We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Laundry Products We Tested 48 Clothes Steamers: These 9 Deserve a Spot in Your Closet Tried-and-true models you can use at home or on the go. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Rachel has written for Dotdash Meredith's Ecommerce team since 2020, covering home goods, tech, fashion, beauty, and more. She's interviewed dozens of experts and is always on top of the latest trends and product releases. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Nicole Lund Nicole Lund Nicole Lund is the shopping editorial director for Real Simple with six years of experience writing product reviews. She has written product reviews, gift guides, and more for Real Simple, The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Apartment Therapy. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 05, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Henry Wortock Clothes steamers are a great alternative for people who don’t have the patience, space, or tools to iron their clothing. Clothes steamers work by heating up water to produce steam, which loosens the clothing’s fibers to get rid of wrinkles. Steaming also helps give your clothes a nice refresh and can be used for other household items, such as curtains. To determine the best clothes steamers, we tested 48 models in our Des Moines lab and at home, assessing each product’s effectiveness, ease of assembly, design, and overall value, as well as how long it took for each product to produce steam. We also tapped Marilee Nelson, co-founder of Branch Basics, and Jerry Pozniak, managing director of Jeeves New York, a luxury dry cleaning service, for expert advice on what to look for when shopping and tips on how to use the model you choose. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Conair ExtremeSteam Hand-Held Fabric Steamer at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best Budget: Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Garment Steamer/Iron at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Upright: Pure Enrichment Upright Clothes Steamer at Amazon ($120) Jump to Review Best for Upholstery: BLACK+DECKER HGS200 Advanced Handheld Steamer at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Portable : Brookline Steamer at Amazon ($27) Jump to Review Best Large Capacity : CHI Handheld Garment Steamer at Amazon ($54) Jump to Review Best Clothes Steamer/Iron Combo: Electrolux Garment Steamer at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best With Attachments: Conair Handheld Garment Steamer at Walmart ($60) Jump to Review Best Professional : Jiffy Fabric Steamer at Amazon ($244) Jump to Review Best Overall Conair ExtremeSteam Hand-Held Fabric Steamer PHOTO: Amazon $56 at Amazon $60 at Wayfair $54 at Walmart What Stands Out It comes with a helpful three-in-one attachment and a built-in clamp for creasing. What Could Be Improved It’s a bit heavy. Of all the clothes steamers we tested in our lab, this device from Conair earned our top spot, thanks to its smart design, efficient heating process, and overall effectiveness. The compact yet powerful steamer removed wrinkles in all types of fabric (including cotton and silk) and took just 40 seconds to fully heat up. When used on lighter fabrics, like cotton and linen, we found that the steamer worked far quicker than a standard iron. Thicker items like jeans and sweaters did require a few more passes, but no more than an iron would. Even after two months of use, the steamer is still working perfectly. This steamer comes with five steam settings (ranging from low to supercharged) for use with different fabrics, along with a helpful three-in-one attachment that consists of a silicone band to pull fabric tauter, a fabric spacer to keep trims safe, and a bristle brush for use on heavier materials. It also has a built-in clamp to create even pleats and folds, and it can be used for up to 15 minutes continuously thanks to its large, 7.3-ounce water tank. While the steamer’s opening is pretty tiny, the water tank is detachable and the device comes with a water funnel to help avoid spilling. Additionally, we appreciate its lengthy cord, comfortable grip, and reasonable price. Plus, it comes in five fun colors. Take note, though, that it isn’t the most lightweight steamer, so you might get a sore arm after several minutes of use. Heating Time: 40 seconds | Steam Duration: 15 minutes | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 7.3 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Budget Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Garment Steamer/Iron PHOTO: Proctor Silex $25 at Amazon View on Proctorsilex.com $25 at Target What Stands Out It removes wrinkles from silk quickly and effectively. What Could Be Improved The water reservoir is small, and the steamer presents a burn risk if you’re not careful. If you’re looking for an inexpensive clothes steamer that still packs a punch, make sure to consider this model from Proctor Silex. The small and lightweight steamer boasts a low price tag, but that’s just one of several perks it offers. When we tested out this steamer, we found that it heats up very quickly and is simple