The water you fill into your steamer affects how it performs. For steamers we normally recommend distilled water because it is limescale-free. But for two of our models, Steamer – Elite – Topmodellen (item no. 80130-00) and Steamer – Prof. modellen (item no. 80120-00), a different recommendation applies. Here we explain why.
In short
You can use ordinary tap water.
- Use ordinary tap water or a mixture of 50% tap water and 50% distilled water.
- Do not use 100% distilled or demineralized water.
- Descale the steamer regularly.
The automatic shut-off protects the machine
Both the Elite and Prof. modellen have an automatic shut-off that protects the machine if it runs out of water or is accidentally left on. The shut-off detects the water via the minerals it contains.
Why the steamer beeps with distilled water
100% distilled or demineralized water contains no minerals. For that reason the machine thinks the tank is empty and just keeps beeping. The steamer is not broken—the automatic shut-off simply cannot detect the water.
Tap water or a 50/50 mix
You can use ordinary tap water. If you want less limescale in the machine, you can use a mixture of 50% tap water and 50% distilled water. The mixture gives less limescale, and the automatic shut-off still works.
Whatever solution you choose, the steamer must be descaled regularly. See how in How to descale your steamer or garment steamer.
Why do we normally recommend distilled water?
For steamers we normally recommend distilled water because it is limescale-free. That advice simply does not apply to models with this type of automatic shut-off, such as Elite and Prof. modellen.
An important clarification regarding our descaling guide
In our descaling guide it says that you can use distilled water instead of tap water. That is not correct for Elite and Prof. modellen. For those two models, follow the advice in this article: tap water or a 50% tap water / 50% distilled water mix.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my steamer beeping?
If you use 100% distilled or demineralized water in the Elite or Prof. modellen, there are no minerals in the water. The automatic shut-off cannot detect the water, and the machine thinks the tank is empty. That is why it beeps. It is not broken. Use tap water or a 50/50 mixture instead.
Can I use distilled water?
Not 100% distilled water in these two models. You can use a mixture of 50% tap water and 50% distilled water. It reduces limescale, and the automatic shut-off still works.
What about demineralized water?
The same applies. 100% demineralized water has no minerals, so the automatic shut-off cannot detect it. Demineralized water may be PCB-free, but that is not the decisive factor here.
How often should I descale?
Descale the steamer regularly, even when using a 50/50 mixture. You will find the step-by-step procedure in our descaling guide.
Does this apply to all steamers?
No. For steamers we normally recommend distilled water because it is limescale-free. The advice to use tap water or a 50/50 mixture applies to models with this type of automatic shut-off, such as Elite and Prof. modellen.
Still having trouble with your steamer?
If your steamer still isn't working as it should, you can read about our help in Steamer – acting up? You are also always welcome to contact us.
