How to Clean Calcium From a Garment Steamer
Garment steamers use hot water to release wrinkles and refresh clothing and other fabrics. Over time, minerals such as calcium build up and create deposits which reduce the flow of steam. Using tap water or non-distilled water in a garment steamer increases the likelihood of calcium buildup and requires frequent cleaning. A home-made cleaning solution of vinegar and distilled water helps you maintain your steamer and restores its full steam function.
Items Needed
- Distilled water
- White vinegar
- Clean gallon jug with lid
- Funnel
Instructions
- Empty the garment steamer's water reservoir. Open the drain valve on the steamer and pour excess water into the sink or bathtub. Shut the drain valve. For steamers not equipped with a drain valve, open the water reservoir and turn the steamer over to drain. Return to an upright position after water drains entirely.
- Mix a cleaning solution in a clean jug with a lid. Combine two parts distilled water and one part vinegar in the jug. Place the cap on the jug and mix together by shaking gently. Place a funnel into the reservoir and fill it with the cleaning solution. Close the water reservoir.
- Plug in the garment steamer. Switch it to the on position and the full-steam setting. Cycle half of the cleaning solution through the steamer. Watch the function of the steamer and see if all the ports are dispensing steam. The steamer is clean when all holes release a steady flow of steam.
- Turn off the garment steamer and unplug the electrical cord. Allow the unit to cool down for at least half an hour to prevent burns from the hot solution. After the unit has cooled, open the drain plug or reservoir and empty the remaining cleaning solution.
- Clean the remaining solution from the reservoir with clean tap water. Rinse well and empty the contents completely. Refill the steamer’s reservoir with distilled water using a funnel. Plug in the machine and turn it on.
- Run half of the distilled water through the machine to clean water lines and wand of any remaining cleaning solution. Turn the machine off and let it cool down. Pour the distilled water left in the steamer down the drain.
- Wipe excess water from the outside of the garment steamer and keep the reservoir open to let it dry out. Close the reservoir after it is dry. Store the unit in a clean, dry area until needed.