EmailGarment steamer use and types
Garment steamers are designed for use while the garment is hanging. Reviewers get good results on many fabrics, including cashmere, silk, velvet and wool, as experts agree that steam is gentler than ironing. Steamers can also be used on household fabrics such as drapes and bedskirts. To be safe, experts recommend that you first steam an inconspicuous spot to test the fabric. Steamers can also be used to freshen up garments to lengthen time between dry cleaning.
Most steamers work with regular tap water. For full size units, you fill a plastic tank with water and invert it onto the steamer's base. The steam level is highest when the tank is full. If you'll be doing a lot of steaming at one time, the size of the tank should be a consideration to avoid constant trips to the faucet. Experts recommend that you empty a steamer before storing it for longer than a month. Portable garment steamers are handheld models that hold much less water than home steamers.
The claim that steaming is five times faster than ironing is commonly quoted on the Internet, but we found no studies to back it up. For most reviewers, steaming can be faster than ironing, but it depends on the construction of the garment. We found many complaints for both full-size units and travel steamers stating that they dripped or spit water onto clothing, so it may be necessary to allow some drying time after steaming, and water can actually ruin some fabrics, such as silk. Also, note that a few minutes of cooling time are often required after a steam.
There are two types of garment steamers: all-in-one models that are meant for travel and larger, at-home units. Some advantages of the home units are that they allow you to steam longer between tank refills, and they have more adjustable steam settings for different fabrics. They are also more likely to have features such as on/off buttons, automatic shut-off and triggers to control steam output. Advantages to the handheld models include their lower price, their storability and their portability. In addition, the small steam grate on some travel units may allow access to intricate parts of a garment that are not reachable with the nozzle of a larger unit.
Experts say the following about using a garment steamer:
- A garment steamer can't fully replace an iron. A garment steamer cannot give garments "the crisp look" that many dress shirts require. They work better on lighter fabrics than on heavier cottons and jeans, and you can't press a pleat or crease with a clothing steamer.
- Garment steamers can help freshen clothing between dry cleaning. Garment steamers can also help minimize odors, such as cigarette smoke.
- Follow the instructions. Directives regarding the kind of water to use should always be heeded. One stylist ruined her steamer by filling it with lavender water.
- Clothes may need a few moments to cool and dry after steaming.
- A steamer board or press-pad can make steaming easier. Never place your hand behind a garment while steaming it -- this can cause burns.