Cleaning your garment steamer is easier than you think—here’s how. Whether you have a compact handheld one or the kind with a base, tall pole, and hose attachment, they all need regular maintenance. I learned that the hard way.
I used to own the full-size version and had no idea it needed cleaning. Over time, mineral buildup—mainly calcium and salt deposits—clogged the steam outlet. I tried everything to unclog it, but by the time I realized the issue, it was beyond saving. Safe to say, that steamer didn’t make it. Lesson learned.
How to Deep Clean a Steamer at Home
Now I always clean mine properly, and today I’m going to show you how to do the same.
I’m sharing this as both a guide for you—and a reminder for myself—on how to easily remove and prevent that stubborn white residue that builds up over time.
I genuinely love the compact steamer because it’s travel-friendly and super easy to use. Just plug it in, and you’re good to go—no bulky setup or storage hassle.
You only need 2 materials: baking soda and distilled white vinegar. It’s pretty affordable so I assure you, it will not cost you an arm and a leg.
Start by sprinkling baking soda directly onto the areas with buildup. Then slowly pour in white vinegar—just a little at a time to let it fizz and break down the residue.
If you’re using a professional-grade garment steamer, go with a stronger mix: equal parts vinegar and distilled water. For smaller, home models, stick with a gentler ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water.
If you want to dilute the vinegar because it’s too strong, pour some water from a Brita pitcher like how I do it. You can get tap water from the sink as well. It doesn’t really matter.
There was a tiny hole in my baking soda box, so instead of opening it fully, I gave it a few good shakes (yes—like a Polaroid picture) until enough came out. Once the vinegar hit the powder, the water turned murky, which is totally normal.
Seal your steamer tightly and give it a gentle shake to distribute the mixture. Make sure the solution fully covers the mineral buildup inside.
Turn the steamer on and let it run until about half the tank has evaporated. The steam helps loosen and dissolve all that stubborn white residue. This part took less than a minute, but I’ve found that letting it sit for 30–60 minutes works wonders for deep cleaning.
After that, just pour the solution down the sink and rinse the tank with clean water. Good as new! I recommend repeating this every 5 months to keep your garment steamer in top shape.
🎥 Watch how I did it in my video:
Why Cleaning Your Garment Steamer Matters
Keeping your garment steamer clean isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance and longevity. A quick cleaning routine every few months can prevent clogs, save you money, and keep your clothes wrinkle-free with ease. Whether you travel with a mini version or rely on a full-size model at home, regular maintenance makes all the difference. Trust me, your garment steamer (and your outfits) will thank you.
After you steam your clothes, learn how to cover up your cleavage with double sided tape here.