Tefal Smart Protect FV4980 Steam Iron One setting for easier and faster ironing
• One temperature setting to iron any fabric* safely with no burning • 33% more glide** and more active steam holes for high-efficiency ironing • Fast heat-up and increased steam output for faster crease removal • Anti-drip function to help prevent stains and Eco Mode to save energy***
Enjoy easier and faster ironing with the Tefal Smart Protect steam iron. This simple-to-use steam iron has just one temperature setting that’s suitable for ironing all types of fabric*, with no risk of burning. So, you can iron jeans and silk safely, one after the other, without having to adjust the temperature or sort your ironing pile. This Tefal steam iron also features the new Durilium Airglide soleplate, providing 33% more glide** for fast and effortless ironing. More active steam holes – at the tip, sides and centre – give you maximum steam distribution for efficient results. It’s renowned for its scratch resistance too, so you know it will stay smooth over time, while the nifty precision tip makes ironing between buttons a breeze. At 2600W, the Smart Protect steam iron heats up fast and delivers up to 40g/min continuous steam to ease crease removal. An increased steam boost of up to 180g/min gets deeper into fabrics to remove stubborn creases in a flash. You can also use the steam boost to refresh hanging garments or curtains through vertical steaming. Rounding things off are an anti-drip function to help prevent staining while ironing, plus an ‘Eco Mode’ to reduce energy use by up to 20%***. For added safety, this Tefal steam iron also turns off automatically if left unattended.
*Ironable fabrics **Compared to other Tefal soleplates – external testing ***-20% compared with energy use at maximum output level
*Ironable fabrics **Compared to other Tefal soleplates – external testing ***-20% compared with energy use at maximum output level
*Ironable fabrics **Compared to other Tefal soleplates – external testing ***-20% compared with energy use at maximum output level
Essentials
One Setting
One temperature setting to iron any fabric* with no burning for easier and faster ironing
Smart Technology
The iron is pre-set on an optimal combination of temperature and steam, with no need to worry about how to set your iron.
Easy crease removal
Up to 40g/min continuous steam to soften fibres for easy crease removal
Speedy Sessions
33% more glide** Durilium Airglide soleplate for fast and effortless ironing
Peace of mind
Turns off if left unattended >5 minutes on side or soleplate and >8 minutes on heel
Prevent staining
Clever anti-drip function to help prevent stains while ironing
Fast Heating
2600W for fast heat-up and powerful steam performance
Easy crease removal
Up to 40g/min continuous steam to soften fibres for easy crease removal
Steam boost up to 180 g/min to remove even the toughest creases
Use the steam boost to remove stubborn creases or to refresh your clothes with vertical steaming.
Energy saving
‘Eco Mode’ to cut energy use by up to 20%*** without compromising performance
Efficient results
More active steam holes, providing maximum steam distribution for high-efficiency ironing
Precision pressing
Pointed tip for easy ironing between buttons and into pleats
Choose a board that is height-adjustable to adjust it to your height. It should be steady and robust so that you can place the ironing appliance on it. The board should be perforated to allow the steam to pass through the fibres of the fabric to soften it and make ironing easier. The ironing board cover should also be suitable to allow the flow of steam through.
There could be several reasons for this: • You are not using the right type of water (Refer to the FAQ "What water should I use for ironing?"). • You have used a starch type product on your laundry (Always spray to the reverse side of the fabric to be ironed and clean your iron afterwards). • Fibers from clothes have been trapped in the holes in the iron and have become carbonised. • The clothes have not been rinsed enough and there is detergent left on them or you have ironed a new item of clothing before washing it. • See the instructions for use to find out what type of water is appropriate and clean the soleplate from time to time with a damp sponge.
It is essential to select the right ironing temperature. Your iron has a built-in thermostat controlling the temperature very precisely over the entire surface of the soleplate. The thermostat dial contains international markers with dots corresponding to three ironing temperatures. Make sure that you use the right temperature for your clothes: • Marker with 1 dot for synthetic fabrics. • Marker with 2 dots for wool and silk. • Marker with 3 dots for cotton and linen.
• Don't use the Boost steam button intensively. Wait few seconds between each use. • The temperature button must be placed on Steam area (between 2 dots and MAX). • Use steam only when the iron is hot (the light must be off).
This function allows you to iron fabrics in situ or on a hanger. To do this, set the iron temperature button to the maximum position. • Leave the item on a hanger and gently pull the fabric with one hand. • Press the steam control button intermittently and move the iron from top to bottom. As the steam produced is very hot, it softens the fibres and removes creases. Note: Never use the vertical steam function on an item being worn by anyone.
