How to Steam Clean Fabric

Steam cleaning clothes is much quicker than ironing.

Steam cleaning is an environmentally friendly, practical way to clean anything from clothing and furniture to tile floors. It reduces the number of allergens and bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals. For fabric, steam cleaning provides the added bonus of wrinkle removal, and is much quicker than ironing. Some materials, however, such as velour and silk, should not be cleaned with a steam cleaner.

Things You'll Need

• Steam cleaner
• Water

Instructions

1. Add clean water to the steam cleaner tank. Most models have a fill line to designate how much water you will need, as well as a safety cap on the top of the water tank. Tighten the cap completely.

2. Turn on the steam cleaner and wait about five minutes for it to warm up, or longer if the manufacturer's instructions provide a time.

3. Hang up the clothes you want to steam clean and empty any pockets.

4. Hold the steam cleaner head up to the clothes and touch it to the fabric very lightly. Do not push; the steam will clean and remove wrinkles without added pressure.

5. Turn off the steam cleaner once you have finished steaming the fabric. Hold the steam button until all of the pressure has been released, and then unscrew the water tank cap without removing it completely until the remaining steam has discharged.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang pants from the cuff for best steaming results.

• Always keep the steamer upright for optimal steam production.

• If wrinkles remain, try steaming the fabric from the inside or from the back.

• Steam cleaners contain water at very high temperatures and pressure. Always exercise caution when removing the steam tank cap and do not allow children to play with the steam cleaner.

References

• Jiffy Steamer: How to Steam
• Allergy Buyers Club Shopping: Steam Cleaning Guide
• My Steam Cleaners: Scunci ISS1000
• Prolectrix Steam Cleaner Instructions