Using a steamer is a great way to remove wrinkles and refreshen clothes between washes. Steamers use hot steam to relax the fibers in fabric so wrinkles can be smoothed out. They are an easy, quick, and effective alternative to ironing for many types of garments. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly use a steamer on your clothes.

Choosing the Right Steamer

When selecting a steamer for your clothes, there are a few key factors to consider:

Types of Steamers

There are a few main types of steamers:

• Handheld – These are lightweight and easy to maneuver. They are best for touching up items hanging in your closet or steaming delicates. However, they have a smaller water reservoir so require more frequent refilling.
• Standing/Upright – These generate more steam power for longer periods of time. They are ideal for steaming larger items like dresses, coats, and drapes. However, they take up more space.
• Travel – These are smaller in size to fit in a suitcase but still pack some steam power. They are great for steaming clothes while traveling.

Steam Power

The steam power, measured in watts, indicates how much steam is produced. More steam means faster, more effective wrinkle removal. Aim for at least 1000 watts.

Steam Time

Longer steam time allows you to work on an item longer before having to pause and refill. Look for at least 10 minutes of steam time.

Water Capacity

A larger water reservoir will require less frequent refilling. Look for at least a 6-8 oz capacity.

Extra Features

Some additional useful features to look for include multiple steam settings, a hanger/attachments for hanging items, and an automatic shut-off.

Prepping Your Clothes & Work Area

Before steaming, make sure your clothes and workspace are ready:

• Ensure the garment fabric can be steamed – some very delicate fabrics like silk or sequined fabrics could be damaged by high heat.
• Check that garment seams are finished – raw edges may unravel from steaming.
• Hang or lay garments to remove existing wrinkles as much as possible.
• Clear an open workspace that allows you to easily manipulate the steamer.
• Have a garment rack or hangers ready for steaming hanging items.
• For safety, ensure the area has proper ventilation.

Filling the Steamer

Always refer to your steamer’s instruction manual for proper filling instructions. Here are some general tips:

• Use distilled water to fill the reservoir to avoid mineral buildup.
• Do not overfill past the indicated maximum fill line.
• If adding scent, use only a few drops of essential oil. Too much can cause spit-up.
• Tightly close the cap on the water reservoir when finished filling.

Allowing the Steamer to Heat Up

After filling the reservoir, turn the steamer on and allow it to fully heat up and start generating steam before using. This allows the heat and steam power to stabilize for best results.

• Plug in and turn on the steamer.
• Let it stand upright and heat up for a few minutes, until a steady stream of steam releases.
• Some steamers have indicator lights when fully heated and ready.

Steaming Technique

Once your steamer is heated up, you’re ready to start steaming away wrinkles! Follow these techniques:

Steaming Hanging Items

• Place the garment evenly on a hanger and hang on a garment rack or door.
• Hold the steamer head 2-3 inches from the fabric. Slowly move it across the fabric, avoiding staying in one spot too long.
• Work methodically from top to bottom or vice versa. Target creases and wrinkles by hovering slightly longer over them.
• For heavier fabrics or stubborn wrinkles, move the steamer closer to the fabric. But don’t let it touch, as the direct steam heat could leave a mark.
• When finished, avoid handling the garment until it cools and dries to set the shape.

Steaming Items Laid Flat

• Lay the garment on an ironing board or other flat, heat-safe surface.
• Hold the steamer vertically over the item, 2-3 inches above the fabric.
• Slowly move the steamer head across the garment, hovering longer over wrinkles.
• Turn garment over periodically to target both sides.
• Lift and smooth edges and seams with your free hand while steaming.
• For longer items, steam in sections to avoid re-wrinkling areas.

Steaming Delicates

• Hang or lay delicates like silks or lace garments on a heat-safe surface.
• Keep the steamer further away, about 4-6 inches above the fabric.
• Test on a small section first to ensure it’s colorfast and that fibers don’t warp.
• Gently move the steamer head across the fabric, taking extra caution.

Steaming Heavy Fabrics

• Use a higher steam setting and slower motions for thicker fabrics like denim or wool.
• Target creases by concentrating the steam on them steadily for several seconds.
• For extremely heavy fabrics, it can help to dampen the fabric first before steaming.

Avoiding Water Spit-Up

• Don’t tilt or tip the steamer too far, as reservoir water can spit out onto garments.
• If you see sputtering, stop steaming and wipe away any water before it sets.

Steaming Different Garments

Use these tips when steaming specific items of clothing:

Blouses and Shirts

• Hang the shirt up and start at the top, steaming the collar, shoulders, and upper back first.
• Slowly work your way down each section, smoothing fabric as you go.
• Pay close attention to seam lines, pockets, and button plackets.
• Hang up again to cool and dry before wearing.

