How to Descale a Cleveland SteamCraft® Steamer
When it comes to steam cooking, Cleveland’s line of SteamCraft® ovens are some of the best in the foodservice industry. That’s why a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and other commercial kitchens use them to cook and heat delicious foods.
Like any heavy-duty kitchen equipment, scale and other deposits can build up on your steamer. No worries! Below are a list of supplies and instructions for descaling a Cleveland SteamCraft® steamer, so your unit stays clean and runs at full strength.
What You'll Need:
- Rubber gloves
- Splash goggles
- Descaling solution (DISSOLVE® 106174 Descaler Solution recommended by Cleveland)
Before starting, please read the disclaimer from Cleveland at the bottom of this article*.
Cleveland SteamCraft® Descaling Instructions
Make sure to descale a SteamCraft® at least once a month or less depending on the amount of scale buildup. These models have a warning light that comes on monthly when reset after prior descaling. Below are common descaling instructions for SteamCraft®models.
- Step 1. Turn off steamer & start blowdown cycle – Start by turning off the steamer and opening the doors. The automatic blowdown cycle will run for three minutes.
- Step 2. Turn on steamer – Once the blowdown cycle concludes, turn the unit back on. This will allow the generator to start refilling.
- Step 3. Prepare the unit – Press the “TIMED” position of the “TIMED/MANUAL” switch. On select models, the switch might read “ON/OFF.” In that case, switch it to the “OFF” position. During procedure, don’t start the timer. Make sure the water is cold during descaling, and open the cooking compartment doors.
- Step 4. Add descaling solution – Remove the descaling port cap on the unit. Add the required amount of solution into the port while the generator refills. Check the solution or owner’s manual for the appropriate amount of solution to add. The refilling process can take up to eight minutes. Pour slowly to prevent overflowing.
- Step 5. Add cold water – After the refilling process stops, add about 1-2 gallons of cold tap water into the port. Keep filling with cold water into the port until the cleaning solution enters the cooking compartment through the unit’s steam nozzles. By adding extra water, this lets the solution clean sensors and surfaces above normal fill level.
- Step 6. Soak & start another blowdown cycle – Let the descaling solution sit in the generator for about one hour. Then, turn the “ON/OFF” switch to “OFF” to start the three-minute automatic blowdown cycle, allowing the generator to rinse and drain.
- Step 7. Add more cold water – At the conclusion of the automatic blowdown cycle, switch the “ON/OFF” switch to “ON.” Then, after the generator refills, add cold tap water in the port until it enters the cooking compartment through the steam nozzles. The raised water level will help rinse the surfaces cleaned in step 5.
- Step 8. Start a third blowdown cycle – Turn the “ON/OFF” switch to “OFF” to start a third automatic blowdown cycle for three minutes. This will help rinse the generator.
- Step 9. Put port cap on & close doors – After third blowdown cycle, the descaling port cap back on and close the cooking compartment doors.
- Step 10. Turn on the timer & steamer function – Turn the “TIMED/MANUAL” switch to “TIMED.” Then, turn the steamer on and set the timer for 20 minutes. On models with a keypad timer, press “START/STOP” button to begin the cook cycle. On models featuring an “ON/OFF” switch, switch it to “ON” and turn the steamer on for 20 minutes.
- Step 11. Start a fourth blowdown cycle – After the 20 minutes count down, turn the “ON/OFF” switch to “OFF” to start a fourth automatic blowdown cycle.
- Step 12. Reset warning light and conclude – Following the blowdown cycle, reset the “DESCALE REQUIRED” light before beginning regular operation.
*WARNING FROM CLEVELAND
Descaling procedure is slightly different depending on model. This entire procedure should be read and fully understood as it applies to the model being descaled, before beginning descaling operations.
The liquid solution in Cleveland Range Descaler Solution Part No. 106174 or 1061741 can be harmful if not handled properly. Follow these basic safety rules for handling and using this product. Instructions and warnings on container labels supersede all other warnings and instructions.
- Wear protective clothing when mixing or applying chemical cleaners.
- Wear rubber gloves, and OSHA approved eye protection when descaling.
- Avoid breathing fumes.
- If liquid contacts skin: wash with soap and water and seek medical attention.
- If chemical contacts eyes: flush with water and seek medical attention.
- If chemical is swallowed or ingested: drink 1 or 2 glasses of water and seek medical attention.
Need more tips for descaling or cleaning your steamer? Check out collection of Cleveland manuals for more information.