Vornado SF-246 User Manual

Please read all instructions before use.

KEEP YOUR RECEIPT FOR WARRANTY PURPOSES.

User’s Guide

Portable Steam Cleaner

MODEL SF-246

2 | ENGLISH

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE

DANGER

Any appliance is electrically live even when switched off. To reduce risk of electrical shock:

1. Always unplug power cord immediately after using.

2. Do not place or store unit where it can fall or be pulled into a sink or tub.

3. Do not place in, or drop into water or other liquid.

4. If unit falls into water, immediately unplug power cord. Do not reach into the water.

WARNING

To reduce risk of burns, electrocution, re, or injury to persons:

1. Use Portable Steam Cleaner only for its intended purpose as indicated in this manual.

2. If an extension cord is necessary, use a properly rated cord (15 ampere, 14 gauge). Use care

to position extension cord where it is least likely to be damaged or tripped over during use.

3. Before plugging power cord into electrical outlet, be sure that all electrical information on rating
label agrees with your power supply.

4. To reduce likelihood of circuit overload, DO NOT operate another high wattage appliance on
the same circuit as this unit.

5. To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not immerse unit in water or other liquids. Do not
use power cord as handle, let it hang over edges of counters, or be crimped or closed in doors.

6. Never yank power cord to disconnect from outlet; instead, grasp plug and pull to disconnect.

7. Do not operate unit with a damaged power cord or if the unit has been dropped or damaged.

To avoid risk of electrical shock, do not disassemble unit; contact a technician for examination
and repair. Incorrect reassembly can cause a risk of electrical shock when unit is used.

8. Close supervision is required for any appliance being used near children, pets and plants. Do
not leave unit unattended while plugged in.

9. This unit is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the unit by a person responsible for their safety.

WARNING: To reduce risk of re, electrical shock or injury, the following basic
safety precautions should always be followed when using an electrical
appliance.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this appliance uses a
grounded (three-pronged) plug. This plug will t in a grounded wall outlet
only one way. If the plug does not correctly t in the outlet, contact a licensed
electrician to install a proper outlet. DO NOT attempt to modify the plug or
defeat this safety feature.

ENGLISH | 3

10. Do not use unit where aerosol-based products are being used, or where oxygen is being

administered.

11. This unit is only meant to be used with recommended Portable Steam Cleaner (model SF-246)
accessories. Using other types of attachments may cause damage to unit or injury.

12. If Heating Indicator Light does not illuminate when power cord is plugged in, unit is not
operating normally. Immediately disconnect cord from power supply, then refer to troubleshooting
guide on Page 13 of this manual for assistance.

13. Always unplug power cord before lling with water, and when unit is not in use.

14. To avoid burns from escaping steam when removing Boiler Cap to rell unit:

• Make certain power cord is unplugged.

•

Always allow unit to cool for a minimum of 5-10 minutes.

•

Press and hold Steam Trigger to release all remaining steam pressure.

15. Do not attempt to use unit without properly lling it with water.

16. When lling unit, only water should be used – other cleaning agents could damage unit or

cause injury. Distilled or de-mineralized water is highly recommended, in order to minimize
potential build-up of mineral deposits.

17. To reduce risk of contact with hot water emitting from Main Steam Nozzle, check appliance
before each use by positioning it away from body and press Steam Trigger. Do not operate
unit if Main Steam Nozzle is blocked.

18. Use caution when using unit on or near an uneven surface.

19. Burns can occur from touching hot plastic parts, hot water, or steam. Do not touch Main Steam

Nozzle or attempt to connect any accessories while unit is in use. Use caution when you turn
unit upside-down – there may be hot water inside.

20. When steaming any surface for the rst time, it is recommended that you consult the
manufacturer’s guidelines for the material being steamed. For items in question, test on an
inconspicuous area before proceeding.

21. Do not allow power cord to touch hot surfaces during use. Loosely bundle cord when storing.

22. Always allow Portable Steam Cleaner to cool (30 minutes for complete cooling) and empty

Boiler before storing.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

4 | ENGLISH

UNIT FEATURES

& ACCESSORIES

Boiler
Boiler Fill Hole
Boiler Cap
Heating Indicator Light
Strap Tabs
Main Steam Nozzle
Steam Trigger
Steam Lock Switch
Steam Hose
Extension Wands (2)
Utility Head
Cloth Cover
Shoulder Strap
Jet Nozzle
Nylon Brush
Brass Brush
Nozzle Tip
Measuring Cup

1
1A
1b

2

3

4

5
5A

6

7

8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Product Information

ENGLISH | 5

•

The Boiler (1) is the internal heating chamber where water is converted into steam. Some
empty space inside the Boiler is required for this conversion process, so the recommended
maximum water capacity (33 oz. / 975 ml.) should not be exceeded when lling with water.

