Why does my garment steamer spray water instead of steam?

If the appliance is spitting liquid water rather than a steady steam plume, it is usually not hot enough yet, is being held at the wrong angle, or has condensation in the hose. Stop using it if water is spraying near electrical parts, the steam head looks damaged, or the floor becomes slippery.

Check the most common causes

1. Allow the steamer to preheat fully before use. The manuals state that insufficient temperature can cause leakage from the nozzle because water has not turned into steam. Expected result: the spray changes to steady steam.
2. Keep the steamer upright and avoid tilting it sharply. Expected result: water stays in the tank and hose instead of spitting from the head.
3. If you are using a handheld model, shake it gently up and down after switching on to remove trapped air from the water supply hose. Expected result: the flow becomes more even.
4. Check that the water reservoir is filled correctly and that the appliance is not being used when the water level is too low. Expected result: no sudden bursts of water.
5. If it still sprays water after these checks, stop using the appliance. Continued spitting can be a sign of scale build-up or another fault.

If the problem continues or safe use is uncertain, stop using the garment steamer and contact the retailer or store where it was purchased.