McCulloch steam cleaner not working? Whether your McCulloch steamer is not turning on or not heating up, we will show you how to troubleshoot the issue and repair it in no time. Use the quick navigation tab below to jump to a specific problem and find the solution immediately.

McCulloch Steam Cleaner Troubleshooting

Listed below are the 5 most common problems that can happen to a McCulloch steam cleaner. This troubleshooting guide works for all McCulloch steamer models, including the MC1230, MC1245, MC1255, MC1270, MC1275, MC1350, MC1375, and MC1385. You can find the solutions below:

1. McCulloch steam cleaner not turning on or heating up

If the McCulloch steam cleaner fails to heat up, it means one of six things:

• The unit is not plugged in - Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. Make sure the power cord is not damaged. Do not use the power cord as a handle or let it hang over the edges of counters.
• Household circuit breaker or ground fault interrupter has tripped or blown a fuse - Reset the circuit breaker or ground fault interrupter, or replace the fuse. If you need assistance, contact a licensed electrician.
• Unit is damaged or otherwise in need of repair - Immediately cease usage of the steam cleaning machine and unplug it. Contact McCulloch for further help.
• The water reservoir (boiler) is empty - Place the steam cleaner on a flat, level surface. Make sure the lighted On/Off switch is turned to “Off” and the grounded power cord is unplugged from the electrical outlet. Cautiously unscrew and remove the water reservoir cap. Using the fill cup, fill the unit with water. Replace the water reservoir cap, ensuring that it is screwed on tightly to prevent hot steam from escaping and causing injury.
• Mineral build-up in the unit - Turn the unit “Off” and unplug the power cord. Allow the unit to completely cool (at least 30 minutes). Press and hold the steam trigger (or the steam button on some models) to release all the remaining steam. Remove all accessories from the unit. Carefully remove the reservoir cap. Drain the water from the reservoir into a sink or tub. Using the measuring cup, measure 8 oz. (237 ml.) of vinegar. Slowly pour vinegar into the reservoir. Allow the vinegar to stand for 40 minutes. Drain the vinegar from the reservoir. Rinse the reservoir with fresh water, drain and repeat until the vinegar odor dissipates. Lastly, replace the reservoir cap.

2. Steam output is weak or intermittent

If the McCulloch steam cleaning machine’s steam output is weak or intermittent, then either the water level inside the reservoir is running low or there is mineral build-up in the unit.

First, make sure there is enough water in the reservoir. Place the machine on a flat surface. Make sure the lighted On/Off switch is turned to “Off” and the grounded power cord is unplugged from the electrical outlet.

Unscrew and remove the water reservoir cap. Using the fill cup, fill the unit with water. Replace the water reservoir cap, ensuring that it is screwed on tightly to prevent hot steam from escaping and causing injury.

Next, descale or decalcify the mineral build-up inside the unit. Turn the unit “Off” and unplug the power cord. Allow the unit to completely cool (at least 30 minutes). Press and hold the steam trigger (or the steam button on some models) to release all the remaining steam. Remove all accessories from the unit.

Remove the reservoir cap. Drain the water into a sink or tub. Using the measuring cup, measure 8 oz. (237 ml.) of vinegar. Slowly pour vinegar into the reservoir. Allow the vinegar to sit for 40 minutes.

After letting the vinegar sit for 40 minutes, drain the vinegar from the reservoir. Rinse the reservoir with fresh water, drain and repeat until the vinegar odor dissipates. Lastly, replace the reservoir cap.

3. Excessive amount of water in the steam

While it is normal for a McCulloch steam cleaner to produce wet steam (steam containing water), an excessive amount of water in the steam is not a good sign and makes it difficult to use the machine.

An excessive amount of water in the steam of a McCulloch steam cleaner means one of two things:

• Water condensation in the steam hose - Point the nozzle towards a sink, tub or the ground and shake it while pressing the steam trigger (steam button on some models). Continue until the excess water is released.
• The reservoir has been overfilled - Filling the reservoir with more than the maximum water capacity interferes with the steam production, resulting in water condensation in the steam. Always fill the unit with the correct amount of water.

Here’s a table of the maximum water capacity for every McCulloch steam cleaner:

4. Accessories do not stay firmly on the steam nozzle

If the McCulloch steamer’s accessories do not stay firmly on the steam nozzle, they may not be connected properly. Check to make sure that the accessories are properly connected.

5. Floor surfaces appear cloudy or streaky after steaming

If floor surfaces appear cloudy or streaky after steaming with the McCulloch steam cleaner, then either the microfiber pad is dirty or there is hard water residue on the floor.

Replace the microfiber pad with a clean one. Switch to distilled or demineralized water to prevent hard water residue on the floor while using the McCulloch steam cleaner.

After switching the microfiber pad with a new one and filling the tank with distilled water, go over the cloudy or streaky floor surfaces once again. The residue should be removed after another steam cleaning session.

Bottom line

And there you have it, the complete troubleshooting guide for all models of McCulloch steam cleaners. Remember, your McCulloch steamer is covered by a 2-year limited warranty, excluding the accessories and attachments. If your machine is still under warranty, contact McCulloch and request a replacement.

Related articles:

• How to use McCulloch MC1275
• How to use McCulloch MC1375
• How to use McCulloch MC1385
• How to clean McCulloch steamer