•

The Boiler Fill Hole (1a) is the opening through which water is poured into the Boiler.

•

The Boiler Cap (1b) securely covers the Boiler Fill Hole, preventing hot steam from escaping the
Boiler. The Boiler Cap must be unscrewed and removed in order to ll the Boiler with water.

•

The Heating Indicator Light (2) illuminates to indicate that the unit is powered on and actively
heating, and deactivates when the unit is ready to begin steaming.

•

The two Strap Tabs (3) serve as connection points for connecting the Shoulder Strap to the unit.

•

The Main Steam Nozzle (4) releases a ow of hot, penetrating steam when the Steam Trigger is
pressed. The Jet Nozzle and Extension Wands connect directly to the Main Steam Nozzle.

•

The Steam Trigger (5) controls the ow of steam from the Main Steam Nozzle.

•

The Steam Lock Switch (5a) locks down the Steam Trigger for a continuous ow of steam.

•

The Steam Hose (6) directs steam from the Boiler to the Main Steam Nozzle, and is designed to
remain exible while safely containing the steam.

•

The Extension Wands (7) connect to the Main Steam Nozzle, allowing easier cleaning of oors,
ceilings and other hard-to-reach places.

•

The Utility Head (8) connects to the Jet Nozzle and is designed for cleaning oors and other
large surface areas. The Utility Head includes three modes of operation: brush, squeegee, and
neutral (at). Refer to Page 8 for details.

•

The Cloth Cover (9) wraps around the Utility Head, diffusing steam ow for more effective
cleaning on tile, hardwood and other hard surface oors.

•

The Shoulder Strap (10) connects to the two Strap Tabs, allowing the unit to be conveniently
toted hands-free for mobile cleaning.

•

The Jet Nozzle (11) connects to either the Main Steam Nozzle or the Extension Wands, and is
designed to safely focus the ow of steam. The Utility Head, Brushes and Nozzle Tip all
connect to the Jet Nozzle.

•

The Nylon Brush (12) connects to the Jet Nozzle and is designed to work with steam to remove
stubborn stains and grime. It is ideal for use on tile, grout, carpet, upholstery, and any other
surface that will not be scratched or damaged by the nylon bristles.

•

The Brass Brush (13) connects to the Jet Nozzle and is designed to work with steam to remove
stubborn stains and grime. It is intended for use on BBQ grills, oven racks, automobile engines
& wheels, shop tools and other hard metal surfaces

NOTE: Some delicate surfaces, such as stainless steel, may be scratched or damaged by
the brass bristles. Use careful judgement when deciding what surface to clean with the
Brass Brush. If you are unsure if a surface will be damaged, it is recommended that you
carefully test a small inconspicuous spot before proceeding.

•

The Nozzle Tip (14) connects to the Jet Nozzle and is designed to nely focus the ow of steam.
It is recommended that the Nozzle Tip be used when not using either of the Brushes or the
Utility Head with the Jet Nozzle.

• The Measuring Cup (15) is provided to assist in easily and consistently lling the Boiler with the

optimum amount of water (33 oz. / 975 ml.).

6 | ENGLISH

Assembling Your
Portable Steam Cleaner

WARNING: DO NOT attempt to connect any accessories while unit is emitting steam.
Doing so could result in burns or other injury.

CONNECTING JET NOZZLE

1. Align Jet Nozzle with Main Steam Nozzle as shown (FIGURE 1-A).

2. Press down on the locking button located on Main Steam Nozzle. While continuing to hold

button down, slide Jet Nozzle onto Main Steam Nozzle. Push Jet Nozzle over button, and
continue to push it on unit button snaps through hole on Jet Nozzle (FIGURE 1-B).

3. To remove, press in on locking button while simultaneously pulling Jet Nozzle off of Main
Steam Nozzle.

CONNECTING BRUSHES / NOZZLE TIP

NOTE: Nozzle Tip shown in FIGURE 2 as example.

