What Not to Put in Your Laundry Steam Closet: 15 Things to Avoid

So, you’ve brought home a laundry steam closet, nice! Welcome to the future, where your clothes get refreshed without ever seeing the inside of a washing machine. Perfect for your go-to blazer, that silk blouse you love, or anything you want to keep looking sharp without a spin cycle.

But here’s the thing: just because your steam closet can handle a lot doesn’t mean it should handle everything. Some items just don’t play nice with steam, no matter how tempting it is to toss them in for a quick refresh.

Let’s talk about what not to steam, so you don’t accidentally damage your favorite outfit (or your appliance).

1. Leather and Suede

Steam and leather are not friends. Steam can cause leather to shrink, warp, or crack. Suede is even more delicate; it absorbs moisture like a sponge and will likely come out looking blotchy or stiff. If you’ve got a leather jacket or suede shoes, take them to a pro or use proper leather-cleaning products.

Better option: Use a leather brush or spot cleaner designed for leather or suede.

2. Plastic Accessories (and Clothes With Them)

Anything with plastic bits, think buttons, decorations, or patches, can melt or warp in the high heat and humidity of a steam closet. That plastic logo on your hoodie? Might not survive the journey.

Better option: Spot clean or remove the plastic attachments if possible.

3. Items With Glue (Iron-On Patches)

Steam heat can soften adhesives, causing patches, trims, or glued embellishments to peel off or shift. That patch you carefully ironed on? One steamy session and it’s halfway down the door.

Better option: Use a gentle wash and air dry. For maintenance, avoid using any heat-based appliances.

4. Delicate Lingerie

Some delicate undergarments, especially ones with lace, silk, or lots of fine details, can be damaged by steam. They may lose shape, color, or elasticity. 

Better option: Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent.

5. Clothes With Sequins, Beads, or Glitter

Fancy clothes are tempting to throw in the steam closet, especially after a big event. But anything with sequins or beads could come loose or get dulled by the moisture. And glitter? Well, steam won’t clean glitter; it just redistributes it. Everywhere.

Better option: Spot clean or dry clean only.

6. Wool Sweaters 

Wool is a mixed bag. Some wool garments can handle gentle steaming, but too much heat or moisture can shrink or distort them. If you’ve ever accidentally turned a cozy sweater into a toddler-sized top, you know what I mean.

Better option: Use the steam closet’s dedicated wool setting, if it has one, or skip it altogether.

7. Stuffed Animals (Unless Specifically Labeled)

Don’t steam your kid’s favorite teddy unless you want tears. Many stuffed animals have synthetic fillings or glued-on features (like eyes or bows) that don’t react well to heat and humidity.

Better option: If cleaning is needed, put the stuffed animal in a pillowcase and wash it on a gentle cycle, or surface clean by hand.

8. Shoes (Especially Leather or Foam-Soled)

You might think a blast of steam would freshen up your sneakers. And technically, it will, but at what cost? Steam can break down glues, warp materials, and ruin leather or faux leather. Foam soles can also degrade.

Better option: Use sneaker-cleaning wipes or sprays designed for shoe materials.

9. Anything With Battery Packs or Electronics

This might seem obvious, but just in case: if your clothing has built-in tech, like a heated jacket or LED lights, do not put it in the steam closet. The electronics will not appreciate being exposed to water.

Better option: Hand wash or follow care instructions strictly. Usually, these items have removable components for a reason.

10. Clothing With Heavy Embroidery or Appliqué

Intricate designs stitched onto fabric can shift or pucker in the moist environment of a steam closet. Steam can also cause threads to stretch, loosen, or bleed color.

Better option: Spot clean or consult a dry cleaner for heavily embroidered pieces.

11. Vintage or Fragile Fabrics

That antique silk dress from your grandma’s closet? Or a 1970s band tee that’s more holes than fabric? Don’t risk it. Steam closets may be too much for fragile fibers that have already seen decades of wear and washing.

Better option: Air it out and store it properly. Seek a textile conservator for delicate cleaning.

12. Velvet (Usually a Bad Idea)

Velvet may look tough with its rich texture, but it’s actually super sensitive. The pile can flatten or lose its softness in high humidity. Crushed velvet may lose its “crushed” texture altogether.

Better option: Use a steamer at a distance or take it to a professional.

13. Clothes That Are Already Soaked or Wet

It might seem logical to use the steam closet to finish drying damp clothes, but that’s a nope. Excess moisture + heat = mildew risk and extended steaming times, which could damage fabrics or your unit.

Better option: Air dry first, then steam if needed to refresh.

14. Delicate Silk Items

Some silks can be steamed very carefully, but others may spot, stretch, or lose their sheen entirely. Water marks are a real risk, and once they show up, they’re hard to reverse.

Better option: Use a cool iron on the reverse side or consult care labels religiously.

15. Heavily Soiled or Stained Clothing

A steam closet is a refresher, not a miracle worker. It won’t remove sweat stains, ketchup splashes, or ground-in grime. In fact, steam can sometimes set a stain if you’re not careful.

Better option: Pre-treat stains and launder the old-fashioned way.

When in Doubt, Leave It Out

When used correctly, a steam closet can extend the life of your wardrobe, but misuse it, and you’re looking at warped fabrics, ruined accessories, and a whole lot of regret.

So before you toss something in, take a second to think:

• Is this fabric steam-safe?
• Does it have anything glued, melted, or stitched on?
• Would I be upset if it came out worse than it went in?

If the answer is I don’t know, don’t risk it. Check the label, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and treat your clothes (and your steam closet) with care.

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