Yes and you do not need to fill the tank with water. Set the variable steam control to Dry and set the temperature to suit the type of material (care points •, ••, •••). At the end of your ironing session, we would suggest that once your iron has cooled down, you should wipe over the soleplate and around the steam holes to remove any burned fibers that may have started collecting around the steam holes.
If it has not been used for a long time (for example several weeks), use it over the sink for a few minutes to remove any residue that could stain your laundry.
No, leave the iron to cool down before putting it away and follow the 4 tips: empty out the water remaining in the tank, set the thermostat to the minimum, close the steam control and stand it upright or place it on the base (depending model).
To avoid damaging the soleplate, follow this advice: • Always place your iron on its heel rest or its base (depending on model). • Avoid ironing over abrasive items (buttons, zip fastenings, etc.). • Never clean your iron's soleplate with abrasive or metallic pads.
Shiny marks can appear on some fabrics, especially on dark coloured fabrics. We would advise ironing dark clothes inside out and using the correct temperature. If ironing mixed-fibre fabrics, set the temperature for the most fragile fibre. Important: The iron takes longer to cool down than to heat up. We recommend that you start with fabrics to be ironed at a low temperature.
Your appliance has been designed to work with tap water. However, it is necessary to regularly perform self-cleaning of the steam generator chamber in order to remove limescale. If your water is very hard, we recommend that you use a maximum of 50% untreated tap water and 50% distilled water available in most shops. Never use water containing additives (starch, perfume, aromatic substances, softener, etc.), condensation water (e. g. clothes dryer water, refrigerator water, air conditioner water, rainwater), pure demineralized water or distilled water from store. These contain organic waste or minerals that condense under the influence of heat and cause spitting, brown dripping or premature aging of your device.
If your iron has an anti-calc system, you should clean the anti-calc valve once a month.
To do this: • Unplug the iron and leave it to cool for 30-45 minutes. • Empty the water and remove the valve, holding it by the top. • Let the anti-calc valve soak for 4 hours in a glass of natural lemon juice or citric acid, then thoroughly rinse the anti-calc valve under tap water. • Reposition the anti-calc valve into your iron. Warning! Never touch the end of the anti-calc valve.
Firstly, fill the iron tank to MAX with water. Set the thermostat control to Max and the steam control on DRY and switch on. Place the iron on its heel and leave to heat up for around 5 minutes. Unplug the iron then hold your iron horizontally above the sink. Remove the anti-scale valve (or set the control to self-clean/autoclean depending on the model). Steam, water and scale deposits will leave the steam chamber through the steam holes and the iron will be clean. At the end of the operation, push the anti-calc valve back into position. When your iron is cold, you will also be able to use your vacuum to gently suction limescale and dirt that may have clogged the holes in the soleplate.
Four good tips: After use, empty the tank, close the steam control, set the thermostat to minimum and stand the iron upright or place it on the base (depending on model). Cleaning: Use a damp soft cloth to wipe your iron and never use cleaners or solvents. If your iron has an auto-clean function, refer to the instruction manual before using it. Tips: • Always use untreated water in your iron. If your water is very hard, we recommend you use a mix of 50% untreated tap water and 50% distilled water. • Avoid placing your iron on sharp objects such as zip fasteners and metal buttons. • Do not put your iron down flat on rough surfaces.
You must take precautions so that using your iron is risk-free.
• Above all, never leave a hot iron unattended. This is not only to avoid overheating of the iron or the surface on which it is placed but also to ensure that no-one gets burned. If safety is one of your main concerns, choose an iron that has an automatic cut-off function. Never leave a hot iron within reach of children or pets who risk knocking it over and injuring themselves.
• Like any electrical appliance, never put your iron in water.
• Do not use an iron that has fallen down or has a damaged power cord. If you have the slightest doubt concerning the condition of your iron, contact the Service Centre.
• Always unplug your iron before leaving it, cleaning it or filling it with water (unless it is a model that has a removable water tank). Regularly check the water level to ensure that there is always enough.
Never use any descaling agent or vinegar when rinsing the boiler: they could damage it. • Self-cleaning: heat the iron, unplug it, remove the anti-calc valve and spray the iron over the sink. • Cleaning the anti-calc valve: Remove the antiscale valve and soak the valve in a cup of white vinegar or plain lemon juice for 4 hours.
It is not designed for the water to be removed completely. It is okay to use or store the iron even with a small amount of water remaining. When storing, please remove as much water as possible and store in an upright position.
• The Durillium soleplate: Regularly clean the soleplate with a damp, non metallic washing up pad. For easier, non-corrosive cleaning of your iron's soleplate, use a damp sponge on the soleplate while it is still warm. If cleaning dirt off is an issue, use the stick which is made specifically for cleaning the Durillium soleplates.
