How to Use a Steamer on Clothes

Remove Wrinkles With a Clothes Steamer in 5 Easy Steps

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner

A clothes steamer is a must-have if you have delicates that can't be ironed or don't like to iron clothes. Steam penetrates the fabric, relaxing fibers and smoothing out wrinkles while also removing odors, dust, and bacteria, making it fresher and cleaner. A steamer is a fast, easy-to-use appliance for removing wrinkles from furniture slipcovers, upholstery, and drapes.

Clothes steamer with steam releasing in front of rack of clothes

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Whether you choose a larger home model or a small travel steamer, the fabrics in your wardrobe and home will look and smell better. A clothes steamer can even clean tough grime and sanitize hard surfaces around the house.

Before You Begin

Clothes steamers heat water to produce steam distributed through a directional nozzle. Since every model is slightly different, it's a good idea to read the user instructions and safety information before you use the steamer for the first time.

Here are several tips for successful use that apply to every type of steamer:

  • Fill the tank with cool, distilled water
  • Do not overfill the tank
  • Make sure that all components are connected correctly
  • Allow the water in the steamer to fully heat before attempting to use the steamer, especially after refilling during a long session
  • Never allow the tank to run dry while the steamer is in use to prevent damage to the heating element.

Warning

The steam from a clothes steamer can reach over 200 degrees, and burns can occur more quickly than you think. Never direct the steam toward your hands or attempt to steam a garment while wearing it. While using a steamer, be sure to keep it upright to prevent spills and keep it away from children.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Clothes steamer
  • Lint roller or brush
  • Clothes hanger
  • Hanging rod or hook

Materials

  • Distilled water
  • Distilled white vinegar

Instructions

How to Use a Clothes Steamer

Materials and tools to use a clothes steamer

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  1. Fill the Water Tank

    While you can use tap water to fill the water tank of a clothes steamer, it is best to use bottled distilled water. The minerals in tap water, especially if you live in a hard water area, can cause build-up that can block the steam nozzles.

    Water added to clothes steamer tank

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Power Up the Steamer

    Assemble the steamer, plug it in, and allow it to reach its maximum temperature.

    Tip

    Allowing the water in the steamer to heat completely will help prevent sputtering of the water before the steam appears. Water sputters can leave stains on some fabrics and take longer to dry. Test the steamer on a kitchen towel to ensure a full head of steam.

    Clothes steamer turned on

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Gather and Hang Items for Steaming

    • Gather all of the clothes that you want to steam.
    • Place the garments on hangers and hang them from a clothes rack, shower curtain rod, or hook. Hanging the clothes gives you 360-degree access, and the weight of the freshly steamed clothes will help pull out wrinkles and prevent new wrinkles from forming.
    • If you are steaming drapes or shower curtains, install them on the rods and then steam them to remove wrinkles.

    Warning

    If steaming a tablecloth to remove creases, be sure the table is waterproof and heat-resistant. If it isn't, place a waterproof tarp under the cloth before using the clothes steamer.

    Steamer placed in front of hanging clothes on rack

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  4. Direct the Steam

    • Hold the steamer nozzle upright to prevent hot water spills or dribbles. Cotton, wool, synthetics (polyester), and mixed-fiber fabrics can be steamed from the garment's right side (the front). Lightly brush the material with the nozzle as the steam escapes.
    • Delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and velvet should be steamed from the underside (inside out) to prevent watermarks, streaking, and crushing. Do not touch the nozzle to the fabric. Hold it at least one inch away from the fabric surface. If you are unsure it is safe to steam the material, read the care label or test the steamer on a hidden area.
    • Straighten the fabric and hold the garment at the hem. Use a lint roller to smooth fabrics and capture any lint as you work.
    Steamer head held in underside of delicate hanging clothes

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  5. Allow Fabrics to Dry

    For optimal results, allow time for the fabric to dry. Leave the garment hanging until it is fully dry. To speed up the drying time, use a rotating fan.

    Rotating fan placed in front of steamed clothes to dry

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Care and Cleaning of a Clothes Steamer

To keep your clothes steamer working at its best, follow these care and cleaning steps.

  1. Store Properly

    • After each steaming session, let the steamer cool down completely, empty the water reservoir, and allow it to dry thoroughly before storing the appliance.
    Clothes steamer unplugged to cool before storage

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Clean Regularly

    The steamer requires regular cleaning, even if you only use distilled water in the tank. Frequency depends on how often you use the steamer, but it should be cleaned at least quarterly to remove limescale and minerals that can clog the wand and nozzle openings.

    • Fill the water reservoir with distilled white vinegar and allow it to heat up thoroughly.
    • Hold the steamer over a sink and shoot out the steam until the reservoir is nearly empty.
    • When the vinegar is gone, fill the tank with distilled water and allow that to heat thoroughly. Shoot out all of the water into a sink.
    • Allow all components to dry if you store the appliance, or refill with distilled water for a fresh steaming session.
    Clothes steamer tank filled with distilled white vinegar for cleaning

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Additional Tips

  • Always read the fabric care label before steaming; most cotton, silk, wool, polyester, and nylon fabrics should be steamer-safe.
  • If unsure about using a steamer on a particular material, test the steam on an inconspicuous spot to make sure.
  • To remove problem wrinkles, steam clothes inside out for more wrinkle-busting power.
  • Steamers can burn if you're not careful; some come with mitts to protect your skin from potential burns.
  • If your model comes with nozzles or brushes, use them as recommended for the fabric you're steaming.
  • An item you steam may remain moist for a few minutes; expect it will need at least 10 minutes of drying time before wearing it.
FAQ
  • Do you touch the fabric with a steamer?

    Hold a steamer away from a delicate item; however, heavy-duty wool or stronger fibers can handle direct contact with a steamer.

  • What should you not use a steamer on?

    Never use a steamer on suede, wax-coated jackets, or plastic.

  • How effective are fabric steamers?

    Fabric steamers are highly effective for releasing wrinkles from most fabrics, including some fabrics that are unsafe to use an iron on. However, irons are better at making crisp pleats, hems, and cuffs, while a steamer gives the clothing a smooth, relaxed finish.