How to Clean a Clothes Steamer

Before cleaning your clothes steamer, read the owner's use and care manual for specific steps for your model. If you can not find the manual, look online at the manufacturer's website for a copy.

1. Unplug the Appliance

   If you are cleaning a clothes steamer immediately after a steaming session, unplug the appliance and allow it to slightly cool down. Even if the steamer is cool, leave it unplugged as you prep it for cleaning.

2. Empty the Water Tank

   With the appliance unplugged from a power source and cooled, remove or empty the water reservoir into a sink or bucket. Dispose of the water or use it to water houseplants.

3. Add Distilled White Vinegar

   Fill the water reservoir with distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar. Do not use apple cider or any other flavored vinegar that may leave sediments in the tank.

4. Power up the Steamer

   Plug the appliance into an outlet and allow it to reach its highest temperature.

5. Expel the Vinegar

   Holding the nozzle over a sink or bucket, shoot out the vinegar at the highest full-steam setting. Blast out the steam until the water reservoir is nearly empty.

   Warning

   Keep your face well away from the steam to avoid contact with the aerosolized acetic acid in the vinegar. Watch nearby countertops and wall cabinets. If they develop any condensation from the vinegar steam, stop and immediately wipe them off with plain water and dry with a clean cloth. To avoid damage to surfaces, consider doing this over a bathtub or other hardy surface.

   Pour the vinegar down the sink drain. It is also a good cleaner to help remove the sticky gunk that often cling to the sides of the drain pipes.

6. Refill the Water Tank

   Once the vinegar is nearly gone, unplug the appliance, allow it to cool slightly, and refill the water reservoir with distilled water.

7. Expel the Heated Water

   Power up the steamer again and expel all of the distilled water in the tank. This will rinse away any remaining vinegar. Pour this water down the drain.

8. Cool and Disassemble

   Unplug the clothes steamer and allow it to cool completely. Disassemble as many of the steamer components as possible and dry with a microfiber cloth or allow them to air dry.

9. Inspect Components

   While the clothes steamer is disassembled, inspect the components for any problems. Look for cracked hoses or gaskets.

   Carefully check the nozzle for residue in the small openings. If you see white, powdery residue, fill a small bowl with warm distilled white vinegar (heat in the microwave). Place the nozzle in the bowl and allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight.

   Rinse well and use a toothpick to remove any clogged areas before reassembling the steamer.

10. Reassemble Steamer

    When all of the components are clean and dry, reassemble the steamer for storage. If you plan to use it right away, fill the steamer with distilled water.

Tips to Keep Your Clothes Steamer Clean Longer

• Always use distilled water in the reservoir.
• Do not overfill the water tank.
• Do not allow the water reservoir to run dry during a steaming session. This can cause mineral deposits to scorch or burn.
• Always empty the water reservoir between steaming sessions.
• Do not store the steamer for long periods with water in the reservoir.
• Wipe the reservoir dry after each use, so it's completely dried before being stored.
• Disassemble the steamer components so that they dry thoroughly between steaming sessions, particularly before storing the steamer.
• Store the steamer with the nozzle in an upright position.