to use, with only one button to press and a single setting. It’s not the best on linen (it eases wrinkles but doesn’t fully remove them), but it is highly effective on silk and cotton. It’s comfortable to hold, too, thanks to a long handle, and it has a lengthy 10-foot cord for added convenience. Additionally, the steamer comes with a fabric brush attachment for use on upholstery. After two months of use, the steamer is still going strong, with no changes in quality whatsoever. The fabric brush can double as a spacer to keep a necessary 1-inch buffer between the steamer’s head and the handle; otherwise, you might risk getting burned, as we found during our tests. We also didn’t love that the water reservoir is pretty small and requires frequent refilling, although it is easy to fill up with a funnel. Note that you can only use the steamer for up to seven minutes in one go, making it less suitable for those steaming a large load of clothes at once. Still, for a simple, no-frills device, it’s worth its low cost. Heating Time: 45 seconds | Steam Duration: 7 minutes | Weight: Not listed | Water Tank Capacity: 4 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Upright Pure Enrichment Upright Clothes Steamer PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon $100 at Walmart $120 at Kohls.com What Stands Out The included garment pole is adjustable and comes with hangers. What Could Be Improved There’s no indicator light to say when it’s at the right temperature. If you want a steamer that can provide a serious amount of power for a long period of time, opt for an upright model like this option from Pure Enrichment. The device has a massive 2-liter water tank to provide an hour’s worth of steaming, which is far greater than many others. During our tests, we discovered that this steamer works quickly and effectively on all fabrics, especially silk. It heats up quickly and has four steam levels to choose from as well as adjustable temperature controls, which we found to be extremely helpful. To use this device, you just need to step on the pedal at the base; the water tank is detachable and easy to take in and out without spilling. The adjustable garment pole conveniently comes with hangers and clips, saving you the hassle of bending over to steam clothes and deal with the cord. Additionally, the steamer features a fabric brush and has a comfortable arm. After two months of weekly use, this steamer has continued to exceed our expectations. We've noticed no sputtering, and every material we've steamed has retained a wrinkle-free appearance after hanging and cooling. Although the steamer has wheels on the back for portability, we wish it had more wheels on the front for better stability. There also isn’t an indicator light to say when it’s ready to use or at the proper temperature. That said, it’s a very high-quality steamer that offers plenty of significant, time-saving benefits. Heating Time: 45 seconds | Steam Duration: 1 hour | Weight: 9.6 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 67.6 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best for Upholstery BLACK+DECKER HGS200 Advanced Handheld Steamer PHOTO: Amazon $56 at Amazon What Stands Out The three attachments are all effective and easy to use. What Could Be Improved You have to press the button the whole time, and there are no temperature settings. Getting wrinkles out of upholstery can be tricky, but this top-rated steamer from Black+Decker is more than up to the challenge. During our tests, we found that the lightweight, easy-to-use device completely removed wrinkles from all fabrics (especially silk and cotton), and it comes with a special upholstery attachment that makes it even more effective. It only took us one pass to steam our tablecloth, and we didn't even have to go over it. Some more great features include a lint remover attachment as well as one for use with delicate fabric that helps prevent water from dripping onto the material. It was comfortable to hold, too, with a long 15-foot cord for extra portability. While the steamer only has one setting, its steam and temperature were powerful and consistent in our testing, and the water tank is fairly large (and easy to take on and off). Despite its easy attachment, we did encounter some difficulty filling the tank—the chamber's hole has a middle section to mark the maximum fill line, which restricted entry and prevented us from adding a funnel. The pour lip did allow us to add water without spilling, but a funnel would have simplified the process. It's worth noting that you do have to press the power button the entire time you use the steamer, and there’s also no fabric creaser attachment included like with some other options. Still, it’s still a reliable and efficient steamer we wholeheartedly recommend for upholstery and more. And, after two months of use, it still works as good as new. Heating Time: 45 seconds | Steam Duration: 15 minutes | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 7.4 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Portable Brookline Steamer PHOTO: Amazon $27 at Amazon What Stands Out It comes in three colors and has a low price tag. What Could Be Improved