The Ultimate Guide To Using A Steamer

Steamers are a versatile household appliance with a variety of uses. The most common type is the clothes steamer, which is used to remove wrinkles from fabrics and can be used on most materials, including delicate textiles like silk and wool. Clothes steamers are also more portable than irons and can be used when surface space is limited. In addition to clothing, they can be used to freshen and sanitise upholstery, drapes, carpets, mirrors, windows, cars and other household items. Food steamers are another type of steamer, which have been used for millennia and are still popular today due to their health benefits and ability to retain nutrients in food.

Remove wrinkles from clothes

A clothes steamer is a useful household appliance that can remove wrinkles from almost any fabric. It is a great alternative to ironing, as it is more gentle and effective, and does not require an ironing board. Steamers heat water and direct the vapours through a nozzle onto the fabric, releasing wrinkles, deodorising, and killing germs.

To use a clothes steamer to remove wrinkles from clothes, follow these steps:

• Fill the water tank with cool, distilled water. Do not overfill the tank and ensure that all components are connected correctly.
• Hang your garment on a hanger. If you are using a handheld steamer, use your own hanger. You can hang it on any hook, shower rod, or curtain rod.
• Grab the bottom of the garment and gently stretch the fabric while you are steaming. This makes it easier to remove tough creases.
• Press the mouthpiece against the fabric. For handheld steamers, press the steam button to release steam. For upright steamers, the steam will be produced continuously. Move the steamer against the fabric in any direction.
• Try steaming from the inside of the garment. This is an effective technique for removing creases on shirts, blouses, and t-shirts.
• Allow your garment to dry after steaming. Since steaming involves shooting water vapour at a garment, it will be left slightly damp. It should only take about ten minutes to fully dry.

Clothes steamers are a great option for removing wrinkles from delicate fabrics such as silk, chiffon, and velvet, as well as sturdier fabrics like cotton and denim. They are also useful for removing wrinkles from curtains, upholstery, and other household items.

Clean and sanitise surfaces

Steam cleaners are a versatile tool for cleaning and sanitising surfaces around the home. They are particularly useful for deep cleaning without the need for harsh chemicals. Steam cleaners use high-temperature steam to clean and sanitise hard surfaces. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, including kitchen appliances, countertops, sinks, toilets, tiles, and plumbing fixtures.

• Before using a steam cleaner, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure it is safe for the surface you intend to clean.
• Always use distilled water in your steamer to prevent clogging and mineral buildup.
• Before steaming, clean the surface to remove dust, dirt, and grit, which can clog the steamer's attachments or scratch the surface.
• Choose the right attachment for the task. Brushes are common attachments that work with steam to scrub surfaces and sanitise the area. Soft cloth attachments are ideal for delicate surfaces to protect them from scratching.
• Work in sections, applying steam to the area and using the attachment to scrub or wipe the surface.
• Refill the machine with water as needed and continue to work in sections until the task is complete.
• After steaming, go over the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.

It is important to note that steam cleaning is not suitable for all surfaces. Avoid using steam on unsealed, polished, or waxed wood, painted surfaces, delicate fabrics like silk, and porous surfaces like cardboard or paper. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and test on an inconspicuous area if you are unsure.

Freshen and clean your car

A car steam cleaner is a great way to get your car looking and smelling fresh and clean. It's a satisfying way to get your car looking good without the hefty bill for professional detailing. It's also a chemical-free way to clean your car, as steam cleaners use steam to sanitise surfaces and go deep into the upholstery to eliminate trapped dirt, allergens and germs.

Step 1: Remove Trash, Accessories and Mats

First, pick up any loose items and throw out any trash. Remove or put away everything else, such as your snow brush, emergency kit or child car seats. If your car has removable mats on the floor or in the trunk, remove them and set them aside.

Step 2: Vacuum the Carpet and Upholstery

Use a standard vacuum with a handheld attachment or a compact handheld vacuum to clean up any dirt, pet hair or leaves that may have made their way into your car. Don't forget to get underneath the seats and in the trunk or hatch. If you removed cloth mats, vacuum those too.

Step 3: Prepare Your Car Steam Cleaner

Fill your steam cleaner with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and give it time to heat up. You may need an extension cord to reach all the surfaces in your vehicle, so make sure it's rated for outdoors and suitable for the steam cleaner.

Step 4: Steam Clean the Upholstery and Carpet

Attach the standard cleaning brush to the steam cleaner. Press the trigger to release steam as you move the cleaning attachment over the cloth upholstery. Start in an inconspicuous area to test out the results. Be thorough, but work quickly enough that the upholstery does not get wet. If your steam cleaner came with a crevice tool, go back over the edges and corners to get any spots you missed the first time. Repeat this process on the carpet.

