11 Incredible Ways to Use Your Clothes Steamer Around the House

If you own a clothes steamer, chances are you’re only scratching the surface of its potential. While these handy devices are fantastic for removing wrinkles and freshening up your wardrobe, they can also be used in a variety of surprising ways around the house. From tackling tough grease in the kitchen to sanitizing surfaces without harsh chemicals, a clothes steamer can be a versatile tool for keeping your home clean and fresh.

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Unleash the Power of Your Clothes Steamer

Here are 11 unexpected ways you can put your clothes steamer to work:

Steam Away Grease and Baked-On Food – Aim the steamer nozzle at greasy pans or stovetops to loosen tough grime, making it easy to wipe away with a microfiber cloth. This method is particularly effective for glass cooktops where abrasive cleaners can cause damage.
Sanitize Solid Surfaces – If your steamer reaches a temperature of at least 250 degrees F, you can use it to sanitize countertops, appliance handles, toilets, and sinks without the need for chemicals.
Defrost a Freezer Faster – Speed up the defrosting process in a non-self-defrosting freezer by using your clothes steamer to melt away ice build-up with ease.
Remove Labels, Stickers, and Wallpaper – Say goodbye to stubborn labels on glass jars, stickers on windows, and wallpaper adhesive by using the steamer to melt them away. Exercise caution with particleboard and unpainted surfaces.
Refresh Drapes, Bedding, and Upholstery – Besides removing wrinkles, steaming drapes, bedding, and upholstery can help eliminate odors, dust, and even insects. It’s also a great way to sanitize pillows and upholstery after illness.
Tackle Carpet and Upholstery Stains – For ground-in stains on carpets, car seats, or furniture upholstery, a blast from the steamer can help loosen them for easier removal. Follow up with a stain remover for best results.
Blast Away Mildew and Grime on Grout – Use your clothes steamer to target mildewed grout in bathrooms and loosen dirt on tiled floors in kitchens and mudrooms.
Loosen Soap Scum on Tiles and Shower Doors – Before scrubbing, use steam to release soap scum from ceramic tile and natural stone surfaces in the bathroom.
Make Windows and Mirrors Sparkle – Steam away smudges and soil from windows and mirrors, then polish with a lint-free microfiber cloth for streak-free shine.
Detail Your Car Inside and Out – Your clothes steamer isn’t just for indoor use. Use it to remove tough grime from car hubcaps and bumpers, as well as stains on upholstery, carpets, and floor mats.
Steam Away Germs on Toys – After sniffles or playdates, give plastic toys and stuffed animals a steam treatment to kill germs without harsh chemicals. Avoid using the steamer on books, painted wood toys, or toys with paper decals.

By using your clothes steamer in these creative ways, you can maximize its usefulness beyond just garment care. Let’s delve deeper into each of these tips to help you make the most of your clothes steamer around the house.

1. Steam Away Grease and Baked-On Food

Greasy pans and stovetops can be a real hassle to clean, especially when food gets baked on. Here’s how your clothes steamer can make the job a breeze:

Directions:
Aim the steamer nozzle directly at the greasy surface.
Allow the steam to work its magic for a few seconds, melting the grease.
Wipe away the loosened grime with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

This method is particularly effective for glass cooktops, where traditional cleaners can be abrasive and damage the surface. With your clothes steamer, you can effortlessly remove grease and baked-on food without the need for harsh chemicals.

2. Sanitize Solid Surfaces

Keeping your home clean and germ-free is essential, especially on high-touch surfaces like countertops and appliance handles. Your trusty clothes steamer can help you sanitize these areas without the use of chemicals.

Instructions:
Ensure your steamer reaches a temperature of at least 250 degrees F.
Direct the steam onto solid surfaces like countertops, appliance handles, toilets, and sinks.
Allow the steam to sanitize the area thoroughly.

The high temperatures produced by the steamer help kill germs and bacteria, making it an effective and chemical-free way to maintain a clean home.

3. Defrost a Freezer More Quickly

Dealing with a freezer that’s building up ice can be a time-consuming chore. Here’s how your clothes steamer can speed up the defrosting process:

Steps to Follow:
Unplug the freezer and remove any items from it.
Use the clothes steamer to melt away the ice build-up.
Direct the steam towards the ice until it starts to melt.
Wipe away the water with a towel or sponge.

By using your clothes steamer to defrost the freezer, you can save time and effort compared to traditional methods.