1. Align Brush or Nozzle Tip with Jet Nozzle as shown (FIGURE 2-A). Make sure that two side

pegs on tip of Jet Nozzle align with grooves inside of Brush or Nozzle Tip.

2. Slide Brush or Nozzle Tip onto Jet Nozzle, then rotate clockwise (when viewed from front) to
lock in place (FIGURE 2-B). Side pegs on Jet Nozzle will be visible through small holes in
Brush or Nozzle Tip (FIGURE 2-C).

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

1-A

LOCKING BUTTON

2-C2-B2-A

1-B

ENGLISH | 7

WARNING: DO NOT attempt to connect any accessories while unit is emitting steam.
Doing so could result in burns or other injury.

CONNECTING UTILITY HEAD

1. Align Jet Nozzle and Utility Head as shown (FIGURE 3-A). Flat edge of Jet Nozzle will align

with peg inside of Utility Head receptacle.

2. Slide Jet Nozzle into Utility Head, pushing Jet Nozzle as far into receptacle as possible to
ensure it is in proper position (FIGURE 3-B).

3. Rotate Jet Nozzle one half turn (180º) to secure it to Utility Head (FIGURE 3-C).

NOTE: Jet Nozzle will NOT lock into position, and can still be freely rotated. However, it
will not disconnect from Utility Head unless turned back a full 180º.

4. Utility Head has three modes of operation, depending on position of levers:

•

Forward Position (FIGURE 3-D): lowers brush bristles for use on carpeting or upholstery.

•

Neutral (Middle) Position (FIGURE 3-E): for use on hardwood, linoleum or tile surfaces.

For best results, attach Cloth Cover when mopping oors.

•

Rear Position (FIGURE 3-F): lowers squeegee for use on smooth surfaces such as windows

or mirrors.

FIGURE 3

3-A

3-B

3-C

3-D 3-E 3-F

FLAT EDGE

BRUSH MOP SQUEEGEE

RECEPTACLE

8 | ENGLISH

Assembling Your
Portable Steam Cleaner

WARNING: DO NOT attempt to connect any accessories while unit is emitting steam.
Doing so could result in burns or other injury.

CONNECTING EXTENSION WANDS

1. Select one of the Extension Wands, and align rear end of wand with Main Steam Nozzle as

shown (FIGURE 4-A).

2. Press down on the locking button located on Main Steam Nozzle. While continuing to hold
button down, slide Extension Wand onto nozzle. Push wand over button, and continue to push
it on until button snaps through hole on Wand (FIGURE 4-B).

3. Now slide second Extension Wand onto the end of the one you just connected as shown (FIGURE
4-C). Push on rmly until locking button on rst wand snaps through hole on second wand.

4. Slide Jet Nozzle (with connected Utility Head) onto end of second Extension Wand as shown
(FIGURE 4-D). Push on rmly until locking button on second wand snaps through hole on Jet
Nozzle.

FIGURE 4

4-A

4-C

4-D

LOCKING BUTTON

4-B

ENGLISH | 9

WARNING: DO NOT attempt to connect any accessories while unit is emitting steam.
Doing so could result in burns or other injury.

ATTACHING CLOTH COVER

1. Wrap Cloth Cover around bottom of Utility Head, so that string-ties are positioned around rear

receptacle (FIGURE 5-A).

2. Tie string-ties together to secure Cloth Cover to Utility Head (FIGURE 5-B).

CAUTION: Use care when handling Cloth Cover after recent use, as it may still be hot.

NOTE: Cloth Cover is machine washable. To avoid picking up lint, washing separately
from other fabrics is recommended. Only use liquid detergent. Avoid using any fabric
softeners or bleach. Air drying is recommended; machine drying on a low setting is
acceptable as well.

CONNECTING SHOULDER STRAP

1. Grasp clasp on one end of Shoulder Strap. Press down and hold lock to open clasp

(FIGURE 6-A).

2. Slide clasp through hole of front Strap Tab, then release lock to close clasp (FIGURE 6-B).

3. Repeat STEPS 1 & 2, this time connecting the remaining Shoulder Strap clasp to rear Strap

Tab. Shoulder Strap should now be securely connected to the main unit.

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

5-A

6-A

6-B

5-B

10 | ENGLISH

Using Your
Portable Steam Cleaner

FILLING WITH WATER

1. Place Portable Steam Cleaner on a at, level surface.

2. Make sure power cord is unplugged from electrical outlet.

3. Cautiously unscrew Boiler Cap by rotating it in a counter-

clockwise direction, and remove from unit to expose Boiler Fill
Hole (FIGURE 7-A).