Dresses

• Hang dress up and start steaming vertically from top to bottom.
• For longer dresses, steam in sections to avoid re-wrinkling areas.
• Target areas like bust, waist, and hip seams where wrinkles often form.
• Let cool and dry fully before handling to maintain the shape.

Pants and Shorts

• Hang pants by the leg hems or waistband to steam front and back.
• Target wrinkle-prone areas like the lap, knees, and bottom hems.
• Use pants hangers or clamps to steam side seams evenly.
• Lay flat to target pockets, pleats, and inner creases.

Skirts

• Hang skirt vertically, starting at the waistband and working down.
• Steam all around, turning periodically to reach all sides.
• For lined skirts, lift and smooth the lining while steaming the shell.
• Pay extra attention to waistbands, zippers, and vents.

Outerwear and Jackets

• Hang or lay jacket flat, steaming from top to bottom.
• Thoroughly steam lapels, shoulder seams, sleeves, and front facing.
• Use a hanger accessory to steam inside lining and inner pockets.
• Target areas like collars, cuffs, button plackets, and hems.

Curtains and Drapes

• Steam curtains fully while hanging for best results. Start at the top.
• Alternatively, remove and lay flat on a heat-safe surface, steaming in sections.
• For stubborn wrinkles, concentrate steam steadily on them, then smooth with hands.
• Avoid pulling or stretching the fabric as you steam.

Tablecloths and Bedding

• Spread item flat on a table or bed and steam top first.
• Lift edges frequently while steaming to get inner wrinkles.
• For large items, steam in manageable sections.
• Flip over periodically and repeat steps for back side.

Steamer Maintenance

Follow these tips to keep your steamer working efficiently for a long time:

• Empty water reservoir after each use to avoid mineral deposits.
• Wipe down exterior with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
• Descale regularly if using tap water, per manual instructions.
• Store in an upright position in a dry area.
• Don’t leave unused for extended periods, as mineral deposits can form inside.

Steaming vs Ironing

While steaming and ironing both remove wrinkles, there are some notable differences:

• Steaming is gentler on fabrics since there’s no direct contact or pressure. Better for delicates.
• Ironing can create sharper, crisper edges and seams. Steaming results are a little softer.
• Steamers only require electricity. Irons need an electrical outlet or hot stovetop.
• Ironing takes more time to heat up, arrange clothes, and move across fabric.
• Steamers don’t take up as much space for storage. An ironing board is bulkier.
• Steaming is generally quicker for most garments, while ironing is best for tailored finishing.

Steaming Clothes vs Dry Cleaning

Steaming clothes at home offers some advantages over dry cleaning:

• It saves time and money. No need to drop off and pick up items.
• You can quickly steam right before wearing to refresh clothes.
• It’s more eco-friendly than using chemical solvents in dry cleaning.
• You have full control and can target specific wrinkles as needed.
• No risk of clothing shrinkage, color loss, or damage from cleaners.

However, dry cleaning is still recommended for some fabrics and garments, such as:

• Items with heavier stains that require chemical solvents to remove. Steam won’t clean stains.
• Delicate fabrics like silks that could water-spot from steaming.
• Tailored wool suits, coats, and dresses that need special presses.
• Wedding dresses and heirloom garments needing meticulous care.

So utilize steaming for freshening up wrinkled daily clothes, then dry clean your finest wear as needed.

How to Use a Steamer on Different Fabrics

Different fabrics have different properties, so they require tailored steaming techniques. Here are tips for properly steaming various fabric types:

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most common fabrics to steam as heat and moisture relax cotton fibers easily.

Tips for Cotton:

• Use a medium-high heat setting. High heat can damage lower quality cottons.
• Slowly glide the steamer head across garments, concentrating on wrinkles.
• For lightweight cotton, hover closer to the fabric. Keep further away for thicker cottons.
• Let cottons fully dry after steaming to lock in the smooth shape.

Linen

Linen wrinkles easily, making it a prime candidate for regular steaming.

Steaming Linen:

• Use high heat settings to activate and relax linen fibers.
• Angle the steamer head slightly to increase steam penetration.
• Work in sections for linen dresses and pants to avoid re-wrinkling areas.
• Smooth fabrics with your free hand while steaming for optimal results.

Wool

Wool can be steamed but requires some care as excess heat can damage fibers.

Steaming Wool Garments:

• Use low or medium heat setting to avoid felting or shrinking wool.
• Keep steamer head further away, at least 5-6 inches above fabric.
• Gently glide steamer across the surface instead of holding it stationary.
• Steam inside out when possible to minimize direct steam contact.
• Lay flat or use a pressing cloth between garment & steamer.

Silk

Silks are extremely delicate and require the gentlest steaming method.

Steaming Silk:

• Check for colorfastness by testing steam on an inner seam. If dye bleeds, do not steam.
• Use lowest heat setting, keeping steamer 6+ inches above fabric.
• Steam briefly, moving quickly across the garment to minimize exposure.
• Target wrinkles by hovering slightly longer but keep steamer moving.
• Lay garment flat and avoid hanging silks to prevent stretching.