4. Remove Labels, Stickers, and Wallpaper

Removing labels, stickers, and wallpaper adhesive can be a tedious task, but your clothes steamer can simplify the process:

How to Do It:
Direct the steam at the label, sticker, or wallpaper section you want to remove.
Allow the steam to soften the adhesive.
Gently peel away the label, sticker, or wallpaper.

Exercise caution when using the steamer on particleboard or unpainted surfaces to avoid any damage. For stickers on fabric, follow up with a stain remover to eliminate any remaining adhesive residue.

5. Refresh Drapes, Bedding, and Upholstery

Beyond removing wrinkles, your clothes steamer can freshen up fabrics throughout your home, including drapes, bedding, and upholstery:

Tips for Refreshing Fabrics:
Hang drapes or bedding on a hanger or rod to steam.
Direct the steam over the fabric to remove odors and dust.
For upholstery, use the steamer to sanitize pillows and furniture surfaces.

This method is especially useful when someone in your household has been ill, as steaming can help sanitize and freshen up commonly used fabrics.

6. Tackle Carpet and Upholstery Stains

Stubborn stains on carpets, car seats, or furniture upholstery can be a headache to remove. Here’s how your clothes steamer can help:

How to Deal with Stains:
Hold the steamer at least six inches away from the stained area.
Allow the steam to penetrate the stain for about 30 seconds.
Blot the area with a clean white towel to lift the loosened grime.
Repeat the process as needed until the stain is gone.

While you may still need to use a stain remover, the steamer can make the process more manageable and improve the overall results.

7. Blast Away Mildew and Dirt on Grout

Mildewed grout in bathrooms and dirt on tiled floors can be challenging to clean. Your clothes steamer can come to the rescue:

Grout Cleaning Tips:
Direct the steam at the mildewed grout lines in tiled surfaces.
Allow the steam to penetrate the grout and loosen dirt.
Wipe away the grime with a cloth or sponge.

Steam is an effective way to tackle grout stains and refresh the appearance of tiled surfaces in your home.

8. Loosen Soap Scum on Tiles and Shower Doors

Soap scum can build up on ceramic tile and natural stone surfaces in the bathroom, making them look dull and dirty. Here’s how your clothes steamer can help:

Removing Soap Scum:
Direct the steam at the soap scum on tiles, shower doors, and fixtures.
Allow the steam to soften and loosen the grimy residue.
Wipe away the soap scum with a cloth or sponge.

Using a clothes steamer to combat soap scum can make cleaning bathroom surfaces easier and more effective.

9. Make Windows and Mirrors Sparkle

Crystal-clear windows and mirrors can instantly brighten up a room. Here’s how your clothes steamer can help you achieve a streak-free shine:

Window and Mirror Cleaning:
Direct the steam at smudges and soil on windows or mirrors.
Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe away the steam and grime.
Polish the surfaces for a mirror-like finish.

Steam is a natural and effective way to clean glass surfaces without the need for additional cleaners.

10. Detail Your Car Inside and Out

Your clothes steamer isn’t just for household use – it can also help you keep your car looking its best both inside and out:

Car Cleaning Tips:
Use the steamer to remove tough grime from car hubcaps and bumpers.
Steam clean upholstery, carpets, and floor mats to remove stains.
Polish windows and mirrors with steam for a crystal-clear finish.

By incorporating your clothes steamer into your car cleaning routine, you can achieve professional results without the need for harsh chemicals.

11. Steam Away Germs on Toys

Keeping toys clean and germ-free is essential, especially after illness or playdates. Here’s how your clothes steamer can help:

Toy Sanitization:
After any sniffles or playtime, steam plastic toys and stuffed animals.
The high temperatures of the steam will kill viruses without the need for harsh chemicals.
Avoid using the steamer on books, painted wooden toys, or toys with paper decals.

By steaming toys regularly, you can help prevent the spread of germs and keep your child’s playthings clean and safe.

Remember to exercise caution when using your clothes steamer and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective operation. With these 11 surprising uses for your clothes steamer, you can make the most of this versatile tool around your home.

Conclusion

Your clothes steamer is a versatile and valuable tool that can go beyond garment care to help you tackle a variety of cleaning tasks around the house. By utilizing its steam power, you can sanitize surfaces, remove tough stains, and freshen up fabrics with ease. Whether you’re cleaning grout in the bathroom or detailing your car, your clothes steamer can be a handy companion for keeping your home clean and fresh. Incorporate these 11 surprising uses into your cleaning routine, and you’ll discover the full potential of your clothes steamer beyond just wrinkle removal.