10 Things Your Garment Steamer Can Do Besides De-Wrinkle Clothing

You can use your garment steamer on drapes and curtains to remove dust, odors and even certain stains. It's always a good idea to test a small spot first to ensure colorfastness. Then, simply pass the steam over your drapes in small sections, moving from top to bottom.

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Pass your garment steamer over your mattress in sections, holding the nozzle as close to the fabric as you can (without causing the steamer to drip). The steam will help kill any dust mites near the surface, plus help remove any odors. To finish cleaning your mattress, vacuum the surface with the vacuum's upholstery attachment.

Not all plush toys are machine-washable, but you can still eliminate bacteria, dust mites and other allergens by simply passing over them with a steamer. To finish the job, vacuum the toy thoroughly with your vacuum's upholstery attachment.

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You can also use a garment steamer to freshen pillows, especially those that can’t take a spin in the washing machine. Simply run the garment steamer over the entire surface area of the pillow, front and back, then let air dry and vacuum.

If your pet's bed isn't machine-washable, a garment steamer can help freshen it up. First, thoroughly vacuum your pet’s bed to remove any hair and debris, then steam the bed in sections, holding the nozzle as close to the fabric as you can (without causing the steamer to drip). The high heat will help tackle light stains and remove odors from dirt and dander. Once finished, let the bed air dry and vacuum again before letting your pet use it.

A garment steamer can help freshen sneakers, loosening both dirt and grime from the sole and upper, as well as deodorizing the interior. Just be sure to test a small area first to ensure the steam won’t damage your shoes.

Hold the nozzle of your garment steamer a few inches away from the bag’s surface and swipe it across the fabric, both inside and out, to spot clean small stains, loosen caked-on dirt and help sanitize.

The hot steam can help lift dirt, dust and stains from upholstered furniture like couches, arm chairs and ottomans. It can even help remove any pesky water rings or spots from fabrics. Just be sure to test a small spot first for colorfastness. Then, pass the garment steamer over the furniture in small sections.

If you move a piece of furniture and discover pesky dents in your carpet, use your garment steamer to revive your rug. Simply hover the steamer over the affected area, leaving several inches between the rug and the steam to avoid burning the fibers. Then fluff the spot and let dry.

If you're having trouble removing labels, stickers or tape from surfaces like furniture, glass or countertops, a garment steamer can help soften and loosen the adhesive. Once softened, you can easily wipe or scrape any remaining residue off.