KARCHER SC 3 Upright EasyFix Steam Cleaner Instructions

: June 3, 2024
: Karcher

Table of Contents

General notes
Intended use
Environmental protection
Accessories and spare parts
Scope of delivery
Warranty
Safety devices
Device description
Initial Start-Up
Installation
Operation
How to use the Accessories
Care and service
Troubleshooting guide
Technical data
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

KARCHER SC 3 Upright EasyFix Steam Cleaner Instructions

General notes

Read these original operating instructions and the enclosed safety instructions before using the device for the first time. Act in accordance with them. Keep both books for future reference or for 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 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 appliance

(according to type of appliance)

| Risk of burns, surface of appliance becomes hot during operation
---|---
| Risk of scalding from steam
| Read operating instructions

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

Button/switch area
Switch – Off
Switch – On
Indicator light (red)
- replace decalcification cartridge.
RESET button
- set water hardness
- confirmation after cartridge replacement
LED operating indicator Flashing red – mains voltage present and device is heating up Green – device is ready for operation
Display for steam stage setting
Button for steam stage setting
Steam stage 1 – Wood
Steam stage 2 – Carpet
Steam stage 3 – Tiles/Stone
Handle
Wall anti-slip handle
Steam lever
Cable hook with cable fastener
Decalcification cartridge
Filling hole for water
Water reservoir with reservoir cover and carrying handle
Mains connection cable with mains plug
Unlocking button for floor nozzle
Floor nozzle
Hook and loop fastener
Microfibre floor cloth (1 x)
Microfibre floor cloth (2 x)
Abrasive floor cloth (1 x)
Carpet glider

SC 3 Upright EasyFix Premium

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)

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

Hold the basic device.
Fit the handle bar all the way to the end stop into the basic device until it audibly latches into place. The handle bar must sit tightly in the device. **Illustration B

**

Installing the floor nozzle

Hold the device by the handle.
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

Turn the lower cable holder upwards.
Completely remove the power cable from the cable hook.
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 water reservoir is not correctly closed or the water reservoir is not correctly fitted in the device. Take care to ensure that the water reservoir cover is closed and the 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

Hold 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
Close the reservoir cover

Removing the water reservoir for filling

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

Switching on the device

ATTENTION

Damage to the device and material damage through tipping over

The device can fall over and be damaged if inadequately secured during work breaks or storage. Liquid can also escape and damage the floor covering. Position the device with the floor nozzle on a solid base or the handle with the wall anti-slip handle 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

Place the device on a firm surface. Illustration I
Insert the mains plug into a socket. Illustration K
Press the On switch. Illustration L
The LED operating indicator flashes red. Illustration M
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:

| Tiles/stone – maximum steam stage
---|---
| Carpet – medium steam stage
| Wood – minimum steam stage

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 fresh water 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. In order to save energy, we recommend that you switch off the device for breaks in operation of longer than 20 minutes.

Press the OFF switch. **Illustration S

**

Switching off the device

Press the OFF switch. Illustration S The device is switched off.
Pull the mains plug out of the socket. Illustration T

ATTENTION
Device damage due to water put refactionThe water in the reservoir may putrefy 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

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

**

Remove moisture from the floor nozzle/device.
Wind the power cable around the upper and lower cable hooks. Illustration V
Store the device in vertical position on a solid base or on the wall. Illustration I
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 effects Heat and the effects of steam can lead to damage. Check the heat resistance and steam effect on an inconspicuous area using a minimal steam volume prior to 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 strips 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

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

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

Press the OFF switch Illustration S
Pull the mains plug out of the socket. Illustration T
Empty the water reservoir. Illustration U
Hold the device by the handle.
Actuate the unlocking button on the floor nozzle.
The floor nozzle releases from the device and can be removed. Illustration W
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). Prior to the application, also check the heat resistance and impact of steam on the carpet at an insignificantspot using the smallest steam volume.Observe the cleaning instructions from the carpet manufacturer.

Prior to 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).

In order 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

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

Press the strap on the carpet glider downwards using your toecap.
Lift the floor nozzle upwards. Illustration E

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.

Press the OFF switch. The device is switched off.
Pull the mains plug out of the socket.
Remove the reservoir cover.
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 depends 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 in order 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.

Press the OFF switch. The device is switched off.
Remove the reservoir cover.
Remove the decalcification cartridge.
Insert the new decalcification cartridge and press it firmly into place.
Press the On switch. The device is switched on.
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
Allow the device to heat up.
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

Hardness range| °dH| mmol/l| Number of flash pulses| Interval between flash pulses
---|---|---|---|---
I| Soft| 0-7| 0-1.3| 1x| 4 seconds
II

| Medium| 7-14| 1.3-2.5| 2x|
III| Hard| 14-21| 2.5-3.8| 3x|
IV| Very hard| >21

| >3.8| 4x|

Note

The anti-calcification effect of the decalcification cartridge is activated as soon as the eservoir 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 granulate in the cartridge can discolour 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.

Connect the mains plug.
Make sure that the device is switched off.
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.
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.
You can cycle between the different water hardness levels by pressing the RESET button repeatedly until the desired water hardness level is reached.
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 scope of delivery)

Note

The micro fibre cloths are not suitable for dryer.

Note

Observe the instructions on the washing tag when washing the cloths. Do not use any liquid softeners as this will affect the ability of the cloths to pick up dirt.

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