Steam cleaners are devices filled with water that heats to boiling. Once the water boils, it produces steam, which is pushed through tiny holes in the cleaner. Cleaning with steam removes many stains that traditional cleaning methods won't. Unfortunately, when steam cleaners are used often, they sometimes get clogged. Unclogging a steam cleaner is not a difficult task, but it does take a little work.

Step 1

Apply 1 to 2 tbsp. of white vinegar to a cloth. Rub the cloth over the steam cleaner holes to remove any stuck-on residue.

Step 2

Turn the stem cleaner upside-down to access the steam holes. Insert a needle three-fourths of the way into each steam hole to loosen any debris.

Step 3

Fill the steam cleaner's water tank with one part water and one part vinegar. Do not fill the tank higher than the tank's maximum fill line.

Step 4

Allow the steam cleaner to heat up per the manufacturer's instructions, then turn the cleaner to the steam setting and allow all of the water and vinegar to steam out.