Polyester

Polyester resists heat well but some steam is needed to relax wrinkles.

Steaming Polyester:

• Use a medium heat setting. High heat over extended time can damage shape.
• Keep steamer 2-3 inches above fabric. Polyester doesn’t absorb moisture well.
• Concentrate steam directly on wrinkles until relaxed, then move quickly across fabric.
• Let cool fully before wearing or folds can re-set. Polyester wrinkles easily again.
• For washable polyester, a touch-up with the steam iron gives sharper creases.

Rayon

Rayon is semi-synthetic, derived from plant fibers. It requires gentle, low steaming.

Steaming Rayon:

• Check care tag and test colorfastness before steaming. Rayon dyes can bleed easily.
• Use low heat only. Medium+ heat can scorch fibers causing yellowing.
• Keep steamer 6+ inches away and use light motions across fabric.
• Avoid over-steaming as excessive moisture can damage rayon.
• Lay flat to dry fully before wearing to prevent re-wrinkling.

How to Use a Steamer on Delicate Fabrics and Garments

Delicate fabrics like silks, lace, and sequins require extra care when steaming. Follow these techniques to safely steam delicate items:

Check Fabric Type

• Examine fabric content and construction first. Very delicate fabrics can be damaged by steam.
• If unsure, test steam a small hidden area like an inner seam.
• Stop if fabric appears distorted, colors bleed, or adhesive holding sequins melts.

Use Lowest Setting

• Set steamer to lowest temp to prevent risk of scorching delicate fabrics.
• Some handheld steamers have a “delicate” or “synthetic” setting perfect for these projects.

Keep Distance

• Keep steamer head 6+ inches above fabric when steaming delicates.
• Get close quickly to target wrinkles, then immediately pull away.

Work Slowly & Gently

• Use light, feathery motions instead of prolonged exposure.
• Glide quickly across larger areas, pausing briefly on wrinkles.
• Take extra caution around embellishments like beads or sequins.

Steam Inside Out

• Flip garment inside out when possible to minimize direct steam contact.
• For lined garments, you can also just steam the lining side.

Use a Press Cloth

• Place a clean cotton cloth over fabric while steaming for a buffer.
• Helpful for shiny or heat-sensitive fabrics.
• Take care that the cloth doesn’t shift or stick to fabric.

Dry Flat

• Always lay delicates flat after steaming, never hang them.
• This prevents stretching out of shape as they dry.

Check Finish

• Inspect fabric closely after steaming to ensure no damage occurred.
• If needed, make adjustments to your technique, heat setting, or distance and test again in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.

Common Steaming Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when first learning to use a steamer. Watch out for these common errors:

Inadequate Heat Time

• Failing to pre-heat the steamer before use can result in weak steam application.
• Always let it fully heat up and start generating steam before moving onto garments.

Fix:

Be patient and allow ample warm-up time per the manual before steaming.

Overfilling Reservoir

• Overfilling past the max line can cause water sputtering onto clothes.
• It can also trigger the auto shut-off early, stopping steam production.

Fix:

Fill carefully just to the indicated max water line.

Moving Too Fast

• Rushing through garments reduces steam effectiveness on wrinkles.
• Can also cause drips if not allowing time for steam to fully penetrate fabric.

Fix:

Work methodically in sections, hovering longer over wrinkles.

Direct Contact

• Letting the steam plate directly touch fabric can scorch it.
• This is especially unsafe on delicate fabrics.

Fix:

Keep steamer head an appropriate distance above item, around 2-4 inches typically.

Wrong Motion

• Moving steamer in random circles causes uneven and inefficient steaming.
• Can stretch fabric out of shape over time.

Fix:

Use straight, smooth motions following the garment lines.

Insufficient Steam

• Keeping steamer too far away delivers diffuse, weak steam.
• Results in poor wrinkle release and slow process.

Fix:

Maintain ideal distance based on project – usually 2-6 inches above fabric.

Uncovered Steam Vent

• Some handhelds have a fabric cover over the steam vent that must be used.
• Uncovered, the direct steam release can damage fabric.

Fix:

Make sure to attach the protective vent cover in place before steaming clothes.

Troubleshooting Common Steamer Problems

Having trouble achieving good results with your steamer? Try these tips to troubleshoot some frequent issues:

Not Generating Steam

• Causes: Empty water tank, mineral buildup clogging plate, auto shut-off tripped
• Fixes: Refill tank with distilled water, descale steam plate per manual, allow to fully reheat

Sputtering Water

• Causes: Overfilled tank, tipping steamer, loose cover
• Fixes: Empty to proper fill line, keep upright, ensure cap is fully tightened

Leaks From Reservoirs

• Causes: Loose cap,