KARCHER KST 2 Steam Vacuum Cleaner User Guide

: June 3, 2024
: Karcher

Table of Contents

Quick reference
General information
Safety Devices
Description of the Appliance
Operation
How to Use the Accessories
Care and maintenance
Troubleshooting
Technical specifications
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

KST 2

Register your product
www.kaercher.com/welcome

59687910 (07/21)

Quick reference

General information

Please read these original operating instructions and the enclosed safety instructions prior to the initial use of your device. Proceed accordingly. Keep both booklets for future reference or subsequent owners.

Proper use
Use the steam cleaner only for private households. The appliance is intended to be used with steam and can be used with the appropriate accessories as described in these operating instructions. You will not need any detergent. Please adhere to the safety instructions.

Environmental protection
The packaging material can be recycled. Please do not place the packaging into the ordinary refuse for disposal, but arrange for the proper recycling.
Old appliances contain valuable materials that can be recycled. Please arrange for the proper recycling of old appliances. Please dispose your old appliances using appropriate collection systems.
Electrical and electronic devices often contain components which could potentially pose a danger to human health and the environment if handled or disposed of incorrectly. However, these components are necessary for the proper operation of the device. Devices marked with this symbol must not be disposed of with regular household rubbish.
Notes about the ingredients (REACH)
You will find current information about the ingredients at: www.kaercher.com/REACH

Scope of delivery
The scope of delivery of your appliance is illustrated on the packaging.
Check the contents of the appliance for completeness when unpacking.
In the event of missing accessories or any transport damage, please contact your dealer.

Spare parts
Only use original accessories and spare parts, they ensure the safe and trouble-free operation of the device.
For information about accessories and spare parts, please visit www.kaercher.com.

Warranty
The warranty terms published by the relevant sales company are applicable in each country. We will repair potential failures of your appliance within the warranty period free of charge, provided that such failure is caused by faulty material or defects in manufacturing. In the event of a warranty claim please contact your dealer or the nearest authorized Customer Service center. Please submit the proof of purchase.

Safety Devices

CAUTION
Safety devices protect the user and must not be modified or bypassed.

Pressure controller
The pressure controller keeps the boiler pressure during the operation as constant as possible. The heating is turned off if the maximum operating pressure of 4 bar is reached in the boiler and is reactivated in case of a pressure drop in the boiler due to steam tapping.

Safety thermostat
The safety thermostat turns off the appliance if the pressure controller fails and the appliance overheats in case of a malfunction. Please contact your local KÄRCHER customer service to arrange for the reset of the safety thermostat.

Safety lock
The safety lock seals the boiler against the steam pressure that builds up in the boiler. If the pressure controller is defect and the steam pressure in the boiler rises, a pressure control valve in the safety lock opens, and steam is emitted through the lock to the outside. Please contact your local KÄRCHER customer service before you put the appliance into operation again.

Description of the Appliance

The scope of delivery of your appliance is illustrated on the packaging. Check the contents of the appliance for completeness when unpacking.
In the event of missing accessories or any transport damage, please contact your dealer.
Illustrations on fold-out page!

A1 Indicator lamp (green) line voltage is on
A2 Indicator lamp – heater (ORANGE)
A3 Safety cap
A4 Holder for accessories
A5 Storage holder for floor nozzle
A6 Mains cable with mains plug
A7 Running wheels (2 ea.)
A8 Steering roller
B1 Steam gun
B2 Unlocking button
B3 Selector switch for the steam volume (with child protection)
B4 Steam lever
B5 Steam hose
C1 Detail nozzle
C2 Round brush Black
D1 Hand nozzle
D2 Microfibre cloth cover
E1 Extension tubes (two tubes)
E2 Unlocking button
F1 Floor nozzle
F2 Retaining clip
F3 Microfibre floor cloth

Quick Reference

Illustrations on Page 2
Illustration **1**
Unscrew the safety lock and fill the steam cleaner with a max. of 1 litre of water.
Illustration **2**
Screw in safety cap.
Illustration **3**
Plug in the mains plug.
The green and orange indicator lights are on.
Illustration **4**
Wait until the orange indicator lamp goes out.
Illustration **5**
Connect the accessories to the steam gun.
The steam cleaner is ready to use.

