how to properly maintain and care for your water ionizer
Ensuring your Ivyel alkaline water ionizer remains in top condition is essential for enjoying pure, high-quality alkaline water. Proper maintenance will extend the lifespan of your ionizer and keep it functioning at its best. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your ionizer, including steps to clean and prevent scaling.
Understanding the Impact of hard water
Hard water is one of the primary challenges for any water-related device, including water ionizers. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can lead to scaling and clogging. Regular maintenance and preventive measures are crucial to combat these issues.
Lifespan and maintenance of platinum plates
The platinum plates of your alkaline water ionizer typically last up to 10 years. To ensure optimal performance:
-Replace the filter every 6 months
-Clean scale buildup every 1.5 to 2 years in hard water areas
Signs Your Ionizer Needs Cleaning
- 1. Decreased pH Levels: If you notice a drop in your water's pH levels, it's time to clean your ionizer.
- 2. Reduced Water Flow: If the flow rate slows down, it might be time to change the filter, perform a vinegar wash, or both.
- 3. White Buildup: A whitish film around the alkaline spout indicates it’s time to clean.
- 4. Annual Cleaning: If it’s been a year since your last cleaning, it’s good practice to clean your ionizer when changing filters.
Why Cleaning is Necessary
- Even with automatic acid washes, calcium deposits can accumulate in hoses and connectors, leading to clogging. Periodic cleanings, especially in hard water areas, are necessary to maintain performance. Calcium is essential for ionization, but excessive calcium can cause problems.
Preventative Measures
- 1. Frequent Acid Washes: Increase the frequency of acid washes to reduce buildup. Use the acidic ionized water option once or twice a week for 1-2 minutes.
- 2. Cleaning Kit: For thorough cleaning, use our Ivyel cleaning kit.
How to clean using vinegar
- To clean your ionizer with vinegar:
1. Unplug the Ionizer: Ensure safety by disconnecting power.
2. Raise the Acid Hose: Tape or tie the acid hose higher than the ionizer.
3. Pour Vinegar: Use a funnel to pour 10 oz of white vinegar into the hose or spout.
4. Let it Sit: Allow the vinegar to sit overnight.
5. Agitate and Rinse: Agitate by blowing into the spout and rinse thoroughly.
Detailed Cleaning with Cleaning Kit
- For a more thorough cleaning, follow these steps:
1. Select the Purified Button: On your ionizer.
2. Unplug the Power: Disconnect the power plug.
3. Remove the Gray Hose: Press the adapter’s convex part and pull out the gray hose.
4. Connect Cleaning Kit Hoses: Attach the cleaning kit's white and translucent hoses to the ionizer's adapter.
5. Prepare Cleaning Solution: Add 50g of citric acid to the cleaning kit and 750mL of water. Stir until dissolved.
6. Power the Cleaning Kit: Connect the power adapter and turn on the switch.
7. Run Cleaning Cycle: Let it clean for about 10 minutes.
8. Rinse and Reconnect: Disconnect the hoses, rinse the ionizer by running water, and reconnect the original hoses.
9. Final Rinse: Run water on the Purified setting for about 3 minutes to ensure all cleaning solution is flushed out.
NOTE: Citric acid powder can be purchased from Amazon, CVS, and other markets. Be sure to use food-grade citric acid.
Regular Maintenance
- In addition to cleaning, replace parts like solenoids as needed. Symptoms indicating replacement include water leaks, non-functional buttons, or no water flow. Contact customer service for assistance.