How to Clean a Garment Steamer?
Garment steamers need maintenance, which may include cleaning or descaling to ensure that they last a long time. How often the clothes steamer needs cleaning depends on how often you use it, but cleaning is usually recommended bi-weekly for commercial use and monthly for home use.
It is easy to notice when the steamer needs cleaning, it emits the steam slowly, or the steam does not come out at all. Regular preemptive cleaning can ensure that this will not happen to you. (1) Follow this procedure to clean a garment steamer:
Cleaning Your Clothes Steamer the Right way
Step 1
The garment steamer is cleaned using distilled water and white vinegar. Turn off the machine and make sure it is not connected to the power source. Wait for the steamer to cool down as it gets hot while in use. Remove the hose, the pole, and put them away. Make sure that the steamer has no water by releasing it through the drainage valve or by turning it upside down if it’s a handheld device.
Step 2
The steamer needs plenty of water to make it clean. Fill the water tank with a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts distilled water after closing the drain valve. You can swish the solution in the reservoir or plug it and run to see how much steam will come out. The steamer should be run until the steam coming out at the normal rate.
Step 3
After ensuring that the steam is coming out properly, unplug the steamer and leave it for about twenty - thirty minutes until it has cooled. If the steamer did not emit the steam as it should, repeat the procedure by putting in another solution of vinegar until comfortable that it is clean. The process can be done as many times as possible until the garment steamer is clean.
Step 4
Use the drain valve to empty the steamer and rinse the reservoir with clean water, then fill it up again. Run the steamer until at least half the tank has evaporated to ensure that any remaining vinegar is cleaned from the valve. The inside may be cleaned with a toothbrush or any soft brush to eliminate any calcium or anything that may have stuck on the interior.
Step 5
Allow all the water to empty from the reservoir and wait for the container to dry before putting it away, ready for use. This procedure can be repeated as needed until the steam comes out perfectly, and the garment steamer will always be working well.
How to Descale a Clothes Steamer?
You may need to descale or decalcify if you have calcium and other salt deposits built up on the inside of the steamer. The presence of calcium in the tank may lead to clogging of the nozzle, which will prevent the smooth working of the steamer.
Most fabric steamers will need decalcification after continuous usage of about 5 months, but the frequency varies, depending on how often the steamer is used and the type of water it is used with. Follow the steps below to descale your device.
For a Standing Garment Steamer
Step 1
Most brands have a recommended product for removing calcium. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
Step 2
Follow up with the same white vinegar and water solution recommended for the regular cleaning. You can make it stronger for professional steamers, about half vinegar and half distilled water will work. Keep it the same one part vinegar two parts water for a lighter home model.
Step 3
Run the steamer until about half a tank of solution has evaporated. Let the remaining solution sit for about 30-60 minutes. Empty the remaining liquid.
Step 4
Fill the water tank up with clean water and steam as you normally would. If the steam comes out fine, you have just decalcified your steamer successfully! If it’s still clogged, repeat steps 2-4 until the steam comes out strong again.
For a Handheld Steamer Model
Step 1
Switch of and unplug the steamer. Empty the water tank.
Step 2
You can usually see the calcium deposit inside the nozzle. Use a small metal object such as a file to scrape the calcium off. Be careful not to damage the nozzle.
Step 3
Use a piece of cloth or cotton to wash away any remaining deposits with a descaling solution such as Lime Away or any other brand available to you.
Step 4
Prepare the one part vinegar two parts water cleaning solution and run the steamer until about half the tank evaporates. Let the remaining solution sit for 20-40 minutes.
Step 5
Empty the tank, fill it again with clean water and run the steamer as normal. If the steam is strong, you are done. If you still notice any clog, keep repeating the steps until it cleans up.
Maintaining Your Garment Steamer
Besides cleaning and descaling, there are other steps to follow if you want keep your device in good working condition for a long time.
Avoid putting any additives to the water such as dyes, perfume or other chemicals. These may have an unwanted reaction with the metal parts of the steamer and damage it.
Never allow the steamer to run without water as this can lead to overheating and damage the machine. Many models come with a built-in auto-switch that prevents this but not all models have this function.
When you are filling the water tank, make sure that the water level is between the minimum and the maximum mark
Never let water sit in the steamer for long between uses. Water becomes stale and contribute to the faster build-up of calcium on the inside of the steamer.
Use distilled water or tap water that is not too hard. Depending on where you live, tap water may need to be filtered before using it in a fabric steamer.
With a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule, high-quality garment steamers will serve you for a long time. The steps to follow are easy shouldn’t take too much extra time. Let these good habits form from the beginning and your clothes steamer will make your life easier in return.