Step 5: Vacuum Again

As you steam clean, you may notice that trapped dirt or hair has been pulled out of the carpet or upholstery. If so, take another pass with the vacuum to clean it up.

Step 6: Clean Leather and Hard Surfaces

Swap out the brush attachment on your steam cleaner for a softer attachment. This ensures you won't scratch leather or vinyl surfaces. If you don't have a soft attachment, you can simply attach a microfiber cleaning cloth to the nozzle for this step. Working the same way as you did on the carpet and cloth upholstery, carefully move the nozzle over any plastic, vinyl or leather surfaces in your car.

Step 7: Clean the Crevices

Use a precision attachment on your steam cleaner to clean air vents, cup holders, knobs, gear shifts and door handles.

Step 8: Wipe Away Any Debris

Use a microfiber cleaning cloth to dry up any water left behind and get rid of any residual dust or dirt.

Step 9: Clean the Windows

If your steam cleaner came with a window attachment, you can also use the appliance to clean glass. Clean as you would with a regular squeegee, working in small sections and wiping the tool with a clean cloth after each pass. This works both inside and outside your vehicle.

Step 10: Clean and Replace Mats

If you have all-weather rubber floor mats instead of carpet mats, clean them with the steam cleaner in the same way you cleaned your car's plastic and vinyl surfaces. Once they're clean and dry, put them back in the car.

Remove carpet stains

A steamer is a versatile tool that can be used for various tasks around the home, including removing carpet stains. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively remove carpet stains using a steamer:

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Before you start, it is important to clear the area by removing any furniture, toys, or other items from the carpet. This will make the process easier and faster. If some furniture pieces are too heavy to move, wrap their legs with waterproof tape to protect them from the hot steam. Alternatively, use aluminium foil to deter moisture.

Step 2: Vacuum the Carpet

Vacuuming the carpet is essential to remove dust, hair, crumbs, and other loose particles. Run the vacuum slowly in one direction, and then again in the opposite direction to pick up as much dirt as possible. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas, as they tend to accumulate more debris.

Step 3: Treat Spot Stains

For stubborn stains like lipstick, food spills, or pet messes, treat them with a carpet stain remover before steaming. Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in the stain remover solution and let it sit for a few minutes. Avoid rubbing the stain, as it will push it deeper into the carpet fibres.

Step 4: Prepare the Steam Cleaner

Fill the water tank of your steam cleaner with distilled water as per the manufacturer's instructions. Some steam cleaners have a detergent compartment, while others allow you to add a carpet cleaning solution, dish soap, or white vinegar to the water tank. Do not use any cleaning agents that are not recommended by the manufacturer.

Step 5: Steam the Carpet

Start steaming the carpet from one corner, making clean straight lines with each run. Overlap the previous line with each new pass to ensure thorough cleaning. If using soap or carpet shampoo, run the steamer over the same line twice—once to inject soap and the second time to suck it up along with the dirt.

Step 6: Allow Drying Time

After steaming, give your carpet enough time to dry completely. This can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. To speed up the drying process, use a shop vac with wet and dry capabilities, a dehumidifier, or fans to enhance air circulation. Opening the windows will also help.

Bonus Tips:

• For small stain areas, a garment steam iron can be used instead of a steam cleaner. Place a wet towel between the iron and the rug to avoid direct contact, as this can damage the rug fibres.
• To remove coffee stains, blot the spill immediately, sponge with water, blot again, and then use the steamer to remove any remaining marks.
• Always wear rubber gloves when using a steamer to protect your hands from scalding.
• For very stubborn stains, apply a weak solution of carpet cleaner, let it dry for an hour, and then steam again.

Steam clean your mattress

A steamer is a household appliance that removes wrinkles from fabrics and can be used on a large variety of materials, from curtains to clothes. It is a more flexible option than an iron and is easier to handle as it does not require an ironing board.

Steaming is also an effective way to clean your mattress. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Deodorise and Vacuum the Mattress

• Remove all bedding, including pillows and mattress toppers, and wash them.
• Sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress to remove odours.
• Allow the baking soda to sit for at least an hour.
• Vacuum the mattress thoroughly with the hand attachment.

Step 2: Apply Steam

• Choose a steam machine that fits your needs and budget. Ensure that it heats the water to at least 212 °F (100 °C).
• Fill and heat the steamer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply steam to the mattress top using long and slow strokes, holding the steamer just above the mattress.
• Steam the sides of the mattress for a deeper clean.

Step 3: Dry the Mattress

• Wait 2-4 hours for the mattress to dry completely. To speed up the drying process, use fans, open windows, or move the mattress to a sunny area.
• Cover the bed with clean linens once it's fully dry.

Frequently asked questions