Operation

Attaching the Accessories
Illustration **A**
Insert steering roller and transport wheels and lock them.
Illustration **B**
Connect the required accessories (see Chapter “How to use the accessories”) to the steam gun. Insert the open end of the accessory on the steam gun and push onto the steam gun until the unlocking button of the steam gun locks into place.
Illustration **D**
Use the extension tubes if necessary. To do so, connect one or both extension tubes to the steam gun. Insert the required accessories on the free end of the extension tube.

Removing the Accessories
Move the selector switch for the steam volume back (steam lever locked).
Illustration **E**
To detach the accessory parts, press the unlocking button and pull the items apart.

Fill up with water
Notes
In case of continuous use of commercially available distilled water, no descaling of the boiler is necessary.
You can reduce the heating-up time by using warm water.
Remove the safety lock from the device.
Illustration **K**
Completely empty the steam boiler to remove existing water.
Fill the boiler with a maximum of 1 liters of fresh tap water.
Screw the safety cap back onto the device.

Turning on the Appliance
Place the unit securely on a firm surface.
Insert the mains plug into a socket.
Both indicator lamps must illuminate.
The orange indicator lamp goes out after approximately 8 minutes.
The steam cleaner is ready to use.

Adjusting the Steam Quantity
Use the selector switch for the steam volume to regulate the discharged steam. The selector switch has three positions:

Maximum steam volume
Reduced steam volume
No steam – child protection
Note: In this lever position, the steam lever cannot be used.
Set selector switch to the required steam volume.
While operating the steam switch, always direct the steam gun at a separate piece of cloth until the steam is emitted evenly.

Note:
The heating of the steam cleaner is turned on in regular intervals during the operation of the appliance in order to maintain the pressure in the boiler at a constant level. When the heating is turned on, the orange indicator lamp (heater) lights up.

Refilling Water
Water needs to be filled into the boiler, if the steam volume decreases during work and no more steam is emitted in the end.
Disconnect the mains plug from the socket.
Push the steam switch until steam discharge stops.
Now, the boiler of the appliance is unpressurized.
Remove the safety lock from the device.
Fill the boiler with a maximum of 1 liters of fresh tap water.
Screw the safety cap back onto the device.
Insert the mains plug into a socket.
The orange indicator lamp goes out after approximately 8 minutes.
The steam cleaner is ready to use.

Turning Off the Appliance
Illustration **F**
Disconnect the mains plug from the socket.
Illustration **G**
Push the steam switch until steam discharge stops.
Now, the boiler of the appliance is unpressurized.
Move the child protection unit toward the back (steam lever locked).

Storing the Appliance
Illustration **H**
Put the extension pipes into the large accessory compartments.
Insert the manual nozzle and detail nozzle onto each extension pipe.
Put the small round brush and nozzles into the medium accessory compartment.
Hook the floor nozzle into the parking position.
Wrap the steam hose around the extension pipes and insert the steam pistol into the floor nozzle.

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.

How to Use the Accessories

Important application instructions
Cleaning floor surfaces
It is recommended to sweep or vacuum the floor prior to using the steam cleaner. This way, the floor is already cleared of dirt/loose particles prior to the wet cleaning.
Refreshing textiles
Prior to treatment with the steam cleaner, always check the reaction of the textiles in an inconspicuous location: Steam at first, then let dry and then check for colour or shape changes.
Cleaning of Coated or Lacquered Surfaces
When cleaning painted or plastic-coated surfaces, as found on kitchen and living room furniture, doors, parquet; wax, furniture polish, plastic surfaces or paint can come loose or stains can be created. When cleaning these surfaces, briefly steam a cloth and wipe the surfaces with it.

ATTENTION
Never direct the steam jet at glued edges as the edge band may loosen. Do not use the steam cleaner on unsealed wooden or parquet floors.

Cleaning of Glass
In case of low outside temperatures, especially in the winter, warm up the window pane by slightly steaming the entire glass surface. This will prevent tensions on the surface which might lead to glass breakage. Then clean the window surface with the hand nozzle and attachment. Use a squeegee to remove the water or wipe the surfaces dry.
ATTENTION
Do not direct steam onto the sealed locations of the window frame to prevent damage.

