PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Appliances
How to Clean a Steamer Download Article Co-authored by Alessandra Mendes
Last Updated: March 10, 2025
Download Article
Cleaning the Outside
|
Cleaning Any Clogs
|
Preventing Future Damage
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Alessandra Mendes. Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks. This article has been viewed 45,129 times.
Steam cleaners are great tools for getting out stains around your home, whether on carpet or on other fabrics. But to keep your steamer in tip top shape, you’ll need to perform a little bit of maintenance and regular cleaning. You should frequently wipe down the exterior of the steamer and routinely flush it out with a cleaning solution made out of baking soda and water. You can also clean the hose attachment and remember to store the steamer properly to maintain the effectiveness of your machine. Always make sure the steamer is unplugged before you begin cleaning.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Cleaning the Outside
Download Article
1 Unplug the machine. Whenever you want to clean your steamer, you need to first make sure that the machine is completely turned off and unplugged from any electrical source. Cleaning the machine while it is on could lead to a potentially dangerous situation.
Cleaning the steamer while it’s on could lead you to hurt yourself, damage something nearby, or even ignite a spark.
2 Wipe down the outside. Use a damp washrag to wipe down the exterior of your steamer. This should be strong enough to clean off any minor dirt and grime that has built up during use. Be sure to use warm water when you dampen the washrag.
If this doesn’t seem to work, you can add a few drops of white vinegar to the damp washcloth to give it a more powerful cleaning.
Advertisement
3 Flush the hose attachment. If your steamer has a hose attachment, you should clean that, too. Simply detach the hose and flush it with water. You can do this outside with a garden hose, or carefully in the kitchen sink or shower.
Flush the hose several times, or until the water runs clear once it filters out of the hose attachment.
You should also clean out any debris that has lodged itself in the bristles of the hose.[1]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Cleaning Any Clogs
Download Article
1 Make a cleaning mixture. Combine 1 ½ ounces of baking soda with 4 c (950 mL) of water. This will be your cleaning solution.[2]X Expert Source Alessandra MendesCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview [3]XResearch source
Make sure the baking soda dissolves into the water before you begin.
2 Pour the cleaning solution into the machine. Locate the water cup on your steamer and empty out any remaining water. Pour your cleaning solution into the water cup and return it to the steamer machine.
The water cup is usually located on the steamer base.
You may want to perform this cleaning activity outside (or in the garage) to avoid making a mess on the floor of your home.
3 Let the solution sit for several hours. Once the cleaning solution is in the water cup of the steamer, you’ll need to let it stay in there for 3-4 hours while it does its job. Sit the steamer on a solid surface during this time so it won’t tip over or spill the cleaner.[4]X Expert Source Alessandra MendesCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
Be sure not to run the steamer (or even turn the machine on) while the cleaner is inside the machine, as this could potentially damage items it comes into contact with.
4 Dump out the cleaning solution. Remove the water cup from the steamer and dump out any remaining cleaning solution. Rinse out the water cup to make sure it’s fully clean and doesn’t have any residue left inside.[5]X Expert Source Alessandra MendesCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
Be sure to dump the cleaning solution out in the sink or shower. Don’t dump it outside as this could ruin your grass.
5 Flush with clean water. Once you have completed the cleansing process, pour water back into the water cup and turn the machine on. Let the machine run so that some of the water comes out and filters out the rest of the machine.
Repeat this process several times, or until the water being rinsed out doesn’t look dirty anymore.
If your rinsing water continues to look dirty as you pour it out, you may need to repeat the process with the cleaning solution another time.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Preventing Future Damage
Download Article
1 Wipe down the outside regularly. Buildup of grime and dirt can, over time, cause your steamer machine to function less effectively. If you simply take a few moments to wipe down the outside of the steamer with a damp washrag, this can help prevent future damage and extend the life of your steamer.
Try to remember to wipe down the exterior of the steamer after every use for best results.
You should also wipe the steamer down if it has been stored for a long period of time without being used.
2 Rinse the steamer with fresh water after each use. After you use the steamer, you should rinse the machine out with fresh water. This will help prevent sediment buildup on the inside of the steam cleaner and keep your machine fresh for longer.[6]X Expert Source Alessandra MendesCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
Do this after each time you use the steamer to make sure your machine stays as clean as possible.
