Other Uses For Garment Steamer
If you have a steamer for your clothes, you already know how convenient it can be when it comes to quickly knocking out wrinkles if you’re rushing out the door or on a business trip. But did you know that there are several other uses for a garment steamer that can be incorporated into your housekeeping routines?
It’s true! Get ready to be wowed by some of the many garment steamer uses around the house. Then, take a look at several tips that can help you maximize the cleaning power of your clothes steamer.
Note: Regardless of whether you’re cleaning fabric or a hard surface, you should always conduct a spot test in a small inconspicuous place before cleaning any surfaces with your steamer.
Steam Your Sofa Clean
Vacuuming only goes so far when you’re trying to get a spot or stain out of a fabric sofa or upholstered chair. That’s why it’s good to be aware of the many other uses for a garment steamer: Hot water vapor can often solve your problem with minimal effort. (Check the tag on your furniture cushions before steaming to make sure they can be cleaned with water.)Drive Dirt From Drapes
Cleaning curtains and drapes can be a real pain, especially when you have to remove several panels of heavy fabric while balancing on a ladder or chair. Good news! You may be able to clean your window treatment using that handy garment steamer. (You’ll still want someone in the room with you if you’re climbing ladders or standing on furniture, though.)Remove Rug and Carpet Stains
When you’re dealing with heavily soiled areas, it’s important to know how to properly tackle a dirty area rug or the best way to clean your carpet. However, if you’re only trying to lift a light stain on the carpet, you can break out your trusty clothes steamer and make quick work of that soiled spot.Sanitize Countertops and Kitchen Surfaces
If your steamer reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it is capable of sanitizing. So, when you’re worried about cross-contamination during a big batch of Sunday meal prepping, tap into your knowledge of other uses for a garment steamer and chase those kitchen countertop germs away.Kill Kitchen Grease and Grit
Cleaning stovetop grease and spatters in your oven is notoriously difficult. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t whip up those delicious red curries and eggplant lasagnas. Rather than swearing off foods that use cooking oils (which is almost everything, by the way), take advantage of the fact that one of the many garment steamer uses is loosening stuck-on grease, grit and gunk.Bust Bathroom Grime
One of the places where you’ll find plenty of other garment steamer uses is in the bathroom. Steam can work wonders when it comes to brightening dingy grout and cleaning mildew and hard water stains from shower curtain liners. You can also use a garment steamer on your mirror to get a streak-free shine.Tips to Make the Most of Garment Steamers
- Use distilled water in your steamer to avoid leaving traces of minerals behind.
- Don’t use on drapes, upholstery or bedding that is labeled “dry clean only.”
- Make sure it’s safe to use water-based cleaners on fabric sofas, chairs and rugs by knowing how to read the care tag on your furniture.
- If you’re trying to disinfect, you’ll need to be certain your model produces steam that reaches temperatures of at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid steam cleaning finished wood, surfaces that have been polished, waxed or freshly painted, unsealed surfaces, musical instruments and antiques.
- Recognize that while there are many garment steamer uses, this is not a one-size fits all tool. In some cases, you’ll need an actual steam cleaner that comes with attachments.
Now that you know all of the myriad bonus uses of a garment steamer, you might be interested in how other household products can be applied in surprising ways. Check out these tips on cleaning with lemon and learn some unconventional uses for toothpaste.
Find you don’t have time to keep up with your daily chores with or without the help of a garment steamer? It might be time to call in the cleaning cavalry by contacting your local Merry Maids. Our housekeeping professionals can help you maintain a neat and tidy home, so you have plenty of time to do the things you truly enjoy.