Steam gun
You can use the steam gun without any additional accessories, e.g.:

to remove light wrinkles from hanging clothes by steaming them at a distance of 10 to 20 cm.
to remove dust from plants. Here, keep a distance of 20-40 cm.
for moist dusting, by briefly steaming the cloth and wiping the furniture with it.

Detail nozzle
Illustration **B**
Install detail nozzle on the steam gun.
The closer this nozzle is to the contaminated area, the higher the cleaning effect, as the temperature and the steam are highest at the nozzle output. Especially suited for cleaning difficult access locations, joints, fittings, drains, sinks, toilets, blinds and heaters. Heavy lime scale can be drenched in vinegar prior to steam-cleaning. Let the vinegar penetrate for about 5 minutes.

Round brush
The round brush can be installed onto the detail nozzle as an accessory. Attached brushes can therefore be used to remove heavy soiling.

ATTENTION
Not suitable for cleaning sensitive surfaces.
Illustration **C**
Attach the round brush to the detail nozzle.

Hand nozzle
Illustration **B**
Install hand nozzle on steam gun. Pull the cloth cover over the hand nozzle. Especially well-suited for small washable areas, shower stalls and mirrors.

Floor nozzle
Suited for all washable walls and floor coverings, e.g. stone floors, tiles and PVC floors. Work slowly on very dirty surfaces to allow the steam to act on the dirt for a longer period of time.
Note Detergent residue or care emulsions that are still present on the surface to be cleaned can lead to streaks during steam cleaning. However, these will disappear with repeated cleaning procedures.
Illustration **I**
Attach the floor cloth to the floor nozzle.

Place the floor nozzle on top of the floor cloth.
Depending on model – fold bevore the floor cloth the long way.
Open holding clamps.
Place the cloth ends into the openings and pull them tight.
Close the holding clamps.

Parking the floor nozzle
Illustration **J**
During work breaks, hook the floor nozzle into the parking holder.

Care and maintenance

Rinsing the boiler
Rinse the steam cleaner boiler at the latest after 10 boiler fillings.
Fill the boiler with water and swing it strongly. This dissolves lime scaling residing on the boiler bottom.
Empty water out.

Descaling the boiler

Note
In case of continuous use of commercially available distilled water, no descaling of the boiler is necessary. As limescale builds up on the boiler walls, we recommend to descale the boiler in the following intervals (RF=reservoir fillings):

Degree of hardness	° dH	mmol/I	RF
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
The hardness of the tap water can be inquired at your water management office or the municipal utilities.
Disconnect the mains plug from the socket.
Allow device to cool down.
Remove the safety lock from the device.
Illustration **K**
Completely empty the steam boiler to remove existing water.
Use KÄRCHER decalcifying agents for descaling.
Please follow the dosing instructions on the packaging when preparing the descaler.
Pour the descaling solution into the boiler and allow it to react for approximately 8 hours.
Do not screw the safety lock onto the appliance during decalcification.
Completely empty the descaling solution after 8 hours. A small amount of the solution will remain in the boiler. Therefore, you should rinse the boiler two to three times with cold water to remove any residues of the descaler.
Illustration **K**
Completely empty the steam boiler to remove existing water.

Care of the Accessories
You can wash dirty floor cloths and cloth covers in the washing machine at 60°C. Do not use a liquid softener as this would affect the ability of the cloths to pick up dirt. *You may tumble dry the terry cloths. The microfiber cloths are not suitable for the tumble.

depending on model

Troubleshooting

Often, failures have simple causes and you can do the troubleshooting yourself using the following overview. If you are in doubt or if the failure is not listed here please contact the authorized customer service.

Long heating-up time
Steam boiler is decalcified
Descale the steam boiler.

No steam
No water in the steam boiler.
Turn off the appliance.
Refill water.

Steam lever cannot be pressed anymore
Steam switch is secured with the lock / child-proof lock.
Move the selector switch for the steam volume to the front.

High water output
Steam chamber too full
Press the steam gun until less water is emitted.

Steam boiler is decalcified
Descale the steam boiler.

Technical specifications

Power connection

Subject to technical modifications!

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Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28-40 71364 Winnenden (Germany)
Tel.: +49 7195 14-0
Fax: +49 7195 14-2212

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