Steamer passing a musty or off smell onto your fresh clothes? Odors usually come from standing water, scale, or residue on the head, and a clean-out clears them.
Here is why a steamer smells and how to fix it.
This article will teach you:
- Where steamer smells come from
- Why standing water is a problem
- What to clean first
- When to worry
Why the Steamer Smells
- Standing water left in the tank growing mustiness.
- Mineral scale inside the unit.
- Fabric residue or starch on the head.
- A burning smell from overheating, which is different.
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar
- A soft cloth
- Distilled water
How to Clear the Smell
- Empty the tank. Never leave water sitting between uses.
- Descale. Run a vinegar and water mix through the steamer.
- Wipe the head. Clean starch and residue off the steam head.
- Judge the smell. A musty odor clears; a burning smell means stop and unplug.
Pro Tip: Emptying and drying the tank after each session prevents most steamer smells. Water left standing for days is the usual source of a musty odor.
When to Look a Little Deeper
Because odors tie to scale and residue, it helps to check those, and reviewing a clogged nozzle, a leaking steamer, or an overheating steamer can reveal the cause.
When to Call a Pro
A musty smell is DIY to fix. If the smell is burning or electrical, stop using the steamer, as that points to a wiring or element fault.
Wrapping Up
A bad smell is usually standing water or scale. Here’s the recap:
- Empty the tank after use.
- Descale with vinegar.
- Wipe residue off the head.
- Stop if the smell is burning.
Empty and descale, and the smell clears. Stay safe.