Remove and fill the steamer's water container with water. Be sure not to overfill. Usually there is a line that indicates how much water the container can hold. For objects such as vinyl records, a portable or handheld steamer works best.
Turn on the steamer, and allow the water to get hot enough to produce steam. Most models are ready in about five minutes.
Hold the steamer a few inches away from the record, gliding over the surface. Do this for a few minutes or long enough to sufficiently loosen dirt on the record. Continue to the other side of the record, steaming in continuous motion and taking care not to focus steam on one spot for longer than a few seconds, as the heat will begin to damage the record.
Use the steamer's built-in vacuum to suck up the watery residue left behind from steaming, covering the entire surface of the record. For models with no vacuum, grab a dry, lint-free cloth, and gently wipe the record clean of any moisture and loose dirt, going in the direction of the grooves.
Shut off the steamer, and remove and empty the water container of any leftover water.