FAQ
Choosing a steamer
What's the difference between a handheld and a standing steamer?
Handhelds (TS38, HS26, DuoPress) heat fast and travel well. Standing units (Q5, X5, SX3, X3, and similar full-size models) have a large tank, hang the garment, and steam a full load without refilling.
Choose a handheld for 1–3 items or travel. Choose standing for daily family laundry, uniforms, or a boutique.
Q5 vs X5 vs SX3 vs X3 — which standing steamer?
True & Tidy Q5 — top of the line, 1800W, auto-off, luxury pro.
True & Tidy X5 — commercial-style standing steamer.
True & Tidy SX3 — 1800W with adjustable steam settings.
SALAV X3 — 1800W commercial standing steamer, 3L tank, about 90 minutes of steam.
Quick rule: a few garments at home → SX3 or Q5. All-day or boutique → X5, SX3, or X3. We will not recommend a model that is sold out.
Do I need DuoPress or a regular steamer?
True & Tidy IS1600 and SALAV SS1500 / IS900 combine steamer plus iron plate. Use those when you want a crease on collars and pants. Use a hanging steamer when you want speed and no ironing board.
Can I steam a wedding dress, veil, or silk?
Yes. Steam is gentler than an iron. Keep the nozzle a few inches off delicate fabric, use a lower setting if your model has one, and test an inside hem first.
Will this replace my iron?
For most shirts, dresses, curtains, and knits, yes. Use an iron or DuoPress when you need a sharp crease or crisp pocket flaps.
How do I choose a standing steamer for home vs all-day use?
Think about volume. A few garments a few times a week → SX3 or Q5 if in stock. Boutique, uniforms, or long sessions → X5, SX3, or X3 if in stock.
Setup and daily use
What water should I use?
Distilled or demineralized water. Hard tap water leaves scale, weakens steam, and shortens heater life.
How long does it take to heat up?
Typical standing units: about 45–65 seconds. Travel handhelds can take about 1–2.5 minutes. Wait for the ready light or steady steam before you touch a garment.
The hose is stiff. Is it broken?
No. Dual-insulated hoses are stiff when cold and soften after steam is flowing.
How do I attach the hose?
Seat it fully, then twist to lock. A loose hose leaks steam at the base and feels weak.
Do I empty the tank after every use?
Yes. Standing water breeds scale and odor and can cause leaks the next time you use it.
How do I descale?
Use a SALAV descaler packet (or the packet that shipped with the unit). Add one packet and water to the tank, run a full steam cycle, then flush. Do this monthly if you have hard water.
Dark rinse water after descaling is old scale leaving the tank. That is expected.
Can I use hot water to fill the tank?
No. Use distilled water at room temperature. Hot water or harsh cleaners can damage the unit or the garment.
Can I put additives in the water?
No perfume, dye, salt, essential oils, or soap. The only additive we recommend is SALAV decalcifier.
How long can water sit in the steamer?
Do not leave water in the unit more than 7 days. Best practice is to empty it after each use. Use distilled water. Descale every 45–60 days with SALAV decalcifier or a 50/50 mix of vinegar and distilled water. Wipe the unit after use.
How does Auto Shut Off work on my X3 / X3A?
The unit beeps when first plugged in and shows a solid red light. Press the foot pedal; a solid blue light means it is ready. When the tank runs dry, the light blinks blue and beeps for 90 seconds. Then it beeps once more, turns solid red, and powers off. Add water and press the foot pedal to use again. Unplug to shut down fully. Solid red = no power. Solid blue = power on. Blinking blue with beep = out of water.
How does the carpet glider attach to my steam mop?
It does not snap on. It sits loosely so you can move between carpet and sealed floors without touching the hot mop head. It glides over the pad on the mop head.
Can I use my garment steamer outside of the US?
US units are built for 110–120V / 60Hz. Other countries use different voltage. Ask a local electrician about conversion before you plug in.
How do I release and remove the telescopic bars?
Turn the unit off. Wait about 30 minutes for it to cool. Remove the water tank and drain the unit. Turn it upside down and press the latches directly below the pole on the bottom of the unit.
My GS45 did not come with a power cord.
The GS45 has a retractable cord. Pull the plug on the rear of the unit to extend it. To store, pull the cord all the way out and give one extra gentle tug so it retracts.
What is the benefit of dual bars vs a single bar?
Dual telescopic bars add stability and strength and make the unit easier to move and store.
Troubleshooting
Why is it leaking?
The most common cause is a tank cap that is not fully tightened, so the tank does not seat. Also check: overfilled tank, unit tilted, hose not locked, or extra water on first heat-up.
If it still leaks after a tight cap, a level floor, and a locked hose, stop using it on hardwood and contact support.
It spatters water on my clothes.
Usually the unit is not fully preheated, or you are using tap water. Let it reach full steam, keep the nozzle vertical, and switch to distilled water.
