Garment steamers are versatile tools that can be used for much more than just removing wrinkles from clothes. Here are 6 surprising uses for garment steamers that you may not have considered before.
Refreshing Stale Smelling Clothes
One of the most common uses for a garment steamer is to refresh clothes between washes. The heat and steam help release odors from fabric and kill bacteria that causes smells. This allows you to wear clothes more times before needing to launder them.
To use a garment steamer for freshening up clothes, simply hang the item you want to refresh and pass the steamer over it. Focus on areas prone to odors like collars, underarms and hemlines. The heat and moisture will freshen the fabric. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the steamer’s water tank if you want to leave a light scent on clothes.
Garment steaming is perfect for freshening delicate items that can’t be washed frequently like dry clean only blazers, silks and wools. It’s also great for workout clothes that tend to get smelly quickly. Steaming them in between wears can save many extra loads of laundry.
Sanitizing Soft Furnishings
Steam is an effective natural sanitizer that can be used throughout the home. One way to put your garment steamer to work is by using it to sanitize and deodorize soft furnishings like sofas, pillows, curtains and pet beds.
The heat from the steam kills dust mites, bed bugs, fleas and bacteria that can cause odors in fabric. Simply pass the steamer over surfaces to sanitize without using harsh chemicals. Focus on areas that are touched frequently or prone to dirt buildup.
You can also use a garment steamer to sanitize stuffed animals and toys between uses to keep them free of germs. Just steam them thoroughly, making sure to get into crevices. This is an excellent way to sanitize baby and toddler toys which go into the mouth.
Removing Wallpaper
One of the toughest DIY projects is removing old wallpaper. Paper can tear, leaving scraps stuck to the wall that seem impossible to get off. A garment steamer can make quick work of wallpaper removal.
To use, hold the steam plate directly against the wallpaper and move slowly. The steam softens the adhesive so you can peel off large strips cleanly. Continue applying steam and removing paper until it’s all gone.
Steaming off wallpaper goes much faster than the traditional method of spraying on remover solution and scraping off paper. There’s also less clean up without chemical removers. Check for remaining adhesive after removing paper and use a scraper to clean the wall fully.
Steaming Wood Furniture
Wood furniture can easily lose its luster over time and become dried out. A garment steamer provides light steam that helps restore wood pieces. Using a garment steamer to clean wooden furniture brings back its natural glow and color.
To safely steam wood, use a low steam setting and test a small hidden area first. Apply steam in the direction of the wood grain while wiping with a clean cloth. Don’t hold the steamer in one spot too long which can damage the finish.
Steaming also helps clean grime from crevices and carvings. After steaming, make sure to treat the wood with a natural oil like lemon or olive oil to condition it. Avoid wax-based polish which can lead to buildup over time.
Removing Stickers and Glue
Kids’ art projects, price tags and band stickers seem to end up stuck on everything. Steam can be used to safely remove adhesive residue left behind on surfaces.
Hold the steam plate close to the sticker and slowly peel up an edge as the adhesive softens. Continue applying steam underneath to remove the entire sticker without ripping. After removing stickers, use steam to dissolve any sticky glue left behind. Wipe clean with a cloth.
For stickers on delicate surfaces like window glass, apply steam to loosen and gently scrape residue away with a plastic scraper. Steaming stickers off prevents damage to the surface underneath.
Cleaning Tile and Grout
Grout lines in tile can easily become dingy and stained over time. A thorough steam cleaning helps remove built-up dirt, soap scum and hard water deposits from tile and grout.
To effectively clean tile with a garment steamer, attach a grout brush or soft scrub brush to the end. Apply steam while gently brushing in a circular motion. The bristles combined with steam loosen soaked-in grime. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Be careful when steaming tile as excess moisture can damage grout or loosen tile. Focus on short bursts of steam and keep a towel handy to soak up moisture. Check for mildew or mold under caulking and recaulk if needed to prevent future buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Garment Steamers
What types of garment steamers work best for household uses?
Handheld garment steamers work well for most household uses. Look for one with variable steam settings and at least a 60-80 ounce water tank. Floor standing garment steamers on rolling wheels provide the most powerful steam for bigger jobs.
What safety precautions should I take when using a garment steamer for cleaning?
- Use care on delicate surfaces like veneer wood or antique fabrics. Spot test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Don’t hold the steam plate directly against surfaces which can cause moisture damage over time.
- Allow surfaces to fully dry after steaming to prevent water marks.
- Take care when using near electrical outlets or light fixtures.
- Read product instructions and heed warnings before use.
Where can I buy a garment steamer?
Garment steamers are widely available at stores like Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Amazon. Prices range from $30-$200 depending on features. Look for one with variable steam settings and a large water tank for household uses.
How should I care for my garment steamer?
- Follow manufacturer instructions for descaling to prevent mineral buildup.
- Refill with distilled water which causes less mineral buildup over tap water.
- Wipe down after use and store in a dry area.
- Don’t overfill the water tank.
- Don’t leave unused for long periods which can lead to algae growth in tank.
Can garment steamers be used on all fabrics?
Check fabric care instructions first. Most natural fabrics like cotton, wool and linen can be steamed but some synthetics like rayon may be damaged by the heat. Test polyester and acrylic in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid steaming beading, sequins or embroidery.
Conclusion
Garment steamers are inexpensive, versatile tools that have many uses beyond just steaming clothes. Their ability to sanitize, remove odors, adhesive and grime using only the power of steam makes them useful throughout the home. With proper care, a good garment steamer can take on tough cleaning jobs in every room. Experiment with these 6 surprising uses to get the most out of your garment steamer.