How to Use a Steamer on Clothes

How to Use a Clothes Steamer

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.
   

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.

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.

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.

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.
   

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.
     

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.

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.