Best Steamer for Curtains and Drapes 2024
Steaming your curtains and drapes allows you to remove wrinkles and creases while they are hanging. I generally recommend handheld fabric steamers for curtains, as you are not restricted from reaching the top of curtains like with a standing clothes steamer.
The exception is the Jiffy Drapery Steamer, a professional curtain steamer designed explicitly with a 7.5-foot hose to reach the top of the curtains.
Here are my top choices for the best steamer for curtains in 2023:
[lasso type=”table” id=”9″ link_id=”10799″]
Does Steaming Curtains Clean Them?
Steam is a great way to refresh your curtains and remove wrinkles. The high heat of the steam also aids in killing bacteria, dust mites, and other nasties lurking on your curtains.
If your curtains are physically dirty, you may need to take them down and either hand wash them, or gently machine wash them. Always check the care label on your curtains before washing or steaming them.
Before steaming, vacuum your curtains using a brush tool to remove any dirt, pet hair, and dust. Use the lowest setting of your vacuum, so you don’t suck your curtains up into it!
If your clothing steamer has a brush tool, you can also use this to help open the fibers of the curtain material. It will collect dust and hair as you steam.
Can You Steam Velvet Curtains?
You can steam velvet curtains. However, please check the manufacturer’s label beforehand. If your velvet curtains are labeled dry clean only, it is best to take them to the cleaners.
Also, check the direction of the nap of the velvet curtains before you steam them. Then steam the curtains in the opposite direction of the nap. The steam will help to lift the nap and restore the vibrancy to your velvet curtains.
You can steam velvet curtains from behind also if needed—test on a small area of your velvet curtains, like the bottom corner.
Can You Steam Linen Curtains?
Absolutely. Steam is an excellent choice for linen. As linen easily crushes, you may need to use the highest steam setting. Steam from the top of the curtains to the bottom in slow strokes.
A helper can pull the linen curtains taut from the bottom to help remove the wrinkles. Allow to air dry.
Can You Steam Blackout Curtains?
You’ll need to use the highest steam setting of your garment steamer when steaming blackout curtains, as blackout curtains are usually thicker. I recommend using a minimum 1500-watt clothing steamer.
Generally, I steam curtains from top to bottom. However, if you have trouble removing the wrinkles, try steaming from bottom to top. As the steam rises, it will penetrate the curtains.
Use the fabric brush of your steamer also to help relax fibers. Depending on the backing of your curtains, you may also find it easier to steam from the back of the curtains. The weight of the curtain dragging over the steamer head will help to remove the wrinkles.
Make sure you wear a steaming glove, so you don’t burn yourself. As always, check the manufacturer label before steaming.
Can You Steam Thermal or Insulated Curtains?
Thermal or insulated curtains with a rubber backing can be steamed on the front side. It is best not to apply heat or steam directly to the backing. This also applies to acrylic-backed thermal curtains.
You will need to work slowly with insulated curtains due to their thickness. If you have someone who can help you, they can hold the bottom of the curtains taut whilst you steam them. Steam from top to bottom whilst the curtains hang, allowing them to dry.
You should use the highest steam setting of your clothing steamer for insulated curtains.
Can You Steam Silk Curtains?
Clothing steamers are excellent for silk clothing and work well on silk curtains. Choose the lowest setting when steaming silk if you have a fabric steamer with multiple steam settings. Test your curtains in an inconspicuous area first, and as always, read the care instructions on the label before steaming.
If the lowest setting isn’t getting the wrinkles out of your silk curtains, gradually increase the steam. Make sure, however, that you test in an inconspicuous area each time you increase the steam level, and try not to get the silk curtains wet from the steam, as water droplets can stain silk.
Always use distilled or demineralized water when steaming silk.
What Water Do You Use When Steaming Curtains?
Distilled water should be used in your steamer when steaming drapery and curtains and for home furnishings and clothing.
If you use tap water in your steamer, you must descale it regularly. The following articles cover everything you need to know about descaling a steamer:
This article covers precisely why you should not use tap water in your steamer.
What is the Best Steamer for Curtains?
With so many handheld steamers and different types of curtain fabrics, choosing the best steamer for curtains needs to come down to personal preference.
For thicker curtains, choose a more powerful steamer with higher heat and steam output to tackle those tough wrinkles.
Any steamer on this list will work for more sheer and lightweight curtains.
For a commercially rated machine with an excellent warranty and made in the USA, the number one choice is the Jiffy Drapery Steamer.
- Can You Use a Steam Mop On Karndean Flooring? - June 19, 2024
- How To Clean Unsealed Concrete Floors - June 7, 2024
- How to Clean Stamped Concrete - June 7, 2024
