Adding Scents To Your Steamer: A How-To Guide

There are various opinions on whether or not fragrance can be added to a clothes steamer. Some people have tried adding perfume or cologne to the water reservoir of their clothes steamer, and while this can leave a lingering scent on clothes, it is not recommended as it may damage the steamer. The safest option for adding fragrance when steaming clothes is to use a product such as the Nori Fabric Facial, which is a steam solution containing deionized water and a subtle fragrance. Alternatively, distilled water is recommended over tap water as it is free of any salt and impurities that could corrode the inside of the steamer.

Using perfume in a clothes steamer

Adding fragrance to a clothes steamer is possible, but it is not recommended. The simple answer to what liquid can be added to a clothing steamer is water. However, some people have experimented with adding perfume or cologne to the water reservoir to make their clothes smell nice.

TikTok Hack

A viral video on TikTok by Warren Tafah shows him spraying perfume into a cup of water and pouring the liquid into an iron. This has inspired others to try the same with a clothes steamer. One person on Reddit reported spraying cologne into the water reservoir of their clothes steamer and being able to smell the cologne as they ironed. They also reported that the scent lingered on their clothes the next day, although it was faint.

Potential Problems

The problem with adding perfume or cologne to a clothes steamer is that these devices are not designed to accommodate anything other than water. They contain a lot of plastic parts which will likely degrade if subjected to alcohol. One person on Reddit reported that their steamer got clogged after trying this hack.

Another person on a forum reported that they tried adding Febreze to their steam cleaner and it didn't damage the steamer, but others warned that the problem with adding your own fragrances is that you don't know if they will gum up the spray nozzle and clog it.

Alternative Solutions

To avoid damaging your clothes steamer, it is recommended to use distilled water, which is free of any salt and impurities and therefore doesn't corrode the inside of the steamer. If you want your clothes to smell nice, you could try using 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 odors.

Alternatively, you could try spraying perfume or cologne directly onto your clothes or using an air diffuser.

Potential damage to the steamer

Adding fragrance to a clothes steamer can potentially damage the device in several ways. Firstly, most clothes steamers are designed to accommodate only water, and the use of fragrances or other liquids can degrade the plastic parts in the steamer. The presence of alcohol in fragrances can particularly contribute to this degradation. This can result in clogged nozzles and reduced functionality over time.

Another potential issue is the build-up of scale or sludge in the heating vessel of the steamer. Any substance other than water introduced into the system can leave behind residue, which can accumulate and cause blockages or affect the heating efficiency. This can eventually lead to costly repairs or even require the purchase of a new steamer.

Furthermore, the introduction of fragrances can also impact the steam quality. The steamer may not produce steam as effectively or consistently as it should, affecting its ability to remove wrinkles from clothes. The fragrance itself may also leave stains or residue on the steamed garments, especially if the fragrance contains oils or other substances that do not evaporate completely.

Additionally, using fragrances in a clothes steamer may void the manufacturer's warranty. In the event of a malfunction or damage, users may find themselves without the support or coverage they expected. This can result in unexpected repair or replacement costs.

Lastly, the use of fragrances in a clothes steamer may also pose health and safety risks. Some fragrances may contain chemicals or substances that, when heated, could release harmful vapors or irritants. This can be especially concerning in enclosed spaces or for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.

Using distilled water

Distilled water is also beneficial if you live in an area with hard water, as hard water can cause a buildup of solid, off-white material (calcium carbonate) inside your steamer. This buildup can interfere with the flow of heat and steam, making the appliance less efficient and increasing the time it takes to steam your clothes. In some cases, the steamer may even overheat and stop working altogether.

Additionally, using distilled water can help prolong the life of your clothes steamer. The impurities in regular water can cause mineral buildup, which can significantly impact the steamer's performance and reduce its efficiency over time. By using distilled water and adhering to a regular cleaning regimen, you can help prevent this buildup and ensure the longevity of your appliance.

While distilled water is ideal for clothes steamers, it's important to note that it can be mildly acidic due to the absence of solid minerals. This acidity can slowly corrode metal, so it's crucial to empty the water reservoir after each use, even if you're using distilled water.

If you don't have distilled water on hand, you can also use regular tap water in your clothes steamer. However, doing so will require you to clean the unit more frequently, and it may shorten the lifespan of the appliance. To clean a steamer that has been used with tap water, fill it one-third of the way with white vinegar and two-thirds with distilled water. Turn on the steamer and use up about half of the mixture, then turn it off and let it sit for 30 minutes to dissolve any remaining buildup. Finally, empty the appliance.

In conclusion, using distilled water in your clothes steamer is the best way to ensure optimal performance and maintain your appliance. It helps prevent corrosion, mineral buildup, and the negative effects of hard water, all while keeping your clothes smelling fresh and looking crisp!

Cleaning the steamer

To clean your clothes steamer, you should first unplug the appliance and let it cool down if you have just used it. Then, empty the water reservoir into a sink or bucket.

Next, fill the water reservoir with distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar. Avoid using other types of vinegar as they may contain sediment that interferes with the cleaning process. Allow the vinegar to sit in the tank for 2 hours, or at least 30 minutes, to help break down limescale and mineral deposits.

Plug in the steamer and turn it to the highest setting. Point the nozzle into a sink or bucket and press the ON button until all the vinegar is expelled from the tank. Pour any remaining vinegar down the sink drain.

Refill the tank with distilled water and, with the steamer still on the highest setting, expel all the water. This will remove any traces of vinegar and help blast out loose mineral deposits.

Allow the steamer to cool completely, then dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth if it's a handheld steamer. If it's a standing steamer, disconnect the nozzle and hoses, and dry them with a microfiber towel or let them air-dry. Consult the user guide or manufacturer's website for instructions on how to disassemble your steamer.

Once all components are dry, reassemble the steamer.

To maintain your steamer, always use distilled water and don't overfill the tank. Empty the water reservoir between steaming sessions and don't let the reservoir run dry during use. Always store the steamer upright with an empty reservoir. Clean the steamer as soon as you notice sputtering or diminished steam output.

Alternative methods to add fragrance

While it is possible to add fragrance to the water reservoir of a clothes steamer, it is not recommended. These devices are not designed to accommodate anything other than water, and doing so may cause the plastic parts to degrade or the spray nozzle to become clogged.

• Use a spray bottle with warm water, essential oils, and alcohol or cheap vodka to create a DIY fabric spray. This will help the fragrance last longer and keep the product fresh.
• Apply a scented product, such as Febreze, directly to your clothes after steaming. This will add fragrance without risking damage to your steamer.
• Place a few drops of essential oil onto the back of the pad before mounting it onto the steamer. This method ensures that no oil goes directly into the steamer, but the steam will still carry the fragrance.
• Use scented laundry products, such as fabric softener or scented beads, when washing your clothes. This will infuse your clothes with fragrance that will last through the steaming process.
• If you have an iron, you can try using scented ironing water. Just be sure to check that it is safe for your particular iron and won't cause any damage.
• Instead of adding fragrance to your clothes steamer, consider investing in an air diffuser. This will allow you to enjoy your favourite scents without risking damage to your steamer.

Frequently asked questions