Ironing clothes is a tedious, time-consuming chore that many dread. The heat and pressure of an iron can also damage delicate fabrics. Fortunately, there is a convenient alternative for wrinkle removal: the clothes steamer.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the numerous advantages of using a garment steamer instead of an iron.
How Clothes Steamers Work
Clothes steamers use hot, pressurized steam to remove wrinkles and refresh fabrics. Inside the appliance, water is heated to a high temperature to produce steam vapor. This steam is then forced through a nozzle under pressure.
When the steam makes contact with fabric, it relaxes the fibers and causes the wrinkles and creases to smooth out. The heat helps to flatten and straighten the fabric weave. Unlike an iron, a steamer does not apply direct pressure for pressing. The steam does all the work.
Steamers are suitable for most types of fabrics and garments. The gentler approach also makes them ideal for delicate materials prone to scorching or shine marks from an iron.
Also Read: Tips for Preventing Wrinkles in the Dryer: Goodbye Ironing!
Advantages of Clothes Steamers
Clothes steamers provide a quicker, easier, and safer way to remove wrinkles from garments. Here are the main benefits they offer over traditional ironing:
Versatility
Steamers can be used on virtually all fabric types, including delicate fabrics like silk, velvet, and lace. The steam relaxes fibers rather than over-pressing them, making it safe for fabrics prone to scorching. Steamers provide a versatile garment care option for all materials in your wardrobe.
Gentle on Fabrics
The steam emitted from a steamer is much gentler than the harsh heat and pressure from an iron. Steam naturally relaxes fibers without risking shine marks, impressions, or other damage caused by ironing. This makes a steamer an ideal choice for delicate materials like linen, silk, sequined fabrics, lace, and velvet.
Ease of Use
Operating a garment steamer is very straightforward. There are no technical skills required and no need to set temperatures or use an ironing board. You simply turn it on, wait for it to heat up, and pass the steamer head over clothing to release wrinkles. Steamers are effortless for quick touch-ups and freshening garments.
Portability
Steamers come in compact sizes with short heat-up times, making them extremely portable. You can keep one in your closet for quick morning touch-ups or bring it in a suitcase for travel. Steamers are a convenient portable option versus hauling an ironing board and heavy iron.
Faster Than Ironing
It takes much less time to remove wrinkles with a garment steamer compared to ironing. Steam is instant, while an iron requires longer heating and cooling times. Steamers also don’t require setting up an ironing board or repeatedly moving a heavy iron. Simply turn it on and steam clothes right off the hanger for a few minutes per garment.
Energy Efficient
Steamers consume much less energy than continually reheating an iron. With faster heat-up and cool-down times, steamers only need to run when in use. Once warmed up, some steamers automatically shut down after a period of inactivity. This makes them an energy-efficient, eco-friendly choice over an iron for day-to-day use.
Types of Clothes Steamers
There are three main types of clothes steamer available:
Handheld
These compact steamers are lightweight, portable size for travel or small jobs. Handhelds have short run times, around 10-15 minutes continuously before needing to refill. Best for quick touch-ups and steaming smaller items.
Upright/Standing
Larger capacity steamers on wheels designed for full-size garments. Uprights provide longer steam times – 45 minutes or more before refilling. Ideal for larger steaming tasks. Often include a pole for hanging and steaming garments.
Travel
Specifically designed for use on the go while traveling. Travel steamers are smaller in size but still offer approx. 10+ minutes of steam. Dual voltage options available for international travel. TSA approved sizes for airplane carry-on luggage.
Features to Look For
There are several beneficial features and specifications to look for when choosing a garment steamer:
Steam Control
Variable steam settings allow better control for different fabric types. High steam works best for thick fabrics like wool or denim. Lower settings are gentler for delicates like silk. Look for 2+ steam levels.
Steam Time
The longer the steam time, the more garments you can steam before having to pause and refill. For household use, look for steam times of 45+ minutes. Travel sizes may be 10-15+ minutes.
Water Tank Capacity
Related to steam time, larger water tanks supply more steam. Look for at least 130 ml tank size. Larger home models offer 350+ ml capacity for longer continuous use.
Heat-Up Time
Faster heat-up times allow you to start steaming sooner. Some steamers are ready in 30 seconds, while others take a few minutes to fully heat up.
Attachments
Extra attachments like fabric brushes, creaser tools, and lint removers allow you to tailor the steamer to the task. Look for accessories relevant to your needs.
Best Fabrics for Steamers
Clothes steamer can be used on almost all types of fabrics. Here are the materials that benefit most from steaming:
Delicate Fabrics
Any sheer, delicate fabrics prone to scorching or impressions from ironing heat are prime candidates for clothes steamers. This includes silks, satin, velvet, linen, lace, sequined fabrics, viscose, and knitted material like cashmere. The gentler steam application prevents damage while smoothing wrinkles.
Heavy Fabrics
Thick fabrics and tightly woven textiles like denim, wool, and cotton benefit from the penetrating effects of pressurized steam to relax fibers. Steam is also the ideal way to refresh garments in heavy fabrics without flattening details like pleats.
Cotton dress shirts, skinny jeans, wool suits, delicate silk blouses, cashmere sweaters, velvet dresses — all of these garments and more can be safely steamed.
