How to Clean and Descale a Rowenta Iron (Self Clean, Anti-Calc and Steam Stations)

A Rowenta iron that spits white flakes, leaves brown marks or steams weakly almost always needs one thing: the scale flushed out of its steam chamber. Rowenta builds that into the iron, but the method depends on the model. Some have a Self Clean position on the steam control, some have a removable anti-calc valve you soak, newer Steam Force models run an automatic Calc Clean program, and steam stations have a scale collector you rinse. This guide covers each one step by step, quoting Rowenta's own instructions, plus how to clean the soleplate, which water to use and how to fix the common problems. One rule applies to all of them: Rowenta says never to put vinegar or descaling products in the tank.

First, find which descaling system your iron has

Look at the steam control and the manual. Most Rowenta irons have one of these four systems, and some have two (an anti-calc system that slows scale plus a Self Clean function that flushes it).

How to use Self Clean on a Rowenta iron

This is the method in Rowenta's instructions for its Self Clean irons (Rowenta instructions for use), and it is the one most Focus, Pro Master and Everlast owners need:

• 1. Fill the tank to the MAX mark with untreated tap water.
• 2. Heat the iron to the highest setting (three dots, •••) and wait until it is fully hot.
• 3. Unplug the iron and hold it horizontally over a sink, soleplate down.
• 4. Hold the steam control in the Self Clean position. Steam builds up, and after a few seconds water comes out of the soleplate, rinsing dirt and scale out of the steam chamber. Keep the iron moving gently back and forth so the flush reaches every hole.
• 5. After about a minute, release the control back to its normal position.
• 6. Plug the iron back in and let it heat again until the remaining water has evaporated, so it does not drip on your next load.
• 7. Unplug and let it cool completely, then wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth.

Rowenta recommends Self Clean about every two weeks, and weekly if your water is very hard. Run it two or three times in a row if white grit keeps coming out. If an iron has been sitting unused for weeks, Rowenta's FAQ says to run it over the sink for a few minutes before ironing so old residue does not land on your clothes (Rowenta FAQ).

How to clean a Rowenta anti-calc valve

On irons with a removable anti-calc valve, scale collects on the valve itself. Rowenta's FAQ for its SteamForce and Everlast Anticalc irons says to clean it once a month:

• 1. Unplug the iron and let it cool for 30 to 45 minutes.
• 2. Empty the water and pull out the valve, holding it by the top.
• 3. Soak the valve for 4 hours in a glass of natural lemon juice or citric acid.
• 4. Rinse it thoroughly under tap water and push it back into the iron.

Rowenta's warning: never touch the end of the anti-calc valve. The acid soak is for the removable valve only, in a glass; it never goes in the iron's tank. To flush the steam chamber on these models, Rowenta's FAQ gives a related method: fill to MAX, set the thermostat to MAX and the steam control to DRY, heat on the heel for about 5 minutes, unplug, hold the iron horizontally over the sink and remove the anti-calc valve (or use the Self Clean setting, depending on the model). Steam, water and scale leave through the soleplate holes; push the valve back in when it is done.

Calc Clean on Rowenta Steam Force Pro irons

Some newer Rowenta irons run an automatic cleaning program instead. Rowenta's instructions for the Steamforce Pro (DW9510) describe it like this (Rowenta Steamforce Pro FAQ): unplug the iron, fill the tank, plug it back in, hold it over a sink and press the MODE button and the steam trigger together for 3 seconds. The program runs for 4 to 6 minutes and the iron turns itself off when it is finished. Model numbers within the Steam Force family vary, so check the manual that came with yours; if your iron has a MODE button and a descale or Calc Clean indicator, this is the method to use.

How to descale a Rowenta steam station

Steam stations (steam generators) such as the Compact Steam Pro do not need descaling with chemicals at all. They have a scale collector in the boiler that traps scale as it forms. Rowenta's manual for the Compact Steam Pro DG7661 gives the routine (DG7661 instructions):

• When the orange Anti-Calc light flashes, unplug the station and let it cool for at least 2 hours. The water inside can still scald after that, so handle it with care.
• Set it by a sink, because water can come out when you open it, then unscrew the scale collector and pull it out.
• Rinse the collector under running water to wash out the scale.
• Screw it back in fully so it seals, without overtightening. The station does not work without the collector in place.
• Next time you use it, press the Restart/OK button to turn off the orange light.