3 Store the steamer properly. Whenever you aren’t using the steamer, you should store it in a cool, dry place to prevent any mildew or mold from forming. You should try to cover the steamer with plastic so that the amount of dust that settles on the machine is minimal.
Storing your steamer properly will help prolong the life of your machine.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How to Clean Carpet with a Steam CleanerHow toUse a VaporizerHow to Clean a Steam Iron and Its Base PlateHow toClean Upholstery with a Steam CleanerHow toSteam Clean an OvenHow toClean a Bissell Carpet CleanerHow toClean a Bamboo SteamerThe Best Way to Clean a Teflon IronHow to Clean and Disinfect a Cool Mist HumidifierHow toClean a MicrowaveHow toClean a PercolatorHow Do You Use a Garment Steamer? The Right Way to Steam ClothesHow toClean a Milk FrotherHow toClean the Inside of a Washing Machine Advertisement
Co-authored by: Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Alessandra Mendes. Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks. This article has been viewed 45,129 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 6Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 45,129 Categories: Home Appliances
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,129 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist 3 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 6Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 45,129
Quizzes & Games
Do I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Does Your Car Say About You?Analyze Me
You Might Also Like
How to Clean Carpet with a Steam CleanerHow toUse a VaporizerHow to Clean a Steam Iron and Its Base PlateHow toClean Upholstery with a Steam Cleaner
Trending Articles
Am I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Watch Articles
How toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?How toWear a HoodieHow toChiffonadeHow toMake a Fabric RoseHow toConfront a Bully
Trending Articles
210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanThe Top Emojis Guys Use when They Like or Love YouWhat Emojis Mean Sex?
Quizzes & Games
What Dirty Soda Am I QuizTake QuizShould I Hire a Housekeeper QuizTake QuizGhost Hunting GamePlayAm I Smart QuizTake QuizClean or Messy Girl TestTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Appliances
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Alessandra Mendes 
How toClean a Bamboo Steamer 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Alessandra Mendes. Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks. This article has been viewed 45,129 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 6 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 45,129 Categories: Home Appliances 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Analyze Me 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Play
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
585 
1 Unplug the machine. Whenever you want to clean your steamer, you need to first make sure that the machine is completely turned off and unplugged from any electrical source. Cleaning the machine while it is on could lead to a potentially dangerous situation. 
2 Wipe down the outside. Use a damp washrag to wipe down the exterior of your steamer. This should be strong enough to clean off any minor dirt and grime that has built up during use. Be sure to use warm water when you dampen the washrag. 
3 Flush the hose attachment. If your steamer has a hose attachment, you should clean that, too. Simply detach the hose and flush it with water. You can do this outside with a garden hose, or carefully in the kitchen sink or shower. 
1 Make a cleaning mixture. Combine 1 ½ ounces of baking soda with 4 c (950 mL) of water. This will be your cleaning solution.[2] [3] 
2 Pour the cleaning solution into the machine. Locate the water cup on your steamer and empty out any remaining water. Pour your cleaning solution into the water cup and return it to the steamer machine. 
3 Let the solution sit for several hours. Once the cleaning solution is in the water cup of the steamer, you’ll need to let it stay in there for 3-4 hours while it does its job. Sit the steamer on a solid surface during this time so it won’t tip over or spill the cleaner.[4] 
4 Dump out the cleaning solution. Remove the water cup from the steamer and dump out any remaining cleaning solution. Rinse out the water cup to make sure it’s fully clean and doesn’t have any residue left inside.[5] 
5 Flush with clean water. Once you have completed the cleansing process, pour water back into the water cup and turn the machine on. Let the machine run so that some of the water comes out and filters out the rest of the machine. 
1 Wipe down the outside regularly. Buildup of grime and dirt can, over time, cause your steamer machine to function less effectively. If you simply take a few moments to wipe down the outside of the steamer with a damp washrag, this can help prevent future damage and extend the life of your steamer. 
2 Rinse the steamer with fresh water after each use. After you use the steamer, you should rinse the machine out with fresh water. This will help prevent sediment buildup on the inside of the steam cleaner and keep your machine fresh for longer.[6] 
3 Store the steamer properly. Whenever you aren’t using the steamer, you should store it in a cool, dry place to prevent any mildew or mold from forming. You should try to cover the steamer with plastic so that the amount of dust that settles on the machine is minimal.