Pressure washer with steam function - operation, safe working and descaling
A pressure washer with steam function lets you clean evaporators and condensers on site, without removing the unit. In this guide we cover the operating modes, preparing the work area, safety when working with steam and chemicals, and periodic descaling of the steam system.
- The Wipcool C30S and C35S pressure washers combine water, 130–150 °C steam and ozone disinfection, and differ in pressure and flow.
- The CSC-1 and CSC-2 AC cleaning covers drain water and dirt away from wall-mounted and cassette units.
- The steam system must be descaled periodically - the descaler solution circulates for 15–25 minutes.
For a service engineer, a pressure washer with steam function is one machine for several jobs: rinsing the coil with water, breaking down dirt with steam and disinfecting. To work efficiently, you need to know the operating modes, protect the area around the unit and look after the steam system regularly. We compare cleaning methods in the guide Steam cleaner or pressure washer and chemicals?
Two steam pressure washer models for air conditioning
The Wipcool C30S and Wipcool C35S have the same steam temperature range, heat up to steam mode in up to 30 seconds and run continuously in steam mode for up to 3 h. Both models are self-priming from an external water container and have an ozone generator with an output of 300 mg/h. They differ in pressure, flow, weight and suction lift.
| Parameter | C30S | C35S |
|---|---|---|
| Working pressure | 3–6 bar | 10/20/30 bar |
| Flow (max.) | 3 l/min | 5 l/min |
| Steam temperature | 130–150 °C | 130–150 °C |
| Hot water temperature | up to 60 °C | 50–60 °C |
| Power consumption | 3,300 W | 2,750 W |
| Suction lift | up to 1.5 m | up to 1 m |
| Net weight | 5.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Dimensions (mm) | 380 × 290 × 290 | 412.6 × 312 × 357 |
| Inlet / outlet hose | 1.5 m / 4 m | 1.5 m / 4 m |
| Cleaning method | Steam | Steam, water + chemicals |
Operating modes and their uses
The C30S has five modes: cold water, hot water (up to 60 °C), steam 130–150 °C, pulse mode and ozone disinfection. In closed-loop operation the temperature reaches up to 100 °C. The model cleans evaporators, condensers and other air conditioner components on site, as well as fridges, cooker hoods and water heaters. Angled nozzles and an extension reach areas that are difficult to access.
The C35S delivers cold water at 10, 20 or 30 bar, hot water at 50–60 °C and steam at 130–150 °C, and also disinfects with ozone. Selectable pressure lets you match the jet to the air conditioner or refrigeration equipment coil. Both models have a gun with remote control and a torch, which makes working on units in poorly lit locations easier.
Preparing the work area
The pressure washer is self-priming from an external water container, so a bucket or jerrycan by the unit is all you need - the C30S draws water from up to 1.5 m, the C35S from up to 1 m. On indoor units, water and dirt drain into an AC cleaning cover. The CSC-1 fits wall-mounted units 700–1000 mm long and has a transparent front sheet, four rear protective sheets and a 5 m drain hose. The CSC-2 hangs beneath a cassette unit; it has a 118 cm diameter cover, adjustable suspension and a 2.8 m hose.
Safe working with steam and chemicals
Steam at 130–150 °C requires hand and face protection, and you must direct the jet away from yourself and bystanders. In steam mode no detergents are needed and you must not add them to the water container. Chemicals are applied separately - on the C35S you use the foam lance for this. Whatever the product, wear gloves and eye protection, and check its instructions for use and dilution in the product datasheet.
Descaling the steam system
Limescale from the water builds up in the steam system, hoses and components in contact with water. To clean them, use the Steam Descaler descaler designed for Wipcool steam cleaners. The descaler is irritating to the eyes.
- Dilution 1:7 - 250 ml of product to 1.75 l of water
- One 250 ml pack is enough for one descaling cycle
- Solution circulation time: 15–25 minutes
- For professional use only
If you are still choosing a machine, see the guide How to choose a pressure washer for coil cleaning. For work without access to a socket, the article on the C10B cordless pressure washer will be useful.
