Scented Steam: Adding Fragrance To Your Clothes Steamer

The internet is rife with suggestions for making your clothes smell fragrant, from adding perfume to the water in your steamer to using scented fabric softener. However, many manufacturers recommend only using water in your steamer, and some specifically advise against using anything but water. Using products other than water may damage your steamer, and oils or fragrances could cause the steamer to clog or degrade its plastic parts. If you want to add fragrance to your clothes, it's safer to use a product designed for this purpose, such as scented ironing water or a steam solution containing deodorizing technology.

Using perfume in a clothes steamer: does it work?

Adding fragrance to a clothes steamer is a popular topic online, with many people curious about whether it is possible to use their steamer to add a pleasant scent to their clothes. While it is possible to achieve a light fragrance on clothing using a steamer, it is not recommended and may cause damage to your appliance.

The Method

Several people have tried adding perfume to the water reservoir of their clothes steamer, with varying results. One person reported that they could smell the perfume as the steam was released, and the scent lingered faintly on their clothes the next day. However, another person who tried the same method with a different perfume found that the scent was barely noticeable, even after steaming the garment multiple times.

Potential Problems

The main issue with adding perfume to your clothes steamer is that it can cause significant damage to the product. Steamers are designed to be used with water, and the chemicals in perfume or cologne can corrode the metal parts of the steamer over time, eventually causing the system to fail. This is true of any water that is not distilled, including tap water, which may contain traces of chemicals used in municipal water treatment. These chemicals can build up over time, impacting the performance of your steamer and potentially causing it to overheat and stop working.

Alternatives

If you want to add a pleasant scent to your clothes, it is much safer to use a product designed for this purpose, such as the Nori Fabric Facial. This product is a steam solution containing deionized water and a subtle fragrance, which can be used with your clothing steamer to sanitise and deodorise your garments. Alternatively, you could try spraying perfume directly onto your clothes, or invest in an air diffuser, which is designed to accommodate fragrances.

The best liquids to use in a clothes steamer

Most manufacturers recommend using distilled water in your clothing steamer to extend its lifespan. However, some people like to add fragrance to the water in their clothing steamers.

Some people have reported successfully using tap water in their clothing steamers, but this may depend on the brand and type of your clothing steamer. It is always best to check the brand name and see if you can find specific instructions for your device.

Some people have reported adding perfume, cologne, essential oils, or scented products like Febreze to the water in their clothing steamers. However, this could damage your clothing steamer, as these products may gum up the spray nozzle and clog it. It is also worth noting that the plastic parts of your clothing steamer may degrade if subjected to alcohol.

If you want to add fragrance when using a clothing steamer, it may be safer to put a few drops of essential oil onto the back of the pad before mounting it onto the steamer. This way, no oil goes into the steamer, but the steam will still carry the fragrance. Alternatively, you could try spraying fragrance directly onto your clothes after steaming, or placing a scented oil in a dish nearby, which may be picked up by the steam.

The dangers of using fragrance in a clothes steamer

While adding fragrance to a clothes steamer may seem like a good idea, especially if you are a scent-aholic, there are several dangers and drawbacks associated with this practice. Firstly, it is important to note that clothes steamers are designed to accommodate only water, and the use of any other substance may cause damage to the appliance. In particular, the plastic parts of the steamer may degrade if they come into contact with alcohol or other chemicals commonly found in fragrances. This can result in clogged spray nozzles and a reduced lifespan for your steamer, ultimately requiring you to purchase a new one.

Another potential issue is related to the build-up of scale or sludge in the heating vessel of the steamer. Over time, any substance other than water that is introduced into the system will leave behind residue, which can be difficult to remove and will affect the efficiency of the steamer. This is a common problem with boilers, and while clothes steamers operate on a smaller scale, the same principles apply. The only way to truly clean the air and remove odours is through filtration, rather than simply masking them with fragrances.

Furthermore, some fragrances may contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health. For example, Febreze has been found to contain 87 different chemicals, and similar products may contain even more. These chemicals can be spread throughout your home via the steamer, and while they may smell pleasant, they could potentially cause respiratory issues or other health problems, especially for individuals with chemical sensitivities.

Finally, adding fragrance to a clothes steamer may void the manufacturer's warranty. Most manufacturers recommend using only water in their steamers, and deviating from this may invalidate any claims you have should the appliance malfunction. Therefore, it is always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions and find alternative ways to add fragrance to your clothes or living space.

How to clean a clothes steamer

While it is possible to add fragrance to a clothes steamer, it is not recommended as it may damage the appliance. A safer alternative is to use scented ironing water or to spray fragrance directly onto your clothes.

Cleaning a clothes steamer is important to ensure it remains in good working order. The frequency of cleaning depends on how often the appliance is used and what type of water is used to fill the tank. If the steamer is used daily, it should be cleaned monthly. For less frequent use, the steamer should be cleaned thoroughly after each use.

The first step is to unplug the appliance and allow it to cool down. Then, empty the water tank into a sink or bucket. Fill the tank with distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar, avoiding other types of vinegar that may leave sediment. Leave the vinegar in the tank for at least 30 minutes to help break down limescale and mineral deposits.

Next, plug in the steamer, turn it on, and set it to the highest setting. Point the nozzle into the sink or bucket and press the ON button until all the vinegar is expelled. Once the tank is empty, fill it with distilled water and repeat the process to remove any traces of vinegar and blast out loose mineral deposits.

Allow the steamer to cool completely, then dry the components with a clean, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel, or air dry. Reassemble the steamer once all parts are dry.

Tips for Maintaining a Steamer:

• Always use distilled water to fill the steamer and avoid overfilling the tank.
• Empty the water reservoir between steaming sessions and dry the components before storing.
• Keep water in the tank during use to prevent mineral deposits from burning or scorching.
• Store the steamer upright and ensure the reservoir is empty.
• Clean the steamer at the first sign of sputtering or reduced steam output.

The best types of water to use in a clothes steamer

While it may be tempting to add fragrance to your clothes steamer, it is not recommended, as it may damage the appliance. However, there are alternative ways to add fragrance to your clothes. One way is to use a product like the Nori Fabric Facial, a steam solution containing deionized water and a subtle fragrance blended with deodorizing technology to remove any unwanted odours. Alternatively, you could try adding a few drops of essential oil onto a cloth and letting the steam push the fragrance out.

Now, onto the best types of water to use in a clothes steamer. Firstly, it is important to note that distilled water is the best option. Distilled water is free of any salt and impurities, which can corrode the inside of the steamer and cause significant damage over time. This type of water is easily accessible, as you can buy it at any local grocery store or make it at home. If distilled water is not available, purified water is the next best option. While it may contain some minerals, it is still safer than tap or well water, as it has gone through a thorough purification process.

Tap water may initially work fine in a clothing steamer, but it often contains traces of chemicals used in municipal water treatment, which can negatively impact the steamer over time. Well water is also not recommended, as it may be contaminated with bacteria, nitrates, or pH levels that are unsafe for the appliance. Filtered water and bottled water are also not ideal, as they do not go through the same effective purification process as distilled water.

In summary, to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your clothing steamer, it is best to use distilled water. If distilled water is not available, purified water is the next best option. Tap water, well water, filtered water, and bottled water should be avoided to prevent damage and mineral buildup in your appliance.

Frequently asked questions