Best Steamer for Curtains and Drapes 2023
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:
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J-4000DM Jiffy Drapery Steamer
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Rowenta X-Cel Steam Force
- New release for 2022
- Upgraded 1875 watts of power
- Trusted brand
- 2 steam settings
- Use horizontally or vertically
- Fast heat up
- Includes accessories
- 1600 watt and 1875 watt models are on the same listing - make sure you look for the 1875 watt model
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Conair Turbo Extreme Steam 1875 Watt - 2019 Model
- 5 steam settings
- 40 second heat up
- 15 minute steam time
- 3 in 1 attachment for delicate fabrics, and a built in pants press
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Electrolux 1500 Watt Handheld Garment Steamer
- Ceramic coated soleplate
- 1500 watts
- 2 Steam Settings
- Use horizontally and vertically without leaks or drips
- Includes fabric brush and lint brush
- Can get heavy
- USA and Canada Only
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Black + Decker Advanced Handheld Steamer
- 15ft power cord
- 1400 watts
- 2 year warranty
- 3 attachments
- Hard to empty water tank
- Less power than others on this list
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1800W Clothing Steamer
- Inexpensive
- 1800 watts
- Comparable to branded models
- Use horizontally and vertically
- Generic Chinese brand - use distilled water and it should keep working well
- USA and Canada only (120V)
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Bizond Mini Steamer
- It has a 3 year warranty
- Comes with a fabric brush attachment which helps to remove dust and relax fibers in the curtain fabrics
- It is lightweight and portable
- It is less expensive than some of the larger handheld steamers
- Good for smaller hands or lightweight curtains
- Inexpensive
- 3 year warranty
- Includes a fabric brush
- Despite advertising tap water friendly, the manufacturer still recommends using distilled water. There is a lot of negative feedback that this steamer has stopped working - using tap water is probably why.
- Lacks power compared to larger steamers
The Jiffy J-4000D is the only full sized clothing steamer you will find on this list, as I generally recommend handheld steamers for drapery and curtains.
Jiffy makes this list as a professional drapery steamer. The difference between this and the other Jiffy steamers is the 7.5 foot steaming hose (2 feet longer than standard Jiffy steamers).
You are buying quality with a Jiffy steamer, which are made in the USA. As a commercial steamer, this machine does take time to heat up, so be prepared to wait around 15 minutes for the steamer to preheat, before it switches to steaming.
Once the Jiffy steamer has preheated it will steam for two hours, so after you have steamed your drapery, you can continue on with bed linen, furniture and your clothing.
You can choose between a plastic steam head or metal steam head. There are pros and cons with both – metal being my preferred choice for retaining heat and getting tough wrinkles out.
The downside is the metal head weighs more and therefore can get heavy, which is why many people prefer the lighter weight of the plastic.
Available in gray and pink, Jiffy steamers are an investment, but a worthwhile one.
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In 2022, Rowenta are giving Conair a run for their money with a newly released 1875 watt steamer, called the Rowenta X-Cel Steam Force.
Featuring 1875 watts of power with a steam output of 28 grams per minute (super turbo level) the Rowenta steamer offers excellent performance. It also has a 9.84 foot power cord, making it a great choice to reach the top of curtains.
With the Rowenta X-Cel Steam Force (model number DR8220), you get two steam levels – delicate and turbo. The delicate setting would work well for lace or chiffon curtains (or any type of sheer curtain materials) that are quite thin and would require a lower steam output and less heat to de-wrinkle.
The turbo setting would use the full 1875 watts of power and would be the better choice for heavier curtains or drapes, particularly those with thermal backing or dual layers.
The Rowenta steamer can be used in both a horizontal and vertical position, heats up in 25 seconds and holds 6.04 fluid ounces of water for a steam time around 10 minutes.
Included with the Rowenta DR8220 steamer are 3 accessories, 2 which are most beneficial for curtains. A fabric brush (which helps to loosen fibers from thicker fabrics and helps with wrinkle removal) and a steam bonnet (which is good for delicate fabrics like chiffon and lace to help diffuse the steam rather than a direct stream of steam).
A crease attachment is also included, which for curtains and drapes really isn’t needed, but is handy when using this steamer for clothing.
The Rowenta steamer is available in both the USA and Canada. If you are in the UK, take a look at the Tefal DR8150 Access Steam + which is similar (Tefal is Rowenta’s sister brand in the UK and Australia).
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With a 10oz water tank and 8ft power cord, you'll be ready to steam your clothing, curtains or anything else in just 30 seconds with this Electrolux handheld garment steamer. Steam horizontally or vertically without water dripping thanks to the built in steam pump. This European brand is both stylish and effective.
If you are in the UK, take a look at the Homeasy Steamer, which is comparable.
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Featuring 15ft cord, the Black and Decker handheld steamer had to make the list of best handheld steamers for both clothes and curtains.
Not only will you reach the top of your curtains with ease, you can rest assured that if you forget to turn off the steamer it will auto switch for you, when not used for 15 minutes.
Included is every attachment needed for effective steaming with a focus on other uses around the home as well as clothes. This is the only garment steamer I have seen which comes with an upholstery attachment.
The wattage is 1400 watts, not as great as some of the steamers on this list, but also not unsuitable for curtains and drapes. There is a turbo boost function for getting stubborn wrinkles out.
Black and Decker stand behind their steamer with a two year warranty. The user guide and warranty information is comprehensive and easy to follow.
Overall I’m impressed with this handheld steamer and felt it needed mention on this list of best
fabric steamers for curtains.
The Black + Decker steamer is available in the USA and Canada. If you are in the UK, take a look at the Russell Hobbs 25600 Steam Genie, which is the same design as the Black + Decker, although has 1650 watts of power.
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There are a lot of similarities between this generic handheld steamer and the Electrolux steamer. If your budget doesn’t allow for the quality brand of Electrolux, take a look at this one, which is virtually identical.
With slightly more power (1800 watts compared to 1500 watts with the Electrolux), this handheld steamer is a great choice for clothing as well as drapery and curtains. It heats up in 30 seconds, steams for around 15 minutes and has an LCD touch screen to control the 2 steam settings.
It outputs steam at 25 grams per minute on the lower setting and 35 grams per minute on the higher. This is comparable to Rowenta steamers.
Measuring 11.7 inches x 8.7 inches, it’s not the most compact of steamers, but comparable in size to both Electrolux and Rowenta.
A fabric brush is included, which is beneficial for thicker fabrics to help relax the fibers. You can use this handheld steamer both horizontally and vertically, making it a versatile machine for both drapery and clothing.
If you are in the UK, take a look at this handheld steamer, which is identical. Canadians, the Kalorik Home Handheld Garment Steamer is similar, as is the Reliable Dash Handheld Steamer.
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The Bizond garment steamer is a mini steamer that is lightweight and portable.
It is not as powerful as any of the steamers listed above, however, if you have sheer or lace curtains this will work a treat.
The cord is 9.8 feet long, perfect for reaching to the top of the curtains. It has 900 watts of power, which means the steam output won’t be as good and it may take longer to steam.
Why I featured the Bizond Steamer on the List of Best Steamers for Curtains:
If you’re looking for a curtain steamer that could you also pack on your next holiday this steamer is a great choice (otherwise take a look at my list of best steamers for travel here).
It is available in both the USA and Canada. If you are in the UK, take a look at the Fumorclu travel steamer, which is similar – although has a 2 year warranty.
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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.
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