How to Use a Handheld Fabric Steamer

Last Updated on May 20, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Have you ever used a handheld fabric steamer? I know that many people use these to remove wrinkles from their curtains and drapes, but did you know that you can use them to remove wrinkles from your clothes? 

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How to Use a Handheld Fabric Steamer 

I hate ironing. Actually, I hate ironing so much that I refuse to do it. I have outfits that I’ve purchased, worn once and then never worn again because they were just too difficult to iron on a regular basis.

Now that I’m working on a capsule wardrobe, I’m thinking very carefully about what outfits I want to hold onto. I have several that I really love and want to wear more often if only I didn’t have to iron them. 

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How to use a fabric steamer

Handheld steamers can be used to remove wrinkles from clothes just as easily as they can remove wrinkles from drapes and curtains. So, for those of us that hate ironing, a handheld fabric steamer can be a lifesaver.

No matter how carefully I iron, I always seem to end up with creases and wrinkles in odd places. I never seemed to have room for an ironing board and my clothes just didn’t look right when I tried to iron on a towel on top of the table.

Thankfully, this handheld fabric steamer has solved the problem, and I can now remove wrinkles the easy way.

Do you have to use distilled water in a fabric steamer?

Fill the reservoir with distilled water. It is important to use distilled water to prevent mineral deposits from clogging the water system.

I’m using the Conair Turbo Extreme Steam Model GS38. My directions are based on this steamer.

How to Use a Handheld Fabric Steamer the Right Way

How to steam your clothes

First, plug the handheld fabric steamer into an electrical outlet and allow it to heat up. With the Model GS38, the blue ready light comes on and starts blinking when it’s ready to use. It takes only 40 seconds.

How to use a Conair steamer

  • The Conair GS38 has a regular steam and Turbo option. The steam setting is ideal for delicate fabrics or lightly wrinkled items. The Turbo setting is for heavier fabrics or items that are very wrinkled.
  • I find it’s easiest to hang the item of clothing on a hanger. Shirts can go on a regular hanger. Pants and skirts can be hung on a hanger with clips.

How to Use a Handheld Fabric Steamer the Right Way

  • Point the steamer away from you  and allow the steam to remove wrinkles. For delicate fabrics, use the low-temperature guide to help protect it. The silicon band will help pull the fabric taught for easier steaming. Make sure that you keep the steamer moving at all times, never allowing it to stay in one place.
  • If you have pants or another item with a crease in it, the Conair GS38 handheld fabric steamer has a built in creaser on the top of the unit that makes this process simple.

How to Use a Handheld Fabric Steamer the Right Way

  • Once you are finished with one side, turn the garment around and steam the other side.
  • Turn the unit off and remove any remaining water to avoid leaking. Unplug the steamer from the outlet and allow it to cool.

Steaming clothes vs ironing

Having a handheld steamer is a great way to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. I can freely get rid of my iron and ironing board right now and never worry about how difficult my favorite shirt is to iron.

You may want to read about these 8 fabrics that don’t need to be ironed or how to care for your faux fur. Or, learn how to make wool dryer balls to reduce wrinkles.

Finally, you can buy the Conair GS38 Handheld Fabric Steamer from Amazon.

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6 thoughts on “How to Use a Handheld Fabric Steamer”

  1. This one looks like a cool little steamer. I’ve not heard of one with a built-in creaser! I do have some pants that need creases, so very nice feature.

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