If you don’t want to iron your clothes, a clothes steamer is an essential tool. It’s easy-to-use, efficient, and quick for removing wrinkles from clothes, linens and furniture slipcovers.
You can make your home and clothes smell and look better by using a larger home steamer or a smaller travel steamer. You can also use a clothes steamer to remove tough grime from your house and to clean all surfaces.
Before You Begin
Clothes steamers heat water to create steam, which is then distributed via a nozzle. Every model is different so it’s important to carefully read the instructions and safety information before using the steamer.
These are some tips to make your steamer a success.
- Cool, distilled water should be added to the tank
- Don’t overfill the tank
- Check that all parts are properly connected
- Before you use the steamer, let it heat up completely.
- To prevent heating element damage, do not allow the steamer to dry out.
WARNING
A clothes steamer’s steam can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees. Burns can occur much faster than you might think. Do not direct steam towards your skin or steam garments while you’re wearing them. To prevent steam from escaping, keep the steamer upright and away from children.
What you’ll need
Equipment / Tools
- Clothes steamer
- Brush or lint roller
- Clothes hanger
- Hook or hanging rod
Materials
- Distilled water
- Distilled white vinegar
Instructions
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Fill the water tank
Tap water can be used to fill a clothes steamer’s water tank, but it is better to use bottled distilled waters. If you live in an hardwater area, minerals can build up and block steam nozzles.
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Get Steamy!
Once the tank has filled, you can assemble the components and then plug in the steamer. Allow the water temperature to reach its maximum.
Tip
To prevent steam from sputtering, heat the water in the steamer until it is fully heated. Some fabrics can be stained by water sputters, which can cause them to take longer time drying. To ensure that the steamer is working properly, test it on a kitchen towel.
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Steaming: Gather and hang items
Gather all the clothes you wish to steam for a quick and efficient session. Hang the garments from hooks, a shower curtain rod or clothes rack.
Hanging clothes allows 360-degree access. The weight of freshly steam clothes will pull out wrinkles. Allowing the garments to dry completely before hanging them will prevent wrinkles from developing.
Steaming drapes or shower curtain curtains is easy. Simply place them on rods and steam to remove wrinkles.
WARNING
Steaming a tablecloth to remove wrinkles is a good idea. Before steaming the cloth, cover it with a waterproof tarp.
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Direct the steam
To prevent hot water dribbles or spillages, keep the steamer nozzle upright. Cotton and wool can be steam steamed from their right sides. Mixed-fiber fabrics ( Polyester) can also be steam steamed from their right side. The steam will escape if you lightly brush the fabric using the nozzle.
To prevent watermarks, streaking and crushing, delicate fabrics such as silk and chiffon should be steam steamed from their undersides. The nozzle should not be touched to the fabric. Keep it at least 1 inch from the fabric. You can read the care label and test the steamer in a hidden place if you are unsure if the fabric is safe to steam.
Straighten the fabric, and then hold it at the hem. You can smoothen fabrics with a lint roll and catch any lint you make as you go.
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Let Fabrics Dry
Allow the fabric to dry for at least two hours before you expect best results. Hang the garment until it is completely dry. Use a fan to speed up drying.
Care and Cleaning of a Clothes Steamer
These are the best care and cleaning tips to keep your clothes steamer running at its peak.
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Keep it clean
Allow the steamer to cool down completely after each steaming session and then empty the water reservoir. Before storing the appliance, allow the steamer components to dry completely.
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Keep your home clean
Even if you use only distilled water, your steamer still needs to be cleaned regularly. The frequency of cleaning depends on how frequently you use your steamer. However, it should still be cleaned at least once a quarter to remove limescale and other minerals that could clog the nozzle openings and wand.
Allow the water reservoir to heat up fully by adding distilled vinegar. The steamer should be held over a sink so that the steam can escape until it is almost empty. Once the vinegar has evaporated, fill the tank up with distilled water. Let it heat for a while. All of the water should be poured into a sink. If you plan to store the appliance, let it dry completely. You can also refill the sink with distilled water to steam the appliance again.