It starts to lose effectiveness after half the water has been depleted. For anyone seeking a clothes steamer they can easily take on the go, this option from Brookline is an excellent choice. The highly compact and lightweight steamer is small enough to throw in a bag for a trip or store in nearly any area, and while the 9-foot cord provides a good amount of length, it’s not so long that it takes up much space. Available in three colors (including a fun pink), this is a very simple steamer, with one setting and no accessories. Because of this, it’s not ideal for heavy-duty cleaning or use with more difficult fabrics like linen, but it’s perfectly effective for silk and cotton, among other materials. The water tank is easy to refill (albeit not very large, requiring frequent refills), and the steamer’s arm is comfortable to hold no matter how long you use it. While the steaming process was fairly quick, we did have to go over certain areas multiple times. For that, we think this pick is better suited for tackling minor wrinkles. This steamer sputtered a bit as it was warming up, occasionally spitting water on our fabric depending on proximity. Still, the water marks dried fairly quickly, leaving behind no residue. After two months of use, this steamer, for the most part, has maintained its quality. The only change we've noticed is the buildup of fabric lint on the steamer head, though it did wipe off easily once the steamer was cool. Throughout the testing period, we found that this the steamer does start to slow down after more than half of the water in the tank has been used, and it also takes a bit of time to heat up. But considering its low price and compact design, we still believe it’s worth the purchase for on-the-go steam jobs. Heating Time: 2 minutes | Steam Duration: 10 minutes | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 6 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Large Capacity CHI Handheld Garment Steamer PHOTO: Amazon $54 at Amazon $54 at Wayfair $54 at Walmart What Stands Out It heats up in just 20 seconds. What Could Be Improved The button is awkwardly located, causing accidental setting changes. Having to constantly refill a clothes steamer’s water tank can be a hassle, which is why a large-capacity steamer like this model from CHI is so desirable. The device boasts a 10-ounce capacity tank that’s not only larger than average but also easy to fill due to its large opening, saving you serious time and effort. This steamer heats up quicker than most (in just 20 seconds!), and it comes with two mode options (low and high). It’s comfortable to hold, has a long 10-foot cord, and features a locking mechanism to keep the steam on or off. It also comes with a fabric brush that we found to be very effective during our testing, especially on linen. After two months of use, the steamer is in the same condition as it was on day one. In terms of negatives, they’re pretty minor: The main button is inconveniently located, which can lead to accidental setting changes, and we noticed that there can also be some slight water sputtering when the steamer is first turned on. We also wish it was a bit lighter, as our arm tends to hurt after steaming for longer durations. But those are small qualms that certainly don’t overpower the steamer’s many benefits (including its fairly low price and stylish red color). Heating Time: 20 seconds | Steam Duration: Not listed | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 10.1 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Clothes Steamer/Iron Combo Electrolux Garment Steamer PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon $64 at Wayfair $60 at Lowe's What Stands Out The locking mechanism keeps the steam going without any effort on your end. What Could Be Improved The setting icons are hard to decipher and have no instructions. Why shell out the money for a clothes steamer as well as an iron when you can have a device capable of doing both jobs? This steamer from Electrolux can be used vertically or horizontally like an iron, powerfully removing wrinkles from fabric regardless of its position. The compact steamer (which is available in either black or blue) has two settings and comes with a sizable 10-ounce water tank that requires minimal effort to fill and remove. The device also stands out for how quickly it heats up (only 30 seconds) and for how long it can be used continuously (nearly 20 minutes). It has a comfortable grip, too, and comes with a handy locking mechanism that keeps the steam going without you having to continuously press the button. It also includes a fabric brush and lint brush, both of which we found to be effective. The fabric brush excelled at minimizing water droplets on our garments, and the lint brush was a real showstopper, removing both pet hair and wrinkles from our skirt. This device works incredibly fast on lighter wrinkles, and though it does sometimes struggle to completely remove deeper ones, we've found that every garment looks better after steaming than it did before. After two months of use, the quality of this steamer is exactly the same as when we first received it. As for price, it's slightly above average, and