Little or no steam.
Use distilled water and seat the tank. Descale. Confirm the hose is locked. Do not share an overloaded outlet.
If the unit is still cold after several minutes, contact support with the model name and purchase date.
It shuts off or beeps even when the tank looks full.
1. Refill if the tank is low.
2. The buoy inside the reservoir must be in place. If it is missing, the unit stays on Auto Off.
3. The buoy should float freely. If it sits on the bottom, add water or see if it is stuck. The C-shaped clip can pin the buoy down. Nudge the clip up so the buoy can float.
If it still beeps, email support@ctbrandco.com with the warranty packet below.
My LR900 fabric shaver will not hold a charge.
Clear the charging port. Seat the USB-C cable. Inspect the cable. Try another outlet or USB-C charger.
If it still will not hold a charge, it is covered by the one-year warranty, including units bought at Target or other retailers.
My DUOPRESS HS-100 makes a rattling noise when I shake it.
That is a small dark gray ball weight in the water tank so you can steam horizontally or vertically. Do not remove it.
My HS-04/T light is on but there is no steam.
Check the small circular hole on top of the water tank. If it is clogged with mineral buildup, water cannot reach the boiler. Use distilled water.
When I put my HS-04/T in off mode, it still remains hot.
Off mode keeps it ready so it does not have to heat from cold. To shut down fully, switch it off and unplug it.
My garment steamer turns on and gets hot but does not produce steam.
Confirm the power switch is ON and the indicator light is on. Seat the tank cap and the tank itself so water can feed the boiler. You should see water leaving the tank. Nudge the tank slightly if flow has not started. Use an outlet that can handle a high-watt steamer. Descale monthly and use distilled water.
GS06-DJ pole will not go into the base.
The base connector is meant to hold the pole tightly. If it will not slide in, email support@ctbrandco.com and ask for the GS06-DJ installation video.
I added water and it is leaking from the bottom.
Check the drain plug on the back or bottom of the unit. Tighten it before you fill the tank.
What do the orange and red lights mean on GS45-DJ?
Red = Low. Orange = High. Change the setting with the foot pedal.
Parts
Where do I buy a pole, hanger, hose, or tank?
Shop Parts & Accessories. Use the model number on the unit. Some parts fit more than one SALAV and True & Tidy model. Match the model list on the part page.
Where can I find the serial number?
On the certification label on the bottom or back of the unit. Serial numbers are 4 to 18 digits. Use that silver sticker for warranty claims.
Where can I get a user manual?
Email support@ctbrandco.com. Also check the product page and the SALAV and True & Tidy YouTube channels.
Warranty and returns
What's the warranty?
One year on all SALAV and True & Tidy products. If the product is defective inside that year, we cover shipping both ways and can provide a prepaid return label. Do not ship until we authorize it.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Email support@ctbrandco.com or call 1-855-725-2887. Include:Do not ship the unit until we give you a return authorization. For burn or electrical issues we usually need the unit back to test before we send a replacement. For other defects we may ship a replacement once the return is moving.
- A copy of the receipt or a screenshot of the order with the order date
- A photo of the silver sticker on the back or bottom of the unit
- Your phone number and shipping address
- What the product is doing
I bought it at Target, Amazon, or another store. Is it still warrantied?
Yes. Send the receipt or order screenshot with the warranty packet.
I bought it at Target, Amazon, or Wayfair. How do I return it?
Use that retailer's return process first if you are still inside their return window. Target is often 90 days; many other retailers are 30 days. If the retailer window is closed, email support@ctbrandco.com with your receipt or order screenshot. Warranty coverage is still one year.
What's the return policy if it isn't the right fit?
You can return items within 30 days from the delivered date. For change of mind, ordering by mistake, or you are not happy with the color or quality, return shipping is the customer's responsibility. Email support@ctbrandco.com with your order number before you ship. Do not send the package until we confirm. After we receive and inspect the item, website orders are refunded to the original payment based on condition.
Ship authorized returns to:
SALAV / True & Tidy / Capital Technology Inc.
13980 Central Avenue
Chino, CA 91710
Orders
Where is my order number?
It is in the subject line of your order confirmation or shipping email.
Where is my order?
Open chat and tap Track my order, or email support@ctbrandco.com.
Something was missing from my package.
Call 1-855-725-2887 or email support@ctbrandco.com with the receipt or order screenshot, silver sticker photo if you have the unit, phone, address, and what was missing.
I need to talk to a person.
Email support@ctbrandco.com or call 1-855-725-2887.
About the brands
Is True & Tidy the same as SALAV?
Same company (Capital Technology / CT Brand Co.). SALAV is the core steam brand. True & Tidy is the complementary home and lifestyle line. Use the model name printed on the unit.
Still need help? Email support@ctbrandco.com or call 1-855-725-2887.