Operation, Filling, Stripping – Earlex SS200 User Manual
Page 4: Preparation

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OPERATION
DANGER FROM STEAM
The unit has been designed for safe and fast removal of wallpaper but you must be aware at all times that
steam is being produced and it can burn.
FILLING
WARNING: BEWARE OF HOT WATER DISCHARGE PRIOR TO STEAM EMISSION.
DO NOT:
•	 Over-tighten	the	filler	cap.
•	 Overfill	the	unit	by	tilting	the	unit	as	hot	water	may	be	forced	up	the	hose.
•	 Leave	unattended.
1. Remove filler cap on top of the boiler and fill to the top with clean water, preferably hot. Do not tilt the unit when filling. If refilling
the unit, ensure that it is disconnected from the main power.
2. If filled to the maximum (point of overflow) 5 litres, the stripper will operate for approximately 78 minutes before requiring refilling.
It will take longer to commence steaming on a maximum fill, taking up to 15 minutes.
3.	 Always	replace	the	filler	cap	after	filling.	The	cap	only	needs	to	be	hand	tight.
4.	 The	capacity	of	5	litres	(9	pints)	provides	approximately	78	mins	steaming	time	before	the	safety	cut-out	operates.	For	
a shorter steaming time use less water.
5. Connect mains lead to the power socket and switch on the steam switch only, indicated by this symbol. It will take
between	8	-	15	minutes	(approx.)	for	the	unit	to	start	producing	steam	depending	on	the	temperature	and	the	quantity	
of water used. 
WARNING - Hot water discharge before steam is produced.
6. Once steam is produced at the steam plate, you will need to switch the vacuum pump on, indicated by this symbol.
You	are	then	ready	to	commence	operation.	Make	sure	that	the	motor	air	inlet	on	the	base	of	the	unit	is	not	blocked	
by	the	dustsheet	as	this	will	cause	the	motor	to	overheat.	The	motor	is	fitted	with	a	re-setting	thermal	cut-out.	If	thermal	cut-out	
is	activated,	please	allow	15	minutes	for	the	unit	to	reset.
STRIPPING
Remember to check a small area first.
The foam filter (part HF0063) should be checked for debris and cleaned on a regular basis. DO NOT try to remove this 
while the unit is still steaming. Please allow the unit to cool before cleaning the filter.
WALLS
Please keep the hose clipped into the steam plate handle when working on walls, as shown.
1. If you are right handed, hold the steam plate in your left hand and place flat against the wall where you
wish to commence removing the paper.
2. Leave the plate against the wall for approximately 10 seconds. The length of time will depend on the
type of wall covering you are removing.
3.	 If	you	are	left	handed	you	may	find	it	easier	to	operate	with	the	other	hand.
4.	 Move	the	steam	plate	to	the	section	immediately	next	to	where	you	have	just	been	working	and	use	a	
wallscraper to remove the section that has just been steamed.
5.	 By	working	in	this	way	you	should	be	able	to	remove	paper	continuously.
6.	 Operate	the	steamer	until	steam	is	no	longer	produced	(there	is	a	safety	cut	out	when	water	level	gets	
too	low),	switch	off	the	vacuum	pump	and	boiler	switch,	and	then	leave	for	a	minimum	of	2	minutes	
before	refilling.	Allow	to	cool	completely	before	packing	away.
PREPARATION
If the plaster underneath the Paper or Artex is in a poor state of repair, care must be taken. If the plaster is old or cracked, the
steam may penetrate, causing the plaster to “blister” or fall out. Check the plaster first and do not continue if this is unsound.
1. In order to achieve the fastest result it is best to gently score the wallpaper to
be removed before operating the stripper.
2.	 If	you	have	heavily	embossed	paper	or	painted	paper	this	is	essential.	
3.	 Perforate	the	paper	using	a	perforator	tool,	or	alternatively	score	the	paper	in	a	
criss-cross pattern approximately 6 inches apart with the edge of a wallscraper. 
A	perforator	tool	is	extremely	useful	for	large	surface	areas	and	is	available	to	
buy through the online shop www.earlex.com.	For	further	availability	please	call	
our	Customer	Care	Line	on	01483	454666	quoting	part	number	PPF1,	or	email	 
[email protected]	
4. As with all decorating, care should be taken to protect carpets and furniture
with covers.