How to Use a Clothes Steamer
Operating a garment steamer is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Fill the water reservoir per the manufacturer’s instructions. Use distilled water to help prevent mineral buildup.
- Power on the steamer and allow it to preheat fully. This takes 30 seconds for travel sizes and up to three minutes for some full-size models.
- Install any attachments for specialized steaming. Add fragrance discs if available.
- Hang the item you want to steam on a garment rack, rod, or door hook. This allows steam to fully penetrate the fabric.
- Hold the steamer head roughly 6 inches from the garment, moving it slowly up and down. Avoid hovering in one spot, which can over-steam fabric.
- Work methodically section-by-section until wrinkles are removed. Pay special attention to seams, hems, and collars where wrinkles concentrate.
- Touch up any remaining wrinkles by steaming them individually. Allow the garment to dry completely before wearing or storing.
It’s helpful to steam garments inside-out first, then flip right-side out for any final external touch-ups. This prevents shine marks visible on the outside of fabric.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Like any appliance, clothes steamers perform best with regular care and maintenance. Here is how to keep your steamer working efficiently:
- Descaling: Periodically use descaling agents to remove mineral deposits from water impurities. This prevents scale buildup that can restrict steam flow.
- Cleaning: Wipe down the exterior with a soft damp cloth. Remove and rinse the water reservoir. Clean attachments with an old toothbrush.
- Filter: If your steamer has an anti-calc filter, remove and rinse it regularly.
- Storage: Fully drain the water tank after use and towel dry if needed. Store accessories with the unit.
Well-maintained steamers produce better steam flow for faster, more effective wrinkle removal.
Safety Tips
Garment steamers provide a safer alternative to ironing but still require safe operation. Follow these tips:
- Fill only to max line with water – overfilling can cause spitting and leaks.
- Use flat, stable surfaces able to withstand heat and moisture.
- Wear oven mitts while handling hot steam plates.
- Avoid steam exposure to unprotected skin – it can burn.
- Supervise closely when operating near children.
- Unplug by grasping the plug, not cord, and store safely when cooling.
By observing steamer safety guidelines, you can safely enjoy the convenience of fabric steaming.
Clothes Steamer vs. Iron: Key Differences
To decide whether a garment steamer or iron best suits your needs, consider a few key differences between the tools:
Effectiveness
- Steamers emit pressurized steam to relax wrinkled fibers
- Irons use heat and pressure to press fabrics smooth
- Steamers better for light de-wrinkling; irons excel at pressing/shaping
Convenience
- Steamers heat and cool faster, no bulky ironing boards
- Irons require more setup and physical effort
Fabric Care
- Steamers safely refresh delicates prone to iron damage
- Irons high temps can scorch fabrics if used improperly
Affordability
- Steamers range widely in price; some basic models quite affordable
- Irons also vary in cost but commonly cheaper than steamers
For delicates and day-to-day de-wrinkling, clothes steamers are the simplest, safest choice offering convenience irons can’t match. But for crisper pressing results, irons may suit some laundry needs better.
Consider your wardrobe, tasks, and lifestyle to determine which is right for your situation. Often having both tools available combines their respective strengths.
Top 5 Clothes Steamer Reviews
Based on portability, effectiveness, price, and other criteria, here are our top clothes steamer recommendations:
| Model | Type | Rating | Price | Best For |
| PurSteam Elite | Standing | ★★★★★ | $$$ | Frequent use, all fabrics |
| Conair Turbo Extreme | Handheld | ★★★★✩ | $ | Travel, budget choice |
| Rowenta IS6200 | Full-size Standing | ★★★★★ | $$$$ | Large garments, high capacity |
| Steamfast SF-520 | Mid-size Standing | ★★★★☆ | $$ | Multiple fabrics, value |
| Joy Mangano My Little Steamer | Handheld | ★★★★✩ | $$ | Quick touch-ups, silk/wool |
Before buying any steamer, be sure to check current prices, ratings, and reviews to determine the best match for your needs and budget.
Clothes Steaming Tips and Tricks
Follow these expert tips for the best possible steaming results on all your garments:
- Steaming a clothing item inside-out first helps prevent water spotting on the outer fabric.
- For heavy wrinkling, hold the steam head closer to fabric, hover longer, and pull garments taut for better steam penetration.
- Use an up-and-down motion rather than side-to-side for the most efficient coverage.
- If creases still remain, use the bristle attachment or fabric brush accessory to work steam into the material while gently tugging and smoothing by hand.
- Hang garments on sturdy hooks and rods so steam can fully circulate for maximum de-wrinkling effects.
- Pre-treat any stains and spots using appropriate methods before steaming to avoid setting them in fabrics.
Follow these pro tips for beautifully refreshed garments free of wrinkles!
Conclusion
From delicates to heavy fabrics, clothes steamers offer a versatile, convenient solution for smoothing everyday wrinkles. Their gentler approach helps garments look fresh and neatly pressed minus the risks of ironing.
Compared to wrestling with cumbersome ironing boards and hot irons, today’s steamers make quick work of reviving wrinkled wardrobes. Their ease of use and effectiveness across all fabric types makes them a smart investment – and a simple way to always put your best look forward.