Why does my garment steamer need to be emptied after every use?

Emptying the reservoir after use is normal care for these steamers, not a fault. The manuals explain that leftover water can deteriorate, contribute to odour or, in some models, encourage mineral build-up and bacterial growth if the unit sits unused for a long time. Stop using the product if you see leaks, cracks or signs of electrical damage while emptying it.

1. Switch off the appliance, unplug it and wait until it is completely cool. The expected result is a safe appliance before you handle the tank.
2. Remove the water tank or use the drain point described in the manual for your model. Empty any remaining water into a sink or suitable container. The expected result is a dry reservoir with no standing water left inside.
3. Rinse only if your manual allows it, then leave the parts open to air-dry. The expected result is less stale smell and fewer deposits at the next use.
4. If water is discoloured, smells unpleasant or contains residue every time, stop using the appliance and contact the retailer or store where it was purchased. That can indicate a maintenance issue that needs attention.

For prevention, do not leave water in the tank between uses, and use the water quality recommended by the manual. The vertical steamer instructions specifically mention draining the reservoir and using distilled or demineralised water to reduce mineral build-up.