Guide

7 common mistakes to avoid when using a clothes steamer

21/4/2023

Your clothes steamer leaves water splashes on your clothes and hardly removes wrinkles? You might be making one of these 7 common mistakes.

1. You start too soon

Clothes steamers take a moment to heat up and be ready for use. Don’t direct the first clouds of steam at your clothes. Instead, release the steam into the air for at least 30 seconds until it comes out evenly. This allows the steamer to spit out any water residue that may still be in the nozzles from the last time it was used – and that could otherwise end up on your clothes.

2. You hold the steamer incorrectly

Don’t point the metal plate of your steamer parallel to the fabric, but point it slightly downwards. This allows the steam to spread better and minimises the risk of droplets landing on your clothes. Also, don’t hold the plate too far away. For most materials, such as cotton, wool or polyester, no safety distance is necessary. For delicate materials such as silk, two to three centimetres is fine.

3. You don’t keep the fabric taut

Don’t just let your garment dangle loosely from the hanger while steaming it. Instead, use your other hand to pull down on the bottom. This way, the loosened fibres are pulled straight.

4. You move the steamer too fast

If you glide over the creases in a hurry, the steam won’t be able to work the fibres sufficiently. Make slow movements and work through the fabric in sections. If you’re struggling with a particularly wrinkled area, steam it for 30 seconds.

5. You only steam from the outside

For stubborn creases, it can help to additionally work on the inside of the garment. This method also protects clothes with appliqués such as buttons or paillettes and clothes made of sensitive materials such as silk or velvet.

6. You don’t use any accessories

Get more out of your steamer with a few simple accessories. Use a reinforced ironing glove to press tricky areas like shirt collars smooth. Alternatively, a cutting board will do the job. If you’re steaming the edge you’re also pulling on to straighten it out (see mistake number 3), a heat glove can protect you from burns. Or you can use a clothes peg as an extension arm on the hem and stretch the fabric with it.

7. You don’t let the clothes cool down

After steaming an item of clothing, it’s damp and warm. Let it cool and dry completely on the hanger before folding or wearing it or wrinkles will form right away.