How to Steam Clean Your Clothes Like a Pro

Steam cleaning clothes are becoming more and more popular in the world of fashion as it offers an alternative to ironing and washing delicate fabrics. Some may have overlooked all the good stuff and benefits it has to offer, but it is worth investing for a good steamer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Steaming Clothes

Some of the advantages steaming bring are the following: it removes wrinkles, it is gentler on fabrics unlike ironing, it penetrates and removes dirt, odor, and bacteria deeper, it uses no chemicals as it only requires heat and water, and most importantly, it can be easily done at home by yourself like a pro! It is very quick, easy and convenient and it can help you save hundreds of dollars in dry cleaning costs. Here are the steps you need to follow to clean and turn your clothes into fresh, new-like garments.

Know Which Kind of Fabrics Are Safe to Steam

If you are the type of person who only wears waxed jackets, suedes, or any other materials that are prone to melting, then steam cleaning may not be for you. But of course, most people have various pieces of clothing, and luckily, steam cleaning is safe for most fabrics including cotton, silk, wool, and polyester.

Prepare the Steamer For Use

Always make sure the water level in the tank is sufficient after each item of clothing. Avoid running low of water as it might end up damaging the garment steamer. However, be cautious not to put too much water as it may only come out as water instead of steam.

Hang The Clothes You Want to Steam

Make sure to button the collar and a couple of buttons below it to make steaming faster and easier. If the steamer doesn’t come with a hanging pole, use a shower curtain rod or anything which can be used such as a doorknob, the back of a chair, etc. Also, make sure to use rust-proof hangers to avoid damaging your garments.

Run the Steamer in a Downward Stroke

Steam from the bottom, moving upwards in a downward stroke. Take extra caution with embellishments such as sequins, pleats, ruffles and hold the steamer at a distance of at least 1-2 inches from the fabric. It is safe to touch the steamer nozzle to the garment if the fabric is not too delicate. However, it will be safer to turn the garment inside out whether it has been embroidered or printed so there’s no risk of damaging the embroidery or print.

If the garment is extremely wrinkled, you can turn the garment inside out to keep its shape and be effective at the same time without damaging the embellishments, if there are any.

For heavier materials, you can use the steamer inside and outside of the piece of clothing to get the best results.

Allow the Dampness to Air Out

After steam cleaning your clothes, it may feel a little damp. Don’t put it back into your closet just yet. Make sure to dry it completely and let it sit for 5-10 minutes after steaming it to achieve that wrinkle-free, fresh and like-new look.

The Bottomline

A steam cleaner is surprisingly versatile. Aside from clothes, you can also use it for bed sheets, pillowcases, curtains, and even upholstery. It is very economical and effective and is a good alternative for dry cleaning and ironing clothes. It will surely save you both time and money. A steamer is also very portable, so many people take it with them whenever they travel. If you are someone who wants to look presentable while on the go, a garment steamer is a good investment. And the best thing is, you can steam clean your clothes yourself like a professional.