Use of steamer at home for cold, blocked nose or facial skin care has become very common. It is often clearly written on the box or manual of the machine – ‘Use tap water, do not add RO or mineral water.’ Many people think that RO water is the purest, then why is it prohibited? Let us understand how the machine works?
Many steamers and face steamers run on electrode systems. In these, electricity is passed directly through water to heat it. Salt and minerals (like sodium, calcium etc.) present in water form ions. These ions allow electricity to pass easily. Due to flow of electricity water gets heated and steam is formed.
These minerals are very less or nonexistent in pure water (RO or distilled). The resistivity of such water is very high, which means it is a very poor conductor of electricity. Pure water behaves almost like an insulator. Result – Current does not flow properly, water does not heat properly and steam is not produced or very little is produced. Sometimes the machine keeps sounding the alarm or does not work at all.
Tap water contains natural impurities and salts. These impurities make way for electricity. That is why when tap water is added, the machine produces steam properly.
Sensor and security issues
Many modern steamers also have a water level sensor. This sensor depends on the conductivity of water. Due to very low conductivity in pure RO water, the sensor is unable to detect the water. The machine thinks the water has run out even though the tank is full.
Due to this the machine stops or keeps giving alarm continuously.
What if put RO water?
- Steam will not come out properly or will take too long.
- The machine may overheat or stop working.
- Using wrong water for a long time can affect the internal parts.
- In some cases the warranty may also be affected because the manual is considered to be violated.
Note that not every steamer is the same. Some models with simple heating elements also accept distilled or RO water, but common steamers and face steamers in the Indian market are often designed for tap water only. So always read the box or manual of your machine carefully.
What is the right method to adopt?
Add normal tap water as per the instructions of the machine. If the water in your area is very hard then cleaning may be required sometimes. Drain the water after use and keep the machine dry. Regular cleaning keeps the machine running well for a long time.
RO water may be great for drinking, but not for machines like steamers. These machines require some impurities in water to work so that electricity can flow and steam can be formed. Next time you see the box of a steamer, do not ignore the note ‘Use tap water’. The machine will work safely and effectively only by adding the correct water.
