How to Clean McCulloch Steamer (All Models)

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One of the most important things to do if you own a steam cleaner is to remove mineral build-up periodically. Over time, the high mineral content in most water supplies can clog the steamer and may limit the effectiveness of your McCulloch steam cleaner. It can also decrease its lifespan.

To clean your McCulloch steamer, turn off the machine, let it cool down, and drain the contents of the water tank. Add 8 ounces of distilled vinegar into the tank and let it sit for at least 40 minutes. Drain the vinegar and rinse the tank with water until the vinegar odor dissipates.

For the step-by-step guide, read below. There is a guide for the McCulloch canister and handheld steamer.

The best way to minimize mineral build-up from your steamer is to use distilled or demineralized water. If you cannot use distilled water, please do the following procedure once per month to remove mineral build-up.

How to clean mineral build-up from McCulloch canister steamer

The following cleaning procedure is for McCulloch canister steam cleaners, which include the MC1270, MC1275, MC1350, MC1375, and MC1385. Here’s how to clean a McCulloch canister steamer:

  1. Turn the unit “Off” and unplug the power cord.
  2. Allow the unit to completely cool (at least 30 minutes).
  3. Press and hold the Steam Trigger to release all the remaining steam.
  4. Remove all accessories from the unit.
  5. Carefully remove the Reservoir Cap.
  6. Drain the water from the Reservoir into a sink or tub.
  7. Using the Measuring Cup, measure 8 oz. (237 ml.) of vinegar.
  8. Slowly pour the vinegar into the Reservoir.
  9. Allow the vinegar to sit for 40 to 60 minutes.
  10. Drain the vinegar from the Reservoir.
  11. Rinse the Reservoir with fresh water.
  12. Drain and repeat until the vinegar odor dissipates.
  13. Replace the Reservoir Cap.

How to clean mineral build-up from McCulloch handheld steamer

Handheld steam cleaners have more potential to clog due to its smaller size.

It is best to clean and remove mineral build-up from a McCulloch handheld steamer once per month (if the unit is used once every week). Do not exceed 20 hours of use without cleaning the mineral buildup.

The following cleaning procedure is for McCulloch handheld steam cleaners, which include the MC1230, MC1245, and MC1255. Here’s how to clean a McCulloch handheld steamer:

  1. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
  2. Allow the unit to completely cool.
  3. Remove all accessories from the unit.
  4. Unscrew the Steam Outlet Tip from the Attachment Collar.
  5. Insert the tip of a paperclip into the opening of the Steam Outlet Tip. (This may also be done to clean accessories such as the Nozzles).
  6. Rinse with water to ensure the blockage is gone.
  7. Set Steam Outlet Tip aside.
  8. Remove the Water Tank Cap and drain any remaining water from the Water Tank into a sink or tub.
  9. Using a measuring cup, measure 8 oz. (236 ml) of distilled vinegar.
  10. Using the Funnel, slowly pour vinegar into the Water Tank and replace the Water Tank Cap.
  11. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and allow the unit to heat up.
  12. Set Steam Level to maximum.
  13. Hold down the Steam Trigger to spray the vinegar into a sink or tub. Continue to hold down the Steam Trigger until the Water Tank is completely drained (approximately 8 minutes).
  14. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
  15. Using the Funnel, fill the Water Tank with freshwater and replace the Water Tank Cap.
  16. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and allow the unit to heat up.
  17. Hold down the Steam Trigger to spray water into a sink or tub. Continue to hold down Steam Trigger until the Water Tank is completely drained (approximately 8 minutes).
  18. This will flush out any remaining vinegar solution in the unit. Repeat until vinegar odor dissipates.
  19. Reinstall the Steam Outlet Tip.
  20. Dispose the old Water Treatment Cartridge and replace it with a new one (For MC1245).

If you own the MC1255 and water drips from the Pressure Relief Valve, or if you notice a reduction in your steam pressure, verify the Brass Outlet Tip is clear of any mineral buildup.

Remove the Brass Outlet Tip by turning it counterclockwise. Unclog the opening using a paperclip. Replace the Brass Outlet Tip by turning clockwise until finger-tight plus 1/8th turn. Do not overtighten.

Conclusion

And there you go, the simple guide on how to clean a McCulloch steamer. Whether your machine is handheld or canister, this guide should help you remove mineral build-up and prolong the lifespan of the machine.

Keep in mind that most brands do not recommend adding anything else other than water into the steamer’s tank. McCulloch recommends heating up the vinegar on its handheld steamers only (not the canister steamers) just to remove mineral build-up once per month. 

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