LAUNDRY MACHINE AND OPERATING METHOD FOR THE SAME

摘要

A cleaning device and a method of operating the cleaning device are provided to maintain the efficiency of a steam generator by controlling a dual-purpose pump to first remove solutions in the steam generator, and then pumping a cleaning solution containing a weak acid into the steam generator, thereby cleaning and removing the accumulated calcium carbonate in the steam generator. A cleaning device has a control unit which closes a water valve(351) and opens a cleaning solution valve(341), and then controls a pump(320) to supply the cleaning solution from a cleaning solution container(360) to a steam generator(300). The control unit closes the cleaning solution valve and opens the water valve, and then controls the pump to send solutions in the steam generator into a water container(310) before or after cleaning of the steam generator. The cleaning solution includes a weak acid. A method of operating the cleaning device comprises the steps of: controlling the water pump to pump water in the steam generator into the water container; controlling the pump to send the cleaning solution into the steam generator; and controlling the pump to send the cleaning solution in the steam generator into the water container. A single pump is used for both pumping in or out the water or the cleaning solution from the steam generator. The efficiency of the steam generator is considered to determine whether to clean the steam generator or not.