I received a steam cleaner for Christmas from my lovely husband, to use on cakes. I have had it going and have discovered that it sprays out little water droplets with the steam which ruin the surface of whatever you're steaming. If I hold the steamer way back so that the droplets won't reach the cake then the steaming is not very effective. I'm wondering if this is common with all steamers? or just an issue with the brand/type I have? (It is a Hoover 1200watt multi-purpose hand steam cleaner)
Would really appreciate any tips/advice anyone may have...I don't want my husband to think he bought a dud, and really want to be able to use it on cakes (I have no use for a steam cleaner for anything else!)
Thanks in advance 
That's usually a sign that the steamer is clogged. Are you using distilled water? If you're using regular tap water, the minerals will clog the machine. Even filtered water can be problematic as tiny pieces of charcoal can be passed into the water. Must use distilled water.
Coral I had the same problem with one I bought just for cakes. An el cheapo version, I don't think it even has a brand name 
Anyway, the first time I used it it spattered a bit. I definitely let it heat up correctly etc. I used tap water too. It was also the last time I used it since I didn't really try and fix it... I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has any opinions, aside from the type of water used (I'm pretty sure the instructions didn't say to NOT use tap water). I'm sure the steamer would be fine for cleaning the curtains but I really want a fine steam for cakes, like you see on the telly 
I'm sorry I forgot to tell you how to clean it! Fill it with white vinegar and let it steam til empty. Rinse reservoir. Repeat with the white vinegar until the spattering stops. If it doesn't stop after two tankfuls of vinegar, take that piece of junk back to the store.
The steamer I have will drip if you hold it at the wrong angle. I've never used it on fondant, but it drips if tilted down. That might be the issue.
Thanks for the suggestion. I have tried different angles, but it spatters no matter how I use it (although it does appear to be worse when pointed down.)
I'm sorry I forgot to tell you how to clean it! Fill it with white vinegar and let it steam til empty. Rinse reservoir. Repeat with the white vinegar until the spattering stops. If it doesn't stop after two tankfuls of vinegar, take that piece of junk back to the store.
Oh, great thanks for that, I wasn't sure how to go about unblocking and couldn't find anything helpful in the instructions.
Another question - does anyone know if 'demineralised water' is okay to use in a steamer for cakes? Hubby went out to get me some distilled water, but the only thing he could find was demineralised. I *think* it's much the same thing, but don't really know.
I have a steamer but must admit I haven't tried it on a cake yet. I'm wondering if gauze type fabric across the wider nozzle attachment would work so that only steam reaches the cake. Only distilled/demineralised water should be used in steamers, same as irons. Must dig mine out of the back of the cupboard and try.
Okay so I put the vinegar through the steamer, then tried with demineralised water...still spitting water droplets though. Am going to try covering the end nozzle with some fabric to see if that helps...am thinking that may work, although perhaps only until the fabric becomes wet (?)
What you really want is a clothing steamer, not a steam cleaner. The clothing steamer is a very gentle mist all of the time with no pressure behind it.
Rae
What you really want is a clothing steamer, not a steam cleaner. The clothing steamer is a very gentle mist all of the time with no pressure behind it.
Rae
OMG, I didn't even notice we were talking about a steam CLEANER! So much for my reading comprehension skills. You are absolutely right. A clothing steamer is needed, not a steam cleaner.
What you really want is a clothing steamer, not a steam cleaner. The clothing steamer is a very gentle mist all of the time with no pressure behind it.
Rae
Oh dear. I thought steamers were all just multi-purpose steam cleaners. Not sure if the store will take it back now...? - I guess I'll just have to try. 
Thanky you SO much for pointing that out Rae...the steam CLEANER has been returned and I now have a GARMENT steamer - and the difference is HUGE. The new one is perfect, love it! So THANK YOU, I didn't realise there was such a difference in steamers & how they work.
my garment steamer sometimes spits water too.....I will have to try bottled water and see if that makes a diff
I just bought a little garment steamer for cakes at auction for about $4 and I have never used it because I have forgotten WHY people use steamers on fondant 
I just bought a little garment steamer for cakes at auction for about $4 and I have never used it because I have forgotten WHY people use steamers on fondant
Makes 'em shiny and gets any remains of cornstarch off them. You can also use it to set dust colours on flowers and things.
I also thought a steam cleaner was a garment (or any fabric) cleaner...guess I'll try and find one somewhere over here!
Oh yeah! Thanks Dayti! I think I wanted it for the luster dusts and petal dusts because I don't like the shiny look in most cases.
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