Steam cleaners were introduced several years ago, and they have become a great alternative to traditional methods of removing wrinkles from clothing. They don’t require any sort of iron or additional methods to remove wrinkles and freshen clothing and are good for the environment.
But how well do they work on clothes? In the following article, we will be answering the question of if they do work on clothing, and how they do so.
Are clothes steamers any good?
That the popularity of clothes steamers has risen in the recent past is worth appreciating. However, this sudden fame begs the question of whether they are any good.
Well, these steamers have proven to be not only invaluable but also worth buying.
They are not only gentle on clothes but also easy to use. Whether you opt for small ones or the vast vertical options, the process remains the same. All you will need to do when using these steamers is to hang your clothes and turn on the device.
Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider buying these devices.
#1. Handling tough creases
Clothing steamers have proven to be better at handling creases on garments. Thanks to the enhanced power output that they boast of, straightening your clothes will take a relatively short time.
Regardless of how tough the creases are or which fabric it is, the results will always be topnotch.
#2. Giving clothes a new lease of life
Are you looking forward to refreshing your once worn-out clothes? These steamers will come in handy in making your clothes a little more appealing. Their magical touch will be vital in removing any stubborn stain too.
#3. Killing odor and germs
You can hardly overlook how effective these products are at sanitizing garments. Usually, they end up killing up to 99.9% of bacteria. On top of that, you will no longer need to worry about odors too.
Do steam cleaners remove clothes wrinkles?
Clothing steam cleaners do work on clothes in order to remove wrinkles and freshen them. Generally, a clothing steamer will have a small or medium-sized water tank, a heating element for the water, a large metal rod, and a heat-resistant hose.
Some clothing steamers will also have a hanging section to place your clothing, as well as attachments to remove lint or hair. There are also more compact versions of clothing steamers that are great for traveling or if you are only working on a few wrinkles for quicker steam.
They work by turning water into steam by heating it with an element that is in the steamer. From there, the steamer will disperse the steam from the head onto the surface that you are directing it at.
With clothing, the steam works by loosening the fibers in the clothing, which relaxes it and decreases the appearance of wrinkles.
The amount of time and steam that a particular article of clothing takes will be determined by a couple of factors. For instance, a thicker type of fabric that has been sitting in a box for a couple of years will take longer to remove the wrinkles than one that has just been washed and dried.
Other factors that go into how easy it is to remove wrinkles from your clothing will be the type of fabric and the steamer’s steam power. A general rule of thumb is that thinner fabrics can be steamed quickly, while thicker articles of clothing will take longer.
When we are referring to the steamer power, we are talking about how hot the steam can get, and how much steam it produces. Hotter steam that is produced in thicker “clouds” will be able to remove wrinkles much quicker than less-powerful models.
Do Garment Steamers Remove Odor?
In addition to removing wrinkles from your clothing, steamers will also be able to sanitize and freshen up the fabric. Because of how hot the steam is capable of getting, they are also great at removing odor-causing bacteria.
They can do so without the use of any type of chemicals or sprays, and are safe for the environment and your family. Steamers are especially good tools at removing odors such as cigarette smoke, musty odors from storage, and sweat.
Do Clothing Steamers Work Better Than Irons?
Consumers who have used both clothing steamers and irons will generally tell you that they prefer the steamers to the irons. They are easier to use and don’t require the setup of an ironing board to remove wrinkles and freshen clothing.
Steamers are faster than traditional irons, and you don’t run the risk of burning your clothing or leaving the iron on. For clothes that are more difficult to iron, such as a jacket, they can work wonders.
Difference between a steamer and an iron
That there is a significant difference between a steamer and an iron is no secret. Besides the construction that they both come with, there are other distinctions that you will find worth knowing. They include the following.
1. Speed
Undoubtedly, garment steamers tend to be faster. You will hardly need to put your clothes on a flat surface before you can straighten them.
Also, you will no longer have to reposition your clothes like you do when using an iron. It will only take a few minutes before you get the results you so need.
