I have a Black & Decker Steamworks wallpaper stripper Model 1200 that not longer steams. Is it possible for me to fix it myself? It is roughly 10 years old and until just today it was working fine.

Chuck, February 2005

Thanks so much BOB, the CLR worked great, it works better now I think then when I first bought it!

ViS, July 2012

You could try to put some diluted calcium remover ( in Canada we use a product called CLR) (after you clean the little white filter tip using the same tecnique) Turn the device on to draw the solution into the heat chamber, let it heat up, and let it sit a while. Return a few times to reheat up to hot and give it some good shakes. This might loosen up the calcium inside. (You should be using distilled water in the steamer at all times to try to minimize mineral buildup) Try shaking and steaming upside down to try to get some of the loosened sediment to spritz out (dont get burned) Rinse with clean water. Do this outside so the evil vapours don't demineralize your lungs. Good luck

bob, December 2005

Check the intake filter for blockage - I just cleaned mine and the steamer works again...

Brat2, April 2005

Simple answer is No! Black and Decker have franchise agents that carry out repairs as well as suppliing their tools.
Look up the B and D website and find an agent near you.

But remember the one I dealt with would not supply me a new motor for my mower, they said by the time we sell it retail your 3/4 towards buying a refurbished model-
(In short they don't want YOU doing your own repairs as they can't make money supplying spare parts).

-Or simply discard this 10yrs old steamer which has turned into a broiler and buy a new one. £20-30 is not much to pay out.

DIY'er, March 2005