4. Drain any water remaining inside Boiler into a sink or tub.

NOTE: Boiler should be emptied after each use – this will
help minimize mineral build-up and prevent over-lling.

5. Fill Measuring Cup to maximum ll line with water.

NOTE: In order to signicantly reduce mineral build-up
and prolong the life of your Portable Steam Cleaner, use
of distilled or de-mineralized water in the unit is highly
recommended. Refer to Page 13 for more information
about mineral build-up.

6. Carefully pour water from Measuring Cup into Boiler through

Boiler Fill Hole.

7. If desired, rell Measuring Cup to maximum ll line with water,
and pour second cupful into Boiler.

NOTE: Do not exceed the Boiler’s maximum capacity of
33 oz. (975 ml.).

8. Replace Boiler Cap, rotating it in a clockwise direction and

ensuring that it is screwed on tightly to prevent hot steam
from escaping and causing injury (FIGURE 7-B).

REFILLING

If unit has been in use, always use the following safety
precautions before removing Boiler Cap to add water:

•

Make certain power cord is unplugged.

•

Allow unit to cool for a minimum of 5-10 minutes.

•

Press and hold Steam Trigger to release all remaining steam.
Steam can remain pressurized inside Boiler for up to an

hour after use.

WARNING: Failure to follow these precautions may result
in burns from escaping steam when the Boiler Cap is removed.

7-A

7-B

ENGLISH | 11

STEAM CLEANING

NOTE: Before operating, make sure all desired accessories are connected and Boiler is
lled with water (refer to Pages 6-10 for details).

1. For rst-time use, remove protective plastic cover that is shipped on electrical plug. Insert

power cord into convenient electrical outlet. Heating Indicator Light will immediately illuminate,
indicating that unit is powered on and Boiler is heating.

CAUTION: This unit uses a grounded (3-prong) electrical plug. Use only in properly installed
3-prong electrical outlets. Do not attempt to alter plug or circumvent this safety feature.

2. After approximately 7 minutes, Heating Indicator Light will deactivate. This indicates that Boiler

is fully heated and unit is ready to begin steaming.

3. Direct Main Steam Nozzle (and connected attachments) towards surface you wish to steam,
and press and hold Steam Trigger.

CAUTION: Always be sure that Main Steam Nozzle and any attachments are pointed in a
safe direction (away from yourself, other people, pets and plants) before pressing Steam Trigger.

4. Keep Steam Trigger depressed for a continuous ow of steam. You may also slide the Steam

Lock Switch backward while holding down the trigger to lock it down (FIGURE 8). This will allow
a continuous ow of steam without the need of holding down the Steam Trigger manually.

5. Using a slight back-and-forth motion over the area you are steaming will further enhance the
cleaning process. Wipe steamed areas with a clean cloth to remove loosened dirt and grime.

CAUTION: Wiping the area while it is still wet is recommended, but use care when wiping
surfaces such as metal that may still be hot.

NOTE: During use, the Heating Indicator Light may illuminate, accompanied by a slight
drop in steam pressure. This is normal – after a few moments, the light will shut off
once again and performance will return to normal.

6. To effectively kill bacteria and other microorganisms, hold Main Steam Nozzle (and any connected

accessories) approximately 1/2 inch from surface and press Steam Trigger. Keep trigger held
to concentrate steam on the same spot for at least 5 seconds.

7. At its maximum capacity (33 oz. / 975 ml.), the unit will provide approximately 30 minutes of
continuous steam. If you wish to continue steaming, unplug electrical plug from power outlet
and refer to Relling section on Page 10 for details.

8. Once you are nished using your Portable Steam Cleaner, immediately unplug power cord
from electrical outlet. Refer to Storage & Care guidelines on Page 12 for proper cleaning and
storage procedures.

FIGURE 8

12 | ENGLISH

PROPER STORAGE

Preparing your Portable Steam Cleaner for storage is quick and simple. When you have nished
your steaming tasks, follow the steps listed below.

1. Unplug power cord from electrical outlet.

2. Allow unit to cool (30 minutes for complete cooling).

3. Press and hold Steam Trigger to release any remaining steam pressure.

4. Remove all connected attachments from unit.

5. Unscrew and remove Boiler Cap. Drain any remaining water in Boiler into a sink or tub – this

will help to minimize potential mineral build-up in the Boiler, as well as prevent unintentional
overlling during your next use.

