1. Important Safety Instructions
Please read this instruction manual carefully before using your Kärcher SC 2 Premium Steam Cleaner for the first time. Keep these instructions for future reference.
- Electrical Safety: Ensure the voltage indicated on the appliance corresponds to your local mains voltage (127 Volts AC). Do not operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug.
- Hot Steam Hazard: The appliance produces high-temperature steam. Always direct the steam nozzle away from people, animals, and heat-sensitive materials. Avoid direct contact with steam.
- Child Lock: The steam cleaner is equipped with a child lock on the steam gun to prevent unintentional steam release. Always engage the child lock when the appliance is not in use or when children are nearby.
- Safety Valve: The safety valve prevents the boiler from being opened when under pressure. Never attempt to force open the safety valve or the boiler cap while the appliance is hot or under pressure.
- Water Only: Only use clean tap water in the appliance. Do not add detergents, fragrances, or other chemicals to the water tank, as this can damage the appliance or create hazardous fumes.
- Supervision: This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
2. Product Overview
The Kärcher SC 2 Premium is a powerful steam cleaner designed for hygienic cleaning without chemical detergents. It uses high-pressure steam to effectively remove dirt and kill 99.99% of common household bacteria on hard surfaces.
Figure 1: Kärcher SC 2 Premium Steam Cleaner with floor nozzle and extension pipes attached. The main unit is white and grey with wheels, connected to a black hose and extension pipes leading to the floor nozzle.
Included Components and Accessories
Your Kärcher SC 2 Premium comes with a range of accessories to tackle various cleaning tasks:
- Steam gun with vapor hose (2 m)
- Extension pipes (2x)
- Floor nozzle
- Microfiber floor cloth (2x)
- Hand brush
- Microfiber hand brush cover (2x)
- Detail nozzle
- Round brushes (3x: 1 red, 2 black)
- Accessory bag
Figure 2: A detailed view of the Kärcher SC 2 Premium accessories. This image displays the flexible floor nozzle, two extension pipes, two microfiber cloths, a hand brush, two microfiber covers, a detail nozzle, three round brushes (one red, two black), a spot nozzle, and an accessory bag.
3. Setup
3.1 Unpacking
Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Check for any damage during transit. Dispose of packaging materials responsibly.
3.2 Assembly
- Attach the desired accessory (e.g., floor nozzle, hand brush, detail nozzle) to the steam gun. For floor cleaning, connect the two extension pipes between the steam gun and the floor nozzle.
- Ensure all connections are securely clicked into place.
3.3 Water Filling
- Ensure the appliance is unplugged and cool.
- Unscrew the safety cap on the boiler (located on top of the main unit) by turning it counter-clockwise.
- Using a measuring cup or funnel, carefully fill the boiler with up to 1 liter of clean tap water. Do not overfill.
- Screw the safety cap back on clockwise until it is hand-tight.
3.4 Power Connection
Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet (127 Volts AC). The power indicator light will illuminate, signaling that the appliance is heating up.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Heating Up
After plugging in, the appliance will begin to heat the water. This typically takes a few minutes. The heating indicator light will turn off when the operating pressure is reached, indicating the steam cleaner is ready for use.
4.2 Steam Release and Child Lock
- To release steam, push the child lock switch on the steam gun forward to unlock it.
- Press the steam trigger to release steam. The amount of steam can be adjusted using the steam flow regulator on the steam gun (if available on your model).
- To stop steam, release the trigger. Always engage the child lock by pushing the switch backward when not actively steaming.
4.3 Application Areas
The Kärcher SC 2 Premium is versatile for various cleaning tasks:
- Hard Floors: Use the floor nozzle with a microfiber cloth for sealed hard floors like tiles, laminate, and PVC. Move the nozzle slowly over the surface for best results.
- Kitchen Surfaces: The hand brush with a microfiber cover or the detail nozzle with a round brush is ideal for cleaning stovetops, countertops, sinks, and range hoods.
- Bathrooms: Use the hand brush or detail nozzle for cleaning tiles, grout, showers, and fixtures.
- Toys, Pacifiers, Bottles, Other Baby Utensils: Steam can sanitize these items without chemicals. Ensure items are heat-resistant and follow manufacturer guidelines.
- Garment Steaming: The hand brush with a microfiber cover can be used to refresh and de-wrinkle garments. Hold the brush a short distance from the fabric and move it over the surface.
Figure 3: This image illustrates the Kärcher SC 2 Premium being used for various cleaning tasks, including floor cleaning, kitchen surface cleaning, bathroom cleaning, and garment steaming.
Figure 4: A user is cleaning a kitchen stovetop with the Kärcher SC 2 Premium, using the hand brush attachment with a microfiber cover to remove grease and grime.
Figure 5: The detail nozzle with a small round brush is being used to clean around a bathroom faucet, targeting tight spaces and stubborn deposits with steam.
Figure 6: This image shows the Kärcher SC 2 Premium being used to steam a garment, demonstrating its ability to refresh fabrics and remove wrinkles.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your steam cleaner.
5.1 Draining Water
After each use, or before storing for an extended period, ensure the appliance is unplugged and completely cooled down. Carefully unscrew the safety cap and empty any remaining water from the boiler. This helps prevent limescale buildup.
5.2 Cleaning Accessories
- Microfiber Cloths and Covers: These can be washed in a washing machine at up to 60°C (140°F). Do not use fabric softener.
- Nozzles and Brushes: Clean these under running water. For stubborn dirt, use a small brush. Allow them to dry completely before storage.
5.3 Descaling
Depending on the hardness of your tap water, limescale can build up in the boiler. If steam output decreases significantly, descaling may be necessary. Use a Kärcher descaling agent or a suitable commercial descaler following the product's instructions. Always ensure the appliance is cool and unplugged before descaling.
5.4 Storage
Store the steam cleaner and its accessories in a dry, frost-free location. The accessory bag can be used to keep all small parts organized.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Kärcher SC 2 Premium, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No steam or very little steam | No water in the boiler; Appliance not heated up; Limescale buildup; Child lock engaged. | Fill the boiler with water; Wait for the heating indicator light to turn off; Descale the appliance; Disengage the child lock. |
| Water dripping from nozzle | Appliance not fully heated; Condensation in hose. | Wait for the heating indicator light to turn off; Briefly direct steam into a cloth until only steam emerges. |
| Safety cap cannot be opened | Boiler is still under pressure. | Allow the appliance to cool down completely and release any remaining pressure by briefly pressing the steam trigger (with child lock disengaged) until no more steam comes out. |
| Appliance not turning on | No power supply. | Check power cord connection and wall outlet. |
If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, please contact Kärcher customer support.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | SC 2 Premium |
| Special Features | Vapor hose with pistol (2 m), Child lock, Safety valve |
| Surface Recommendation | Hard Floors, Kitchen Surfaces, Bathrooms, Various Types of Floors, Toys, Pacifiers, Bottles, Other Baby Utensils |
| Included Components | Hose, Nozzle, Extension pipes, Microfiber cloths, Hand brush, Round brushes, Accessory bag |
| Tank Volume | 1 Liter |
| Form Factor | Canister (Handheld attachments) |
| Power Source | Electric (AC) |
| Voltage | 127 Volts (AC) |
| Item Weight | 11.4 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 19.09 x 11.42 x 9.84 inches |
| Date First Available | November 1, 2016 |
8. Warranty and Support
Your Kärcher SC 2 Premium Steam Cleaner is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms and conditions, including warranty period and coverage details.
For technical support, spare parts, or warranty claims, please contact Kärcher customer service. You can find contact information on the official Kärcher website or through the Kärcher store on Amazon: Kärcher Store.