• The stainless soleplate: Clean the soleplate of your iron when it is cool with a damp cloth or a non-abrasive sponge.
• The autoclean soleplate: It is recommended that you use a soft damp cloth on the warm soleplate, in order not to damage the surface. Warning: The use of iron cleaner will cause damage to your soleplate's autoclean coating.
3 possible causes: • There is no power in the mains socket: check that the plug is properly connected, or try to plug the iron into a different socket. • Temperature control set too low: set the temperature control to a higher temperature. • The automatic electronic cut-out* is active: move your iron. * depending on model
Please be advised that when filling up your iron with water you should have all settings on a “no steam” setting. Ensure the iron is unplugged. Fill the iron up, plug in, switch on, then turn the dials to the settings required ensuring that the iron is set to a temperature where steam will be produced. This will ensure that the steam valve within the water tank remains closed and will prevent any water from leaking out of the water tank when water is added.
Some irons (depending on model) can produce steam when set on the One dot setting. However, the majority of our irons will only produce steam when set on the 2 dot or 3 dot setting. When you look on your iron's thermostat dial you will notice that the 2 dot and 3 dot settings have a shaded background, this indicates that the iron will produce steam when the dial is set inside this shaded area.
Not all of the steam holes release steam, the smaller holes on the soleplate that look like they might be steam holes are actually designed to assist soleplate glide ability.
There is not enough water in the tank. Fill it up with the quantity indicated in the instructions for use and push spray button several times to fill the system complete.
All irons contain a thermostat light. It is normal for the thermostat to turn on and off. It indicates the thermostat is working and your soleplate is being maintained at the desired temperature. If the auto-off light blinks, you must disengage the auto-off function. This is done by gently shaking the iron which will allow the iron to reheat.
When heating your iron for the first time, you may notice a small amount of odour and smoke, this is simply the engineering residues from the manufacturing process burning off. These are harmless and will quickly disappear.
It is normal. Your iron generates a lot of steam; this steam is condensing on the board. Some waterdrops could appeared underneath the ironing board and fall on the flooring.
Your iron has been stored horizontally, without emptying the water tank and with the selector placed on steam position. When you store your iron horizontally, check that the tank is empty and the steam selector is set to "DRY" position.
Check the following points: • The tank is empty or almost empty: add more water. • The selected temperature is too low and does not allow steam to be produced: set the thermostat to the steam zone (between 2 dots and MAX). • If your iron has a Dry/Steam control: set it to the Steam position. • Scale has built up in your iron: descale it. • Your iron has an intelligent system (a moving sensor) which temporarily stops steam being released when the iron is not moving, even when it is placed horizontally. This function eliminates wasted steam while you are handling the clothes.
Please check the following points: • The tank is empty or almost empty: add more water. • The selected temperature is too low to use this function: set the thermostat to the zone between 3 dots and MAX. The "supersteam" or "turbo" function should not be used intensively – wait a few seconds between pressing the button.
You are filling the tank with the "Dry/Steam" control set to Steam – it needs to be in the "Dry" position. Or, you have over-filled your iron – do not go beyond the "MAX" level on the tank.
This is probably crystallized calcium chlorohypochlorite. Carry out the self-cleaning instructions in the instruction manual two or three times. If that hasn't resolved the problem, it may be that your iron needs repair. Please contact the service centre.
After following the instructions in the user manual for starting the appliance, make sure that your electrical socket is working by plugging another appliance. If it still does not work, do not try to dismantle or repair the appliance yourself, instead, take it to an approved repair centre
This may be due to the use of chemical descaling agents or additives in the water for ironing. Never use this type of product in the water tank (see our recommendations regarding water to be used). Some residues could also been present in the steam chamber or on the soleplate; use the self cleaning function (Depending model). All linen, especially new garments, must be washed and rinsed thoroughly to remove any soap and chemical deposits before you iron them. If these are not removed by washing they may appear later out of the soleplate in the form of small brown or white spots or streaks on your linen.
Use the right temperatures on the thermostat for the right fabrics. A reason for sticking may be the use of starch. If you want to use starch, simply spray it on the reverse side of the garment, so that there is no contact between the soleplate and the starch. Clean the soleplate from rubber prints of fabric. (Which always must be ironed on reverse side of the rubber prints.)
The anti-calc collector is a scale collector which automatically collects the scale which forms inside your iron. The amount of scale collected depends on the hardness of your water.
The electronic system cuts the power and the auto-stop light flashes if the iron is not moved for more than 8 minutes (on its heel rest or base) or is left flat for more than 30 seconds. To turn the iron back on, gently shake it until the light goes out.
This system prevents the soleplate from clogging. Its active coating eliminates fibres and impurities that often become stuck to the plate and end up reducing its glide.
