A compact clothes steamer is handy for removing wrinkles and stale odors from fabric, but is that all? Just another single-purpose tool that sits on a shelf gathering dust? Don’t be so sure! I’ve discovered so many ways to use an ordinary clothes steamer to steam clean, sanitize, renew, and freshen things all around the house and garage!

Basics

Before we get started, let’s go over a few steam cleaning basics.

• Always use distilled water in a steamer. The minerals in tap water can cause it to clog and leave behind traces of minerals.
• Never use steam on silk or other delicate surfaces. Always test first in an inconspicuous place for color bleeding or spotting.
• Do not use steam on freshly painted surfaces, vintage surfaces, waxed or polished wood, or musical instruments*.

*You’re laughing! Me, too. Musical instruments?! But seriously, once I discovered all the cool things a steam cleaner could do, I was ready to steam anything that would stand still, including the strings of my 1920 Steinway grand piano. No, I didn’t.

Loosen Carpet Stains

A blast of steam can loosen a tough carpet stain that’s been challenging to remove. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the spot for at least 30 seconds, then blot it with a clean white cloth. Repeat until nothing more is transferred to the cloth. If you still see evidence of the spot, it should respond more effectively to a good stain remover like Spot Shot. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the label, which may require rinsing once the stain is gone.

Remove Labels and Stickers

A blast or two from your trusty clothes steamer can soften and melt the adhesive that keeps a stubborn label or sticker stuck so you can easily remove it. Be cautious if you’re dealing with an unpainted surface.

Defrost a Freezer

If your freezer does not self-defrost, you need to defrost it manually from time to time (and probably more often than you know, like at least once every three months) to keep it working well. This can be challenging if you have frozen items you’d rather not thaw in the process. Use your clothes steamer to melt the frost and ice quickly.

Free-Up Jammed Icemaker

Sometimes, my ice maker gets jammed. A huge ball of melded ice cubes seems hopelessly stuck, but a few blasts of steam get things moving again.

Sanitize Solid Surfaces

As long as your steam reaches 212 F., you can use it to sanitize and sterilize surfaces like appliance handles, countertops, sinks, faucets, and toilets. Steam can easily loosen the mineral build-up in cracks and crevices, allowing it to be wiped away without any harsh chemicals.

Remove Grease and Baked-On Gunk

Hot steam is an excellent way to break down grease and oil. The high temperature breaks down the grease and makes it easy to wipe away. While steam can make light work of removing grease and baked-on food from a stovetop, ovens, stove exhaust fans, pans, and ovens, it is especially effective on a glass cooktop that could be damaged by harsh scraping or abrasive cleansers. Work in small areas, blasting it first with the steam, then quickly wiping away the residue.

Clean a Couch

If your couch doesn’t have removable covers, you can throw in the washer, and you may be able to use your steamer to clean it.

First, check your couch’s care tag to make sure that steaming is a suitable cleaning method. Next, test in an inconspicuous place to see how the fabric reacts to steam. Looks good? Begin by vacuuming the couch to remove any loose debris. Next, pre-treat and rinse away any stains. You’re ready to steam the couch by running your garment steamer over it. If a good amount of moisture is accumulated, use a hair dryer to dry it.

Clean Grout

Steam blasts away mildew and dirt that can be stubbornly lodged in the grout lines between tiles on floors, tub walls, and shower enclosures. Steam, then wipe. Repeat as necessary, working in small areas.

Clean Glass, Mirrors, Shower Doors

Hit that smudge, streak, or hard water mark with steam, then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth to avoid making a new streak or leaving behind lint. Steam is so effective on glass that you probably won’t need to use any other products. Moisture, heat, and microfiber are the perfect combination.

• RELATED: The Magic of Microfiber Cloths Plus How to Use and Care for Them

Freshen Up Curtains

Are your curtains looking a little tired? Using your clothes steamer, you can revitalize and remove wrinkles and creases and sanitize curtains at the same time without taking them down. First, check the label. Avoid this method on curtains labeled dry-clean only.

Start by vacuuming or lint-rolling the curtains to remove hair, dust, or dry debris. Then, steam the curtains as you would clothing, repeating the process as necessary. Avoid using this method on curtains labeled as dry-clean only.

Detail a Car

Steam is excellent for removing dirt and grime from wheels, trim, cracks, and crevices on the outside of a car. It also works wonders inside the car. Steam clean the seats and floor mats, too. Sticky handles, armrests, and steering wheel? Hit them with steam! While you’re at it, clean the car windows and mirrors, too. (Remember, always test first in an inconspicuous place.)

• RELATED: How to Detail Car Interior Using These Homemade Cleaners

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