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Quick answer: for curtains and drapes, an upright steamer with a big tank is best: the Jiffy J-2000 runs for 1.5 hours per fill. For a lighter handheld, the Conair GS59L gives up to 20 minutes of steam per tank.
- Type: Upright, professional
- Power: 1500W
- Heat-up: not published
- Type: Handheld
- Power: 1875W
- Heat-up: 35 sec
Steaming curtains where they hang saves taking them down. You need long steam time, a long hose or cord, and enough reach for tall drapes. We compared the steamers currently sold at Amazon.com that suit the job.
Which steamer is best for curtains in 2026?
- Best for curtains Jiffy J-2000 ($$$). Check price
- Best for heavy drapes Jiffy J-4000 ($$$$). Check price
- Best handheld for curtains Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam GS59L ($$). Check price
- Best long cord Rowenta X-Cel Steam Force ($$). Check price
How we chose these picks
We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications and the Amazon.com listing for each model (sources: Manufacturer product pages and Amazon.com listings for each model (checked October 2026)). Where a maker does not publish a figure, we say “not published” rather than guess. We checked that every product was on sale in the US when this page was last updated, and we re-check stock every month. We do not hands-on test products ourselves, and we say so on every review. Commission from retailer links never affects which products we pick. Read how we research.
Comparison table
| Model | Type | Power | Heat-up | Tank | Steam time | Auto-off | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiffy J-2000 | Upright | 1300W | 2 min | 2.84 L (3/4 gal) | 1.5 hr | Fusible link safety shut-off | $$$ |
| Jiffy J-4000 | Upright, professional | 1500W | not published | 1 gal | not published | not published | $$$$ |
| Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam GS59L | Handheld | 1875W | 35 sec | 7.3 oz | Up to 20 min | not published | $$ |
| Rowenta X-Cel Steam Force | Handheld | 1875W | 25 sec | 6.4 oz | 10 min | not published | $$ |
Specifications are manufacturer or Amazon listing figures. Price tiers compare models within this guide: $ budget, $$ mid-range, $$$ premium, $$$$ top of the range. We do not list exact prices because they change daily. Tap “Check price” to see the current price on Amazon.
The best picks, reviewed
Best for curtains
Jiffy J-2000: Best for curtains
- Type: Upright
- Power: 1300W
- Heat-up: 2 min
- Tank: 2.84 L (3/4 gal)
1.5 hours of steam per fill covers several windows without a refill.
Full review, pros and cons in our best clothes steamers guide
Best for heavy drapes
Jiffy J-4000: Best for heavy drapes
- Type: Upright, professional
- Power: 1500W
- Heat-up: not published
- Tank: 1 gal
A gallon tank and 1500W for heavy, lined drapes.
Full review, pros and cons in our best clothes steamers guide
Best handheld for curtains
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam GS59L: Best handheld for curtains
- Type: Handheld
- Power: 1875W
- Heat-up: 35 sec
- Tank: 7.3 oz
Up to 20 minutes per tank, enough for a couple of panels.
Full review, pros and cons in our best clothes steamers guide
Best long cord
Rowenta X-Cel Steam Force: Best long cord
- Type: Handheld
- Power: 1875W
- Heat-up: 25 sec
- Tank: 6.4 oz
The 9.84 ft cord helps reach the top of tall curtains.
Full review, pros and cons in our best clothes steamers guide
How to steam curtains
- Vacuum the curtains first to remove dust.
- Test steam on a hidden area, especially lined, velvet or silk curtains.
- Work from the top down, holding the fabric taut from the bottom hem.
- Keep the head moving and let the fabric dry before you close the curtains.
Frequently asked questions
Can you steam curtains while they are hanging?
Yes. Most cotton, polyester and linen curtains can be steamed in place; test a hidden spot first and check the care label.
Upright or handheld for curtains?
Upright steamers run much longer per fill, which suits several windows. Handhelds are fine for one or two panels.
Related guides
Sources: Manufacturer product pages and Amazon.com listings for each model (checked October 2026). Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.