Run time of the decalcification cartridge ends soon.
• Fit a new decalcification cartridge, see chapter Replacing the decalcification cartridge. No steam despite sufficient water in the reservoir, the indicator light and LED operating indicator on the device light up continuously red, the floor covering symbols on the handle do not light up Run time for the decalcification cartridge has expired
• Fit a new decalcification cartridge, see chapter Replacing the decalcification cartridge.
• If a new decalcification cartridge has already been fitted and this fault still occurs, the RESET button has probably not been pressed after replacing the decalcification cartridge. Press and hold the RESET button for 4 seconds after inserting the decalcification cartridge, see chapter Replacing the decalcification cartridge.

Technical data

Electrical connection

• Voltage: V 220-240
• Phase: ~ 1
• Frequency: Hz 50-60
• Degree of protection: IPX4
• Protection class: I

Device performance data

• Heating capacity: W 1600
• Heating-up time: Seconds 30
• Continuous steaming: g/min 40

Filling quantity

• Water reservoir: l 0,5

Dimensions and weights

• Weight (without accessories): kg 3,1
• Length: mm 314
• Width: mm 207
• Height: mm 1185

Subject to technical modifications.

THANK YOU! MERCI! DANKE! ¡GRACIAS!

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CONTACT

• www.kaercher.com/dealersearch
• Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
• Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28-40
• 71364 Winnenden (Germany)

References

• Cher - Official Site
• Cleaning equipment and pressure washers | Kärcher International
• Dealer Search | Kärcher International
• Home and Garden Warranty Registration USA - Kärcher
• Reinigungsgeräte und Hochdruckreiniger | Kärcher
• Reinigungsgeräte und Hochdruckreiniger | Kärcher

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