Twice a year (or every 25 uses), the DG7661 manual also recommends rinsing the boiler: with the station cold and the collector out, tilt the base and pour in about a quarter of a liter of tap water, shake it for a few seconds and empty it into the sink, then refit the collector. Rowenta's general FAQ for steam generators suggests rinsing the boiler as often as every 10 uses on some models (Rowenta steam generator FAQ), so follow your own manual if it differs. As with the irons, Rowenta says never to use vinegar or descaling agents in a steam station; they can damage the collector.

Why not vinegar or descaler?

It is the most common advice online, and Rowenta says not to. Its instructions say descaling agents "damage the lining of the steam chamber and so may impair the steam function," and its Calc Clean and steam station instructions repeat "never use descaling agent or vinegar." Rowenta's FAQ also lists chemical descalers and water additives as a cause of the brown spots that come out of the soleplate. The built-in systems above use only tap water, or, for a removable valve outside the iron, lemon juice or citric acid. If your iron is under warranty, sticking to the manual's method also avoids an argument about misuse.

What water to use in a Rowenta iron

Scale comes from minerals in water, so it is tempting to use distilled water. For most Rowenta irons that is the wrong fix. Rowenta's instructions say the iron is designed for untreated tap water, and if your water is very hard, to mix 50% tap water with 50% distilled or demineralized water. They specifically warn against using, on their own: pure distilled or demineralized water, softened or scented water, water from a clothes dryer, refrigerator, battery or air conditioner, rain water, and boiled, filtered or bottled water, because those can cause spitting, brown staining or early wear. Many current Rowenta listings make the same point; Capital's listings for the DW5351 Focus Excel and DW5260 Focus Xcel say the calc collector or anti-calc system lets you use regular tap water.

Not sure how hard your water is? Your local water utility publishes it, and Rowenta's manual suggests asking them. Our best Rowenta iron guide has more on water and steam settings when you are choosing a model.

How to clean a Rowenta soleplate

Scale is inside; burnt starch, melted synthetic fibers and residue are on the outside. Rowenta's advice depends on the soleplate type (Rowenta FAQ):

Rowenta's FAQ adds a tip for clogged holes: when the iron is cold, gently vacuum the soleplate to pull out limescale and lint from the steam holes. Do not poke the holes with pins or scrape the plate, and never put the iron under the tap or in water.

Fixing common Rowenta problems

Habits that keep a Rowenta steaming for years

• Empty the tank after every session, set the thermostat to minimum and the steam control off, and stand the iron on its heel to cool, as Rowenta advises.
• Unplug before filling, with the steam control on no steam.
• Use tap water, or half tap and half distilled in very hard water areas.
• Run Self Clean on schedule rather than waiting for flakes.
• Iron synthetics first. The iron cools more slowly than it heats, so start low and work up to cotton and linen.
• Keep the soleplate off zips and metal buttons, which scratch it, and use a mesh ironing board so excess steam can escape.

When to replace the iron instead

If an iron still leaks from the soleplate after a full Self Clean, will not heat, has a damaged cord, or keeps producing grit after two or three cleaning cycles, Rowenta's advice is to stop using it and have it checked by an approved service center; never take it apart yourself. For a replacement, Capital Cookware carries current Rowenta irons and steam stations, including new-condition units sold as certified refurbished or remanufactured because of a cosmetic mark:

Refurbished and remanufactured here means new, never used, re-boxed because of a superficial scratch, with a one-year warranty on the listings we read; best Rowenta iron explains the conditions and compares the models. Rowenta is part of Groupe SEB, which also owns All-Clad; if you are here for the kitchen as well as the laundry room, see how to clean stainless steel pans.

Key takeaways

• Use the iron's own system: Self Clean, the anti-calc valve, the Calc Clean program or the steam station's scale collector.
• Self Clean takes about a minute over the sink with a full, hot iron, unplugged; do it every two weeks, weekly in hard water.
• Soak a removable anti-calc valve in lemon juice or citric acid for 4 hours, monthly. Never put acid, vinegar or descaler in the tank.
• Use untreated tap water; in very hard water, mix half and half with distilled. Do not use pure distilled, softened, filtered or bottled water.
• Clean the soleplate with a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge; never metal pads, and no iron cleaner on autoclean soleplates.

Bottom line

Rowenta irons are designed to be descaled with tap water and their built-in systems, not with vinegar. Find out which system yours has, run it on schedule, use the right water and wipe the soleplate after starchy sessions, and a Rowenta will keep steaming cleanly for years. If it still spits grit after two or three cleaning cycles, it is time for service or a replacement.