Q&A for How to Use a Clothes Steamer

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  • Question
    Is it better to steam a garment as soon as you remove it from the washer or after it is dry?
    Community Answer
    The wet clothes should be allowed to dry first as you do when you are going to iron them. You will have to dry the garment first, before steaming it.
  • Question
    Is the steamer supposed to be used on the garment or just close to it?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the garment that is being steamed. If the garment is delicate, keep your steamer at a distance so that the garment is not ruined. If the garment is heavy or has a lot or wrinkles, place the steamer closer to it or on it.
  • Question
    How do I hang woman's pants while steaming them?
    Community Answer
    You can get hangers with 2 clips to hang up men's or women's trousers. There is no difference between them as far as the steamer or iron in concerned.
  • Question
    Can everything be steamed?
    Community Answer
    No, it cannot. Suede should never be steamed. You should also avoid steaming any plastic decorations or ornaments on clothing, as the plastic will melt. Finally, to avoid damaging prints (screen prints, etc.), turn the garment inside out before steaming it.
  • Question
    Can I put starch in the steamer?
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot put starch in the steamer. I broke my steamer trying this. Please use only water in your steamer.
  • Question
    Do you needed to empty the water reservoir after each use?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You should empty the reservoir after the steamer has cooled. You should empty any remaining water and put in a little new water. Shake the steamer gently to loosen any mineral build-up, and empty the new water again. Leaving water in the steamer could cause mold to grow inside it.
  • Question
    Do you have to wash the clothes before using the garment steamer?
    Community Answer
    Yes. A steamer does not clean your clothes.
  • Question
    What is wrong if the steam is cold?
    Community Answer
    Steam can never be cold. It is water that has evaporated. Your clothing could feel cool immediately after, but that is due to the heat being transferred from your garment to the air.
  • Question
    I have a client that wants me to steam a pleated thick cotton bed skirt that’s already on the bed. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Don’t do it if you're using a handheld steamer, as water will fall all over the garment. A smaller steamer can only be held in an upright position. Think of it as a kettle - it steams, but if you turn it upside down the water will fall out. Best answer: put it on a hanger and steam it up and down for perhaps 10-15 minutes, depending on how wrinkled it is.
  • Question
    What is the brush attachment used for steaming clothing?
    Community Answer
    Many garment steamer manufacturers recommend using the brush to improve steam penetration on thick, heavy fabrics.
  • Question
    What is the salt to water ratio for a clothes steamer?
    Community Answer
    Do not use salt in a clothes steamer. It will cause mineral buildup and damage your clothing.
  • Question
    What should I do if the handle is hot?
    Community Answer
    In general, if you feel overheating, stop using it and let it cool down And check the manual to see if your steamer needs repairing. Also, always make sure you have enough water in the water tank, never use a steamer without an appropriate amount of water - it is the water that produces the steam by being heated after all. You should always follow the instructions manual that comes with your appliance. If you have lost or disposed of the instructions, you can try searching with the make and model online or contact the store you bought your steamer from.
  • Question
    Where can I buy the cap to put over my clothes steamer?
    Community Answer
    Contact the manufacturer of the steamer. If you no longer have the book, just search the manufacturer's name online and it should pull up the corporate website.
  • Question
    Aren't you supposed to pull the garment taut? How do I do that without it falling off the hanger?
    Matthew
    Community Answer
    It's OK to gather up a shirt a little to keep it on the hanger. Also, you can steam garments on a horizontal surface if you have a steamer than can steam horizontally without spitting. An example is the Propress MINI.
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