you’d hope that for that amount, it’d come with instructions on how to decipher the otherwise unclear icons for each setting. That annoyance aside, this is a very solid device that does both of its jobs quite well. Heating Time: 30 seconds | Steam Duration: 18 minutes | Weight: 3.9 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 10 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best With Attachments Conair Handheld Garment Steamer PHOTO: Walmart $50 at Walmart View on Brandsmartusa.com View on Conair.com What Stands Out In addition to the three main attachments, it also has a handy built-in creaser tool. What Could Be Improved Its power decreases the longer you use it. If you want a clothes steamer that comes with multiple extra tools designed to enhance the steaming process, take a look at this great pick from Conair. The small, lightweight steamer features three highly useful attachments: a silicone band to pull the fabric taut, a bristle brush to get through heavier fabrics, and a delicate fabric spacer to keep trims and finer fabrics safe from harm. But that’s not all—the steamer also comes with a built-in creaser tool that we found very effective and easy to use during our tests. Filling this steamer’s water tank is simple, but you do need to be careful of overfilling or else it won’t work. You can choose between two settings (regular and turbo), both of which are labeled clearly and have instructions. While we found it to be a bit larger than other steamers on our list, its comfortable grip ensures that your arm won’t get tired, even if you go for all 15 minutes of the continuous use it promises. After using the steamer for two months, we've noticed no changes in quality. It removes wrinkles seamlessly from our clothes—especially the softer, thinner fabrics—with no sputtering whatsoever. Plus, it has a long cord and reasonable price tag. It may not be the most powerful steamer on the market, and frustratingly, it does wane in power as it works, even on turbo mode. But there’s still a lot to like, especially those helpful accessories. Heating Time: 40 seconds | Steam Duration: 15 minutes | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 7.3 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Professional Jiffy Fabric Steamer PHOTO: Amazon $244 at Amazon What Stands Out It can be used continuously for an hour and a half and rarely needs a water refill. What Could Be Improved It only has one setting. Compact clothes steamers may be convenient, but if you want a device that can handle heavy-duty use and don’t mind the large size, a professional-grade option like this model from Jiffy is the way to go. The steamer can last for an hour and a half of continuous use, with a huge 96-ounce water tank that can go through at least a half-dozen items before needing a refill. We were amazed by this steamer's sheer speed and effectiveness—it removed wrinkles in a matter of seconds, so we never had to run it over the same spot multiple times. It worked well on all materials in our testing—especially silk—maintaining its performance throughout two months of use. It helpfully comes with a rod to hang up clothes as you work, as well as two sets of wheels that glide smoothly and provide extra stability. We found it comfortable to hold and appreciated the long cord. As a bonus, the tank is easy to fill without spilling. Just keep in mind that the hose does get pretty hot, and since it's long and floppy, you'll want to make sure it doesn't hit your legs as you work. Despite its power, this fairly simple steamer has only one setting, so you can’t vary the steam level or temperature depending on the fabric. It may leave the occasional water mark on clothing, and its large size makes it difficult to store. For the high price, we wish the steamer had fewer flaws, but its long use and sheer power are impressive enough to make up for them. Heating Time: 2 minutes | Steam Duration: 1.5 hours | Weight: 15.9 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 96 ounces Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Final Verdict After all our testing, we found Conair’s Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer to be the most appealing, thanks to its five powerful settings and useful attachments, among other features. For a great lower-budget alternative, we recommend the Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Garment Steamer/Iron, which is compact, easy to use, and heats up very quickly. Our Testing Process To find the best clothes steamers, we tested 48 models in our Des Moines lab and at home, evaluating their effectiveness on a variety of fabrics. For each steamer, we first recorded its measurements, then noted how easy or difficult it was to roll it (if it was a standing model) or unfold it (if it was a folding model). We filled each steamer’s water reservoir to the max, then hit the “on” button (going to the highest setting if available) and timed how long it took to fully heat up. We then switched the steamers’ settings to the lowest options (if available) to let them cool down and recorded that timing, as well. Next, we began the steaming process with each device. We first steamed a woman’s