How to Clean and Store Your Handheld Garment Steamer
By Home & Kitchen Appliances – Morphy Richards UK | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your handheld steamer working well with simple descaling and storage steps. Learn how to prevent blockages, remove mineral deposits, and store it safely between uses.
Quick answer
To keep your handheld garment steamer performing well, descale it monthly, wipe the nozzle after each use, and store it empty and upright in a dry place.
Why regular cleaning matters
Hard water can leave mineral deposits inside the water tank and nozzle, which may reduce steam flow and lead to spitting. Regular descaling keeps the steam path clear and helps the steamer heat efficiently.
A clean nozzle also prevents residue from transferring onto your clothes, so your garments stay fresh and wrinkle-free.
Trade-off: descaling frequency depends on your water
If you live in a hard-water area, you may need to descale more often than once a month. Soft-water users can often extend the interval. Check your steamer's manual for specific guidance, but monthly descaling is a safe baseline.
Using distilled water can reduce mineral buildup, but it adds a small cost. Tap water is fine for most use, but descaling becomes more important.
Step-by-step cleaning and storage routine
- Empty the water tank after each use: Pour out any remaining water from the tank. Leaving water in can encourage mineral deposits and bacteria growth. Common mistake: forgetting to empty the tank before storing, which can lead to stale water smells. Make emptying the tank a habit right after you finish steaming.
- Wipe the nozzle and exterior: Once the steamer has cooled, use a damp cloth to wipe the nozzle and the outside of the unit. This removes lint, dust, and any residue that could transfer to clothes. Common mistake: wiping while hot, which can cause burns or leave streaks. Always wait for the steamer to cool completely before wiping.
- Descale monthly: Fill the tank with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar (or a descaling solution recommended by the manufacturer). Run the steamer until the tank is half empty, then let it sit for 30 minutes. Empty and rinse with clean water. Common mistake: using too much vinegar or leaving it too long, which can damage seals. Rinse thoroughly after descaling to remove any vinegar smell.
- Dry the tank and store upright: After rinsing, shake out excess water and leave the tank open to air dry completely. Store the steamer upright in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. Common mistake: storing with a wet tank or lying flat, which can cause water to leak into internal parts. Ensure the tank is fully dry before the next use to avoid spitting.
Product care note
- Express Steam Handheld Garment Steamer: The Morphy Richards Express Steam Handheld Garment Steamer is designed for convenient wrinkle removal and also kills 99.9% of bacteria. Keeping the nozzle and tank clean helps maintain that bacteria-killing performance and prevents odors from building up.
Express Steam Handheld Garment Steamer
