Why does my garment steamer smell strange the first time I use it?

A light smell on the first use is often caused by residues from manufacturing and normally fades after the appliance has steamed for a few minutes. If the smell becomes sharp, smoky or electrical, stop using the steamer at once, unplug it and do not continue testing it on clothing.

1. Run the appliance in a safe, well-ventilated area for a few minutes before using it on garments. The manuals say this helps remove impurities and odours left from the manufacturing process. If the smell fades, that is usually a normal first-use effect.
2. Try the steamer on an old piece of fabric first, not on a new or valuable garment. If the smell transfers to the cloth or the unit behaves oddly, stop the test and inspect the appliance for visible issues such as damage, scorching or leaking.
3. Make sure you are using plain tap water or the water type stated in the manual. One model specifically says not to use perfume, vinegar or other chemicals in the tank. If you have added anything other than water, empty the tank and rinse it before trying again.
4. Check that the appliance is not overheated or running dry. A hot, burnt smell can be a warning sign that the unit has become unsafe. If that happens, stop using it immediately.
5. If the smell does not clear after the first few minutes of use or returns strongly on later uses, stop using the product and contact the retailer or store where it was purchased.