6. Loosely replace Boiler Cap. Do not screw on tightly, as this may make it difcult to remove in
the future.

7. Loosely bundle power cord and store Portable Steam Cleaner and all accessories in a cool,
dry location.

MINERAL BUILD-UP

A common maintenance need for steam appliances is the removal of build-up caused by high
mineral content in many municipal water supplies. This mineral build-up may limit the
effectiveness and reduce the life of your Portable Steam Cleaner.

The best way to minimize mineral build-up is to use distilled or de-mineralized water when
using your Portable Steam Cleaner. In addition, it is recommended that the unit be cleaned at

least once a month in order to remove any deposits that form. This will help to extend the life of
your Portable Steam Cleaner and keep it functioning at its maximum potential.

To remove mineral build-up:

1. Unplug power cord from electrical outlet.

2. Allow unit to cool (at least 30 minutes for complete cooling).

3. Press and hold Steam Trigger to release all remaining steam pressure.

4. Remove all connected attachments from unit.

5. Unscrew and remove Boiler Cap.

6. Drain all water from Boiler into a sink or tub.

7. Fill Measuring Cup with 16 oz. (473 ml.) distilled vinegar.

8. Carefully pour vinegar into Boiler. Slowly shake or move unit around to agitate vinegar.

9. Allow to stand for at least 40 minutes, or more if possible.

10. Drain vinegar from Boiler.

11. Rinse Boiler with fresh water, drain and repeat until vinegar odor dissipates.

12. Loosely replace Boiler Cap and store Portable Steam Cleaner as usual.

Storage & Care

ENGLISH | 13

Troubleshooting

Unit fails to heat up. Heating
Indicator Light DOES NOT
illuminate.

Unit fails to heat up. Heating
Indicator Light DOES illuminate.

Steam output is weak or
intermittent.

Excessive amount of water in
steam.

NOTE: Unit produces moist
steam – it is normal for steam
to contain some amount of
water.

Unit is not plugged in.

Mineral build-up in unit.

Mineral build-up in unit.

Household circuit breaker / ground
fault interrupter has tripped or
blown a fuse.

Unit is damaged or otherwise in
need of repair.

Unit is damaged or otherwise in
need of repair.

Water level in Boiler is running
low.

Boiler is empty.

Water condensation in Steam
Hose.

Boiler has been overlled.

Plug power cord into electrical outlet.

Refer to Mineral Build-up section
on Page 12 for cleaning procedure.

Refer to Mineral Build-up section
on Page 12 for cleaning procedure.

Reset circuit breaker / ground
fault interrupter, or replace fuse.
If you need assistance, contact a
licensed electrician.

Immediately cease usage and
unplug.

Immediately cease usage and
unplug.

Refer to Relling procedure on
Page 10.

Refer to Filling with Water
procedure on Page 10.

Point Main Steam Nozzle towards
sink, tub or ground and shake while
pressing Steam Trigger. Continue
until excess water is released.

Filling Boiler with more than 32
oz. (946 ml.) of water interferes
with steam production, resulting in
water condensation in steam.

Drain some water out of Boiler.
Always use included Measuring
Cup to ll Boiler with correct amount
of water (see Page 10 for details).

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

Accessories do not stay rmly
connected to Main Steam Nozzle.

Accessories not properly installed.

Unit has not heated to full
operating temperature.

Check to make sure that
accessories are properly connected,
per procedures on Pages 6-9.

Wait until Heating Indicator Light
turns off to begin steaming.

Floor surfaces appear cloudy or
streaky after steaming.

Cloth Cover is dirty.

Hard water residue on oor.

Remove and wash Cloth Clover
(refer to Page 9 for details).

Switch to distilled or
de-mineralized water.

14 | ENGLISH

SF-246

127V / 220V

1500W

33 OZ. (975 ML.)

7 MIN. (APPROXIMATE)

30 MIN. (APPROXIMATE)

6.80 LBS. (3.08 KG.)

13.98” (35.5 CM.) x 6.89” (17.5 CM.) x 8.66” (22.0 CM.)

12.8’ (390.0 CM.)

MODEL

VOLTAGE

WATTAGE

WATER CAPACITY

HEATING TIME

CONTINUOUS STEAM TIME

UNIT WEIGHT

UNIT DIMENSIONS

POWER CORD LENGTH

Product Specications

ENGLISH | 15

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