Steam cleaners are excellent tools for removing stains from carpets and other fabrics in your home. However, you’ll need to do some maintenance and clean a steamer on a regular basis to keep it in good working order.
You should wipe down the exterior of the steamer on a regular basis and flush it out with a baking soda and water clean a steamer solution. You should also clean the hose attachment and remember to store the steamer properly to keep it in good working order. Before you start clean a steamer, make sure your best electric food steamer is turned off.
Clean a Steamer Steps: Cleaning the Outside
- Remove the plug from the machine. Before clean a steamer, make sure it is completely turned off and unplugged from any electrical source. Cleaning the machine while it is running could result in a dangerous situation. Cleaning the steamer while it’s running risks injuring yourself, causing damage to nearby items, or even igniting a fire.
- Wipe down the outside. Wipe down the outside of your steamer with a damp washrag. This should be powerful enough to remove any minor dirt and grime that has accumulated over time. When dampening the washrag, make sure to use warm water. If this doesn’t seem to work, add a few drops of white vinegar to the damp washcloth for a more effective cleaning.
- Flush the hose attachment. You should also clean the hose attachment if your steamer has one. Remove the hose and flush it out with water. You can do this in the kitchen sink or shower, or outside with a garden hose. Several times flush the hose, or until the water runs clear after it filters out of the hose attachment. You should also clean out any debris that has become lodged in the hose’s bristles.
Clean a Steamer Steps: Cleaning Any Clogs
- Make a cleaning mixture. 12 ounces baking soda + 4 cup (950 mL) water This is the cleaning solution you’ll be using. Before you begin, make sure the baking soda has dissolved in the water.
- Fill the machine with the clean a steamer solution. Empty any remaining water from the water cup on your steamer. Fill the water cup with your cleaning solution and place it back in the steamer machine. The water cup is usually found on the base of the steamer. To avoid making a mess on your home’s floor, you might want to do this cleaning outside (or in the garage).
- Allow the solution to sit for a few hours. Once you’ve poured the cleaning solution into the steamer’s water cup, leave it there for 3-4 hours while it works. During this time, place the steamer on a solid surface to prevent it from tipping over and spilling the cleaner. While the cleaner is inside the machine, do not run the steamer (or even turn the machine on), as this may cause damage to the items it comes into contact with.
- Dump out the cleaning solution. Remove the steamer’s water cup and discard any remaining cleaning solution. Rinse the water cup thoroughly to ensure that it is completely clean and free of any residue. Make sure the cleaning solution is disposed of in the sink or shower. Don’t throw it outside because it will kill your grass.
- Flush with clean water. Pour water back into the water cup and turn the machine on once the cleansing process is complete. Allow the machine to run for a few minutes so that some of the water drains and the rest of the machine is filtered. Rep this process as needed, or until the rinsing water no longer appears to be dirty. If the rinsing water remains dirty after you pour it out, you may need to repeat the cleaning process with the cleaning solution.
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