How do I descale my Rowenta 1550W steamer. The tank has a filmy residue on the inside.

RCD or MCB that is tripping?

If MCB the iron is overloading the circuit, usually a short circuit and is often related to the power cord.

If RCD power is escaping from the circuit to ground and is usually caused by an internal water leak.

White vinegar

there is a reason for the wire shorting at that point
could be a dead short that caused the wire to burn or other serious problem
best advice is to take it to an appliance repair shop for a diagnosis and quote or to be safe simply junk it and get a new one

Check the manual. You can always using some duct tape to cap the filling hole and see if it turns on.

Clogged unit, it's over heating. Run vinegar through it to remove deposits.

Get some help here:

http://www.rowentausa.com/rowenta/frame.aspx?page=http://www.rowentausa.com/rowenta/consumer_care/consumer_care/consumerCare.aspx

or here:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/search.aspx?q=rowenta%20iron%20parts

Vinegar is great for any mineral deposits for coffee pots and irons.

The steam tank may not be heating because of mineral deposits in the tank. But also do this check first. Open up the tank reservoir cold, and drain all water out, (is it clean inside there when you shine flashlight in there? Rinse with clear filtered water only (low minerals).

Do not use CLR or anything agressive in there. You should have the main unit in full steam mode and the iron control also in full steam mode. Leave one tablespoon of water in the tank, put back together and let the pressure build. Put a clean towel on your ironing board and when iron is at full pressure and heat, hit the burst of steam and look at what comes out of the sole plate. If you see lots of white deposits look at the sole plate and see if the white chunks are coming out steam holes.

When using iron, run it till steam/water tanks are dry, the burst of steam is used in this case to clean the iron of all standing water. Pull the reservoir and allow to cool...once tank is cool drain it as well. Doing this several times should help purge unit of the heavy mineral deposits.

If you need parts, here is the Rowenta repair facility....
California Electric Service in Concord CA (it is the only Rowenta repair station in California) go to either of the following addresses:
their website is: http://www.californiaelectricservice.com/
or tech service: [email protected]

I would call a Rowenta service center to find the part and cost. If you are in the US go to the After Sales Service, Service Centers at
http://www.rowentausa.com/rowenta/frame.aspx

If you are outside of the US go to the www.rowenta.com site and select your country.

got this off the manual for the IS 7800

CLEANING
Remove water container and clean the main unit with a damp
cloth. To maintain maximum performance, your steamer must
be descaled occasionally. The descaling intervals will depend
on the water quality and the frequency of use. The unit should
be descaled at least once a year or every 100 hours of use.
For descaling proceed as follows:
1. Unplug the unit and remove water container from main unit
by releasing container lock and pulling up.
2. Fill it with fresh water and shake vigorously to remove any
scale. Pour out the water and repeat if necessary.
3. Purchase a quality decalcifier agent and follow the instructions
of the manufacturer for the proper ratio of the mixture
to water and use.
4. After filling the water container turn it up and down to
descale.
5. Attach reservoir to unit, plug in and switch on.
6. Let the appliance run until the water container is almost
empty and do not steam any clothing with this mixture.
7. Unplug and detach the water container. Rinse it with fresh
water.
8. Fill water container with fresh water and repeat steps 5 and 6.
Note: If after descaling you believe that there is still buildup in
the boiler, repeat steps 1-8.