silk shirt on the lowest/silk setting (when applicable) and noted how quickly and well wrinkles were removed. After, we moved to the medium/cotton setting (when applicable) and steamed a men’s dress shirt while noting the same information. For this test, we also used the steamer’s creaser attachment (if included) to create a crease along the shirt’s side and took note of its sharpness. Finally, we switched to each steamer’s highest/linen setting (when applicable) and worked the device on a pair of linen pants, recording the capability and speed in removing wrinkles. At the end of our testing, we summarized each steamer’s effectiveness in tackling wrinkles on each fabric as well as if the steamer ever sputtered near or onto the garments. We also noted our thoughts on the design of each steamer, including the simplicity of filling the water tank without spilling, the comfort level of holding the steamer for long periods of time, the number of setting options and the ability to understand their functions, and the existence and effectiveness of any accessories. After that, we recorded the cord length of each steamer and whether it could rotate easily around the base when we changed angles or directions. For portable steamers, we looked at the ease of folding and storing it for travel, while for standing models, we analyzed how smoothly the wheels moved around our lab. Lastly, we determined each seamer’s overall value by considering whether its performance, design, and portability felt worthy of its retail price. For long-term testing, we took the steamers home and evaluated their performance after two months of use. Real Simple / Henry Wortock How to Shop for Clothes Steamers Like a Pro Type There are two types of clothing steamers: handheld steamers and large upright steamers. The type you buy should depend on how you want to use it, how long you want to spend steaming, and how much storage space you have available. Handheld clothes steamers are best for those who steam clothing occasionally or don't have the space for a large upright steamer. Large garment steamers work better for those who steam clothing frequently, as these products have larger water tanks and can steam for much longer than handhelds (up to 20 minutes on a handheld vs. an hour on a large steamer). Keep in mind that a larger steamer isn’t necessarily better. In fact, Pozniak says that he only uses handheld steamers for clothing, drapery, and upholstered furniture—the lighter, the better. “We moved away from the larger units due to size, weight, and water dripping issues,” Pozniak says. “Also, the large steamers take forever to heat up.” Nelson agrees, adding that handheld steamers remove wrinkles just as efficiently as vertical steamers, but they are designed with portability in mind and are easy to bring in your travel bag. If you are interested in a large garment steamer, just make sure you have enough storage space for one in your home. Although some large garment steamers can be broken down to become more compact, they will still need about as much space as a stick vacuum cleaner. Heat Time “The heat up time is an important selection criteria,” Nelson says. “If you plan to use your steamer in the morning before heading to work, it should not make you late!” Most steamers heat up in just under one minute, but the exact time varies depending on tank size and steamer power. Our best large-capacity pick, the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes, heats up the fastest of any steamers on our list, taking just 20 seconds. Smaller steamers generally heat up more quickly than larger upright steamers, which can take about two minutes to heat up. While the difference isn't huge, it's still important to consider. Similarly, the length of time a steamer can run varies depending on the capacity of its tank. Smaller steamers have a runtime of about eight to 20 minutes, while larger garment steamers can run for one to two hours depending on the setting. Features The most important part of a clothes steamer is effectiveness, but extra features can certainly make the steaming process a whole lot easier. Common additional features include more than one steam setting, which will help if you need to get steaming done quickly or have sturdier fabrics. The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer, our best overall pick, has five heat settings and comes with a variety of accessories. Some useful accessories to have include crease clips and bristle brush attachments. Crease clips help create creases in your pants without an iron, while a bristle brush attachment helps loosen fabric fibers so that the wrinkles come out more easily. “Having the right accessories makes all the difference in your steaming experience, such as a mini ironing board, which helps make the finishing touches like collars perfect,” Nelson says. If you're looking at a large garment steamer, look for additional features such as wheels on the bottom of the device, a retractable cord, and an included hanger with hanger clips to hold up your garments more easily. More Steamers to Consider Conair Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes, ExtremeSteam: This low-priced