acquire the struggle against wrinkled garments by learning how to steam clean clothes with this whole step - by - footfall guide .

Investing in a apparel long-neck clam makes sense if you wear a lot ofdelicate fabricsor just are n’t into ironing . If you ’ve never used a soft-shell clam before , it can be restrain .

A steamer is the salutary elbow room toget wrinkles out of clothes without an iron . As the name hint , steam heat water supply and direct the vapors through a nozzle onto the fabrics , releasing wrinkle , deodorizing , and kill germs . It ’s a gentle , effective , blank space - saving scheme that does n’t require a clunky ironing board .

Pouring water into steamer tank

Credit:Brie Goldman

We ’re breaking down how to use the machine , what you should steamer rather than iron , and must - recognize fabric precaution tips to help you effortlessly slay seam . instruct how to steam clean clothes like a pro to leave your wearing apparel crease - free and sweet with these top .

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Instructions

How to Use a Clothes Steamer

Brie Goldman

Fill Water Reservoir

wearing apparel long-neck clam create their steam from a container of clean water . Fill the gimmick ’s water reservoir before getting start . Some guidelines to keep in mind include :

Hang Clothes

Hang your garment for the most effective and efficient steaming . Some larger model come with a hanger , but if you ’re using a handheld steamer , it ’s fine to employ one from your closet and hang the item over a threshold .

Do n’t give ear too humbled — a garment trailing on the story can get lousy and wrinkle .

Heat Steamer and Test Fabric

It takes time to extend to temperatures of 200 degrees plus . hand-held streamers might be respectable to go in 10 seconds ; some bigger models take longer , especially when on a higher high temperature stage setting . Once the Mya arenaria is ready , try a small area of fabric before getting begin .

While steam clothes is a gentle alternative , test on an inconspicuous area of material is a sensible precaution if you have a beloved , very soft garment . It also aid you establish whether the long-neck clam is at the most appropriate temperature .

Hover Closely Over the Fabric

gravel up close and personal with the fabric work well . broadly , the nose should be half an inch to a few in away from the garment , depending on the fabric type and steamship poser . It ’s all right if the steamer touches the fabric directly , unless it is finespun silk .

Start Slowly from the Top

A obtuse , methodical approach from the top down works best . Pull the garment taut ( without adulterate ) to help relax the character , especially for obstinate crinkle . If the detail has a lining , steam this first . steam delicate fabrics , like silk , from the inside is a dependable strategy to avoid water Deutschmark on the outer side .

Repeat the Process for Stubborn Creases

One steam might be enough for minimally wrinkle , promiscuous fabric . When there are a lot of wrinkles on a thicker textile , go over it a few time for best effect . Be certain to chequer if you want to refill the water system artificial lake after using the soft-shell clam for several garment .

Let Clothes Dry

Because steam is created from water , you may end up with a few moist spots on your garment ; this is normal . Do n’t put your garment back in the wardrobe or on while it is still damp . You want to invalidate adding wrinkles back in , and hang a moist item too close-fitting to other garment in the loo can cause mould and a musty smell .

Store Steamer Correctly

When you ’re done steaming , empty the urine source and permit the soft-shell clam to cool down fully before hive away it . Leaving water in the steamer between sessions is not recommend ; it can well shed in entrepot , and you risk bacteria ramp up - up from the stagnant water .

What Clothes Can You Steam?

Stick with steam natural fabrics such as cotton , linen , wool , silk , etc . head off steaming leather , suede , full fabrics , plastic , or clothes with intricate beading or other ornamentation . Even thebest clothes steamersaren’t designed to take on these case of materials .

100 % synthetic fiber , such as nylon or polyester , do n’t love in high spirits oestrus , so testing on a hidden blot of fabric before role is key .

Clothes Steamer Safety Tips

steamer clam get hot . To protect your hand and wearing apparel , be these safety tips :

When to Use a Clothes Steamer Instead of an Iron

Ironing pressing rumple out ( sometimes with the assistance of steam ) on top of the monotone , hard Earth’s surface of the ironing instrument panel . Ironing clothesoffers a crisp finish , even on thick fabrics . However , care and the right techniques are needed to keep scorching and avoid creating unwanted creases .

Ironing is a flying and easy solution for most everyday items , like shirt and pants . But if you ’re forge with delicate fabric ( like silk ) , an iron can really bankrupt the fabric — so steaming is the best selection . likewise , if you’reremoving wrinklesfrom a garment that has a orotund airfoil area ( like a flowy dress ) , steaming can eliminate the pesky creases that an iron tend to go away .

Close up view of clothing steamer and blouse

Credit:Brie Goldman

Steaming brown blouse in laundry room

Credit:Brie Goldman

Steaming brown blouse

Credit:Brie Goldman

Blouse with water spots from steamer

Credit:Brie Goldman

Clothing steamer and blue shirt

Credit:Brie Goldman