The Right Way to Steam Clothes for Wrinkle-Free Results Without Damage

A clothing steamer can be a lifesaver, especially when you're traveling or short on time. Just hang and steam—and your wrinkled clothing will look like new in a snap. However, there are certain proper techniques to follow when steaming, lest your garment end up with water spots—or worse, damaged beyond repair.

Not all garments are created equal. Different fabrics react differently to steam, and some may not be suitable for steaming. Regardless, steaming your clothes shouldn’t leave them damp. Here’s how to do it properly for smooth, polished results every time.

Getting Started

“To gain all the benefits of using a steamer, you need to use the steamer correctly,” says Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery. “If you don’t use it properly, it can lead to water stains, fabric damage, and stubborn creases.” 

Before you begin, Lewenhaupt advises preparing your steamer by filling the water tank and plugging in the device.

1. Use Distilled or Soft Water Only: “Something often overlooked is the type of water used to steam,” says Lewenhaupt. He urges using soft water, which has lower amounts of calcium and magnesium than hard water. “When using hard water in a steamer, it leaves remains of limestone in the vents, which shortens its lifespan,” he warns.
2. Allow Your Steamer to Heat Up: “Be sure to wait until the steam is fully warmed up, as the high water temperature is needed to kill allergens and bacteria,” he cautions.
3. Hang or Lay Out Your Garment: Can't hang your garment? Similar to ironing, you can also steam fabric horizontally using a table or your bed. Just make sure to place a towel or fabric between the garment and the table to protect the surface from the steam.
4. Wear Gloves: You can also use a heat-protecting glove to protect yourself. To remove wrinkles on the bottom of the garment, wear the glove and press the fabric between your hand and the steamer, instructs Lewenhaupt. The glove can also be used to steam shirt collars, cuffs, and other details. 
5. Check for Leaks: Finally, check your steamer for leaks. A leaky steamer will likely leave water marks on the fabric, no matter how perfect your technique is.

Proper Steaming Technique By Fabric Type

Your next steps will depend entirely on the fabric itself, as each has different considerations when it comes to steaming. Before proceeding, always check your garment's label to ensure steaming is suitable.

But some rules of thumb remain: According to Lewenhaupt, when people don’t get the desired wrinkle-free result from steaming, it’s often because they didn't hold the fabric taut during the process, or they moved it too quickly. “The steamer isn’t able to help the fibers swell in the same way if the fabric is bunched up or swiped over in a hurry,” he says. And with delicate fabrics, the steamer should typically be held at least 6 to 8 inches away, lest you risk scorching or shrinking your garment. 

Silk

When steaming silk, textile and bedding expert Barbara Stern recommends using the lowest possible heat setting and maintaining the steamer at a slight distance to allow for relaxation of the fibers through gentle vapor. “Due to silk being extremely sensitive to both water and heat, [it is important to] avoid leaving the steamer in one place for an extended period of time, as this can result in watermarks and the weakening of the fabric’s sheen,” she says.

Stern recommends hanging the silk item freely while steaming to prevent the garment from stretching or distorting. “To be extra careful, you can use a tea towel or another thin towel between the garment and the steamer to protect it from water stains,” adds Lewenhaupt.

Cotton

To steam your cotton clothing, Lewenhaupt recommends hanging the garment and gently pulling the bottom to stretch the fabric. Then, begin using the steamer by pressing the mouthpiece against the fabric and moving in any direction while keeping the fabric taut to help remove wrinkles. This method can also be used for steaming the garment from the inside. 

“A stronger steam setting should be used and more direct pressure applied to the fabric with cotton, as this fabric is both durable and resistant to heat,” says Stern. “[Because] cotton contains tightly woven fibers that respond positively to both moisture and heat, it is beneficial to apply more direct steam,” she says. This will result in a crisper appearance.

Canvas

When steaming canvas, Stern recommends a strong steam setting. And because canvas is both thick and structured, make sure to support the fabric well while steaming.

To steam, Stern suggests making slow, deliberate movements with the steamer to ensure even penetration throughout the dense fibers. “Canvas is capable of more aggressive steaming than other fabrics due to its [sturdy] design,” she says, “and utilizing the correct amount of steam will help maintain the overall shape of the canvas without creating a warp.”

Linen

According to Stern, linen will require the highest steam setting. However, while steaming, you must remain vigilant, because as easily as linen wrinkles, it releases its wrinkles just as fast—and oversteaming can damage the fabric. When your garments are faced with excessive steam, it can result in water spots, scorch marks, shrinkage, and more. 

“When steaming linen, it should be slightly damp or recently laundered, as this allows the fibers to relax more efficiently,” says Stern. “Careful attention to consistent motion must be given when steaming linen, as uneven steaming may result in patchy outcomes or stiff areas within the fabric,” she adds.

Velvet

“Due to its raised fibers defining its appearance and being easily damaged, velvet requires extreme caution when applying steam,” says Stern. To protect the pile of velvet, she recommends avoiding direct pressure on the fabric. Rather, the fabric should be steamed from behind or from a distance. “Gentle bursts of steam [should be] applied to velvet, as excessive moisture or pressure can crush the texture permanently,” she cautions. 

Wool

“Wool can be treated in several different ways depending upon whether it is dry-clean only, hand washable, machine washable, or made from recycled wool,” explains Stern. For this reason, it’s important to first inspect your garment label.

In general, when steaming wool, medium steam is used. Use light passes only to remove wrinkles while avoiding saturation of your garment, advises Stern. Additionally, make sure to maintain a safe distance between the steamer and the wool, as excessive moisture can cause wool to lose its shape. “Controlled steaming is necessary with wool, as its protein-based fibers can shrink when handled improperly,” she says. 

Viscose

“Extreme care must be taken when treating viscose, as it can easily stretch or distort under excessive moisture,” warns Stern. Use low-to-medium steam levels and treat your garment with great care, as viscose “weakens significantly when wetted,” she says. It’s best to steam viscose while on a hanger, as this allows gravity to assist in maintaining the desired shape..

Polyester

According to Stern, polyester requires moderate care when steaming, as it is less heat-responsive than natural fibers and can be permanently marred by excessive steaming. For polyester, Stern recommends low steam levels and making rapid passes, as synthetic fibers tend to respond quickly to heat.

Keeping the steamer 6 inches away and avoiding prolonged, direct contact are advised to prevent scorching, stiffening, or permanent shiny marks. “Excessive exposure to heat can result in shiny or distorted polyester,” notes Stern.