steamer works very well on various materials (including linen) and can be used almost immediately after refilling the water. That said, the water reservoir is very hard to fill, and it’s heavy enough to cause shoulder soreness. MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer: This steamer is highly effective and easy to use, including when filling up the water tank, but it only has one setting and becomes uncomfortable to use after a few minutes’ time due to its heavy weight. Questions You Might Ask What is the difference between a clothes steamer and an iron? The big difference between a clothes steamer and iron is contact. Irons require direct contact onto fabric to get rid of wrinkles whereas steamers need to be held a short distance away from the fabric to achieve the same result. Irons are great for creating creases in pants, pressing pleated clothing, and getting wrinkles out of thicker fabrics that would take a longer time to tackle, such as jeans or a blazer. Steamers are best for more delicate items or fabrics, such as a silk blouse or a cashmere sweater. “A hot iron can easily burn or damage more delicate fabrics like silk, satin, cashmere, or polyester,” Nelson says. “Steamers are a much safer option for delicate fabrics while simultaneously refreshing garments, reducing wrinkles and odors, and killing bacteria. Steaming is also more environmentally friendly, since you don’t have to wash the clothes that only need to be refreshed.” So is one necessarily better than the other? According to Pozniak, it depends on the type of fabric: “Cotton and linen will need an iron, while you can use a steamer for silk, wool, and synthetic fabrics. If you do steam cotton and linen, you may get out some of the wrinkles, but those fabrics will never look crisp. You need the steam of an iron to relax the fibers and the heat of the iron to remove the moisture and ‘set’ the fabric, making it look crisp.” Are there any fabrics you shouldn’t steam? Pozniak says you should avoid steaming certain fabrics, including leather, suede, fur, vinyl/plastic fabrics, and some embellished garments. Suede, leather, and fur in particular can be severely damaged with steam, he says. You also don't want to get too close to embellishments like buttons, beads, or sequins, as those could be made of plastic and melt. Can you use a steamer to freshen up clothes between washes? Absolutely, Nelson says: “Steamers are perfect for freshening up used garments in between washes since the hot steam targets bad odors. Especially when it comes to fabrics that cannot be washed, or items too bulky to wash by hand or in a machine—like a duvet or even a couch—steaming is an excellent alternative." As a hack, she recommends spritzing your garment with vodka before steaming for extra odor removal. How do you properly use a clothes steamer? Always read your product's instruction manual before you proceed, as use can vary between clothes steamers. Typically, you start by filling up the tank with water up to the water line, not above it. Then, turn on the device and wait until the machine starts continually producing steam. Otherwise, there's a risk of water spurting out and getting onto your fabric, which may stain it. Hang your garments on a hanger and hold them taut while steaming. Keep the steamer an inch away from the garment while steaming—do not put the steamer nozzle directly to your clothes. According to Nelson, you should steam any sort of lining first, and always steam items from top to bottom to produce an optimal effect. Once you're done, wait for your clothes to dry. Throughout the steaming process, make sure that your hands stay far away from the extremely hot steam so you don't get burned. Should you regularly clean a clothes steamer? Yes, but how often depends on how much you use it. If you notice that your clothes steamer is not producing steam as easily or as quickly as previous uses, that's when it's time for a cleaning. Clothes steamers get dirty when the minerals from hard water buildup overtime and create a gunk that can clog your nozzle and leave white residue on your clothes. You can avoid this by using distilled water when you steam. If that isn't an option, you can clean your clothes steamer with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. After you've put the mixture into your water tank, turn on your steamer and let that mixture run until it's about halfway done. Repeat the process until your nozzle lets steam out easily and quickly. Once you're ready to use your steamer again, make sure to do the same process but with just distilled water to make sure that any remaining vinegar is removed. Take Our Word for It This roundup was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications; and Nicole Lund, associate commerce editorial director at Dotdash Meredith. To find the best clothes steamers, we tested 48 irons in our lab and evaluated each model on its effectiveness, design, and overall value for money. We also consulted Jerry Pozniak, managing director of Jeeves New York, a luxury dry cleaning service, and Marilee Nelson, co-founder of Branch Basics, for expert advice. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.