A steamer can even be used around the house toclean and sanitize surfacesfrom upholstery to cooktops to shower doors.
How often do you use your clothes steamer?
Do you use tap water or distilled water to fill the water tank?
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Whattype of clothes steamerare you using, a small hand-held model or a larger free-standing floor model?
you’re free to also inspect the nozzle for white residue around each small opening.
Even if the steamer is cool, leave it unplugged as you prep it for cleaning.
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Dispose of the water or use it to water houseplants.
Add Distilled White Vinegar
Fill the water reservoir with distilled white vinegar orcleaning vinegar.
Do not use apple cider or any other flavored vinegar that may leave sediments in the tank.
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Blast out the steam until the water reservoir is nearly empty.
Watch nearby countertops and wall cabinets.
To avoid damage to surfaces, consider doing this over a bathtub or other hardy surface.
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Pour the vinegar down thesink drain.
This will rinse away any remaining vinegar.
Pour this water down the drain.
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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 amicrofibercloth or allow them to air dry.
Inspect Components
While the clothes steamer is disassembled, inspect the components for any problems.
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Look for cracked hoses or gaskets.
Carefully check the nozzle for residue in the small openings.
Place the nozzle in the bowl and allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight.
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Rinse well and use a toothpick to remove any clogged areas before reassembling the steamer.
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.
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Tips to Keep Your Clothes Steamer Clean Longer
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The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
