Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Philips Powerlife Plus GC2990/20 Steam Iron. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your appliance. Please read these instructions carefully before first use and retain them for future reference.
Important Safety Information
- Always ensure the voltage indicated on the iron corresponds to your mains voltage.
- Do not use the iron if the plug, mains cord, or the iron itself shows visible damage, or if the iron has been dropped.
- Keep the iron and its cord out of reach of children when it is switched on or cooling down.
- Never leave the iron unattended when it is connected to the mains.
- Always place the iron on a stable, heat-resistant surface when resting.
- Do not immerse the iron in water or any other liquid.
- Only use the iron for its intended purpose as described in this manual.
Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components of your Philips Powerlife Plus Steam Iron.

Image: Philips Powerlife Plus GC2990/20 Steam Iron. This image displays the steam iron from a side angle, highlighting its design and key features such as the water tank, soleplate, and handle.
- Water filling hole
- Temperature dial
- Steam control slider
- Spray button
- Steam boost button
- Soleplate (SteamGlide)
- Calc-Clean slider
- Power cord
Setup
Before First Use
- Remove any stickers or protective foil from the soleplate.
- It is normal for a small amount of smoke to be produced during the first use as the heating elements burn off manufacturing residues. This will stop after a short while.
Filling the Water Tank
- Ensure the iron is unplugged from the mains.
- Set the steam control slider to the 'dry ironing' position (no steam).
- Open the water filling hole cover.
- Fill the water tank with tap water up to the 'MAX' indication. Do not overfill.
- Close the water filling hole cover securely.
Note: For optimal performance and to prolong the life of your iron, use tap water. If you live in an area with very hard water, consider using a mixture of 50% tap water and 50% distilled water.
Operating
Setting the Temperature
- Place the iron on its heel rest on a stable surface.
- Plug the iron into a grounded wall socket.
- Turn the temperature dial to the desired setting according to the fabric type. Refer to the garment's care label.
- The temperature indicator light will illuminate, indicating the iron is heating up. It will turn off when the set temperature is reached.
Steam Ironing
- Ensure the water tank is filled.
- Set the temperature dial to the steam zone (usually indicated by three dots or 'MAX'). Steam is only produced at higher temperatures.
- Once the temperature indicator light goes out, slide the steam control to the desired steam level.
- For an extra burst of steam, press the steam boost button. This is useful for stubborn creases.
Dry Ironing
To iron without steam, ensure the water tank is empty or set the steam control slider to the 'dry ironing' position (no steam symbol). You can then select any temperature setting.
Vertical Steaming
The steam boost function can be used for vertical steaming of hanging garments or curtains. Hold the iron vertically a few centimeters away from the fabric and press the steam boost button repeatedly.
Anti-Drip System
This iron is equipped with an anti-drip system to prevent water leakage from the soleplate when the iron is not hot enough for steam production. This allows you to iron delicate fabrics at low temperatures without water stains.
Maintenance
Cleaning the Soleplate
- Allow the iron to cool down completely.
- Wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner, if necessary.
- Do not use scouring pads, vinegar, or harsh chemicals as these can damage the soleplate.
Calc-Clean Function (Descaling)
The Philips Powerlife Plus GC2990/20 features a built-in descaling function to remove scale particles from the steam chamber. Perform this function regularly, especially if you notice scale flakes coming from the soleplate or if steam output is reduced.
- Ensure the iron is unplugged and cooled down.
- Fill the water tank to the 'MAX' level.
- Plug in the iron and set the temperature dial to 'MAX'.
- Once the temperature indicator light goes out, unplug the iron.
- Hold the iron horizontally over a sink.
- Slide the Calc-Clean slider (if present, or follow specific instructions for your model's descaling button) and shake the iron gently back and forth. Hot water and steam will come out of the soleplate, carrying scale particles.
- Continue until the water tank is empty.
- Plug in the iron again and let it heat up to dry the soleplate.
- Unplug and let it cool down before storing.
Storage
- Unplug the iron and allow it to cool down completely.
- Empty the water tank.
- Wrap the power cord around the heel rest.
- Store the iron in an upright position in a dry, safe place.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Iron does not heat up. | Not plugged in, power outlet fault, or automatic shut-off activated. | Check power connection. Try a different outlet. Move the iron to reactivate if auto shut-off engaged. |
| No steam or insufficient steam. | Water tank empty, temperature too low, or steam vents blocked. | Fill water tank. Set temperature to steam zone. Perform Calc-Clean. |
| Water drips from the soleplate. | Temperature too low for steam, or iron is tilted too much. | Increase temperature. Ensure iron is hot enough before using steam. Avoid excessive tilting. |
| White flakes come out of the soleplate. | Scale build-up. | Perform the Calc-Clean function. |
Specifications
- Model: GC2990/20
- Power: 2300 Watt
- Soleplate: SteamGlide
- Continuous Steam: 40 g/min
- Steam Boost: 140 g
- Water Tank Capacity: 320 ml
- Cord Length: 1.5 m
- Special Features: Anti-limescale, Automatic Shut-off, Drip Stop
Warranty and Support
This Philips Powerlife Plus GC2990/20 Steam Iron comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For product support, service, or further information, please visit the official Philips website or contact Philips customer care in your region. You can find contact details on the Philips website or in the warranty booklet provided with your product.