2. Convenience and ease of use
Unlike when using an iron, you will hardly need an ironing board when using a garment steamer. All you will need is to hang your clothes and steam them to the preferred state. With this, you will be confident of saving space when getting your clothes ready.
Things can only become more convenient and flexible for you if you choose a handheld garment steamer. This steamer is not only portable but also relatively lightweight, allowing you to use whenever and wherever you are.
3. Results on creases
If you are looking for crisp results on your garment, an iron will do you more justice. When compared to an iron, a garment steamer will hardly give your clothes that sharp and crispy appeal.
Besides, these irons will be ideal for those that prefer creases on their garments. While the garment steamer will provide you with some of the deepest wrinkles, they will hardly last as long as those formed by irons.
4. Technology
The technology used in clothes steamers makes them ideal for relatively softer fabric, including silk and chiffon.
On the other hand, an iron will come in handy for you if you intend to use it on much more substantial material.
5. Energy consumption and efficiency
While both the iron and the garment steamer are hardly heavy energy consumers, these steamers tend to have an added advantage.
Thanks to how fast they can work on clothes, you will most likely use them for a much shorter period. This way, the amount of energy used will be a little lower.
What is the best steam cleaning machine for your clothes?
Various aspects go into the choosing of reliable clothing steamers. From the level of efficiency offered to enhanced durability you get, you will always need something that provides you with unparalleled value for money.
As such, you will need to be careful when choosing it. Some of the variables you will need to consider when selecting your clothing steamer are as follows.
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Performance
One of the things you will hardly want to ignore is the performance rating of the garment steamer. The idea is that you need to focus on garment steamers that boast better performance ratings.
Now would be the time to understand how fast it can heat up and the capacity of its water well. Is it stable enough to prevent hot water spills? Once you are content with these variables, you will be confident of the device serving you accordingly.
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Features and attachments
Attachments, including brushes, steam settings, and collapsible handles, will always be vital in enhancing the effectiveness of your task. Ensure that your choice has all the attachments that will be critical in meeting your needs.
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Is the construction robust?
A good garment steamer will often come with robust construction, as this will guarantee you better levels of endurance. It is from this that you will be sure of this steamer lasting for several years.
While at it, the materials used in constructing this garment steamer need to be premium. This way, the product will be not only hardwearing but also resistant to rust and corrosion.
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Energy efficiency
Indeed, you will always want a garment steamer that provides you with improved energy efficiencies. Take the time to read through the wattage and energy usage of the given fabric steamer before you buy it.
Ensure that you pick an option that uses relatively lesser power to run them. This way, you will be confident of less expensive energy bills in the long run.
Such will also be the time to understand their power output. Unless you get enough power output, your clothes will hardly be crisp. Focus on a garment steamer that assures you of between 200 and 1000W output.
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Check the type of steamer
Most often, you will need to decide between a steamer for home use and that for travel use. If you intend to travel with your garment steamer, it will be vital for you to focus on how light and portable it is.
On the other hand, a clothes steamer for home use could be a little bigger, but it needs to be easy to use. While at it, you will need to decide on whether you need a handheld device or not.
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How fast is it?
Did you know that a garment steamer that heats up relatively fast will always need to op your priorities? Take the time to analyze how fast your choice will be, as this will define the convenience that you get to enjoy at the end of the day.
Tips on using garment steamers
Understanding how to use clothes steamers will often be the first step towards maximum utility. Efficiently doing so will be vital in giving you the effectiveness you so desire. Here are a few tips on how to use these devices.
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Let clothes be taut
Did you know that holding your clothes taut will be critical in giving you more appealing results? Since there could be too much heat, ensure that you use gloves.
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Take your time
There is no need for you to hurry, as this could compromise your eventual results. Take the process slowly, and it will guarantee your clothes an unparalleled appeal. Usually, short and slow strokes are bound to take care of creases effectively.
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Do not hesitate to use accessories
You can hardly overlook the role of accessories in improving the effectiveness of the process. Ensure that you utilize each fixture whenever necessary. For instance, instead of bending your back, you can simply extend your pole.
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Be careful when hanging your clothes
Unless you understand how to position your body and clothes, you will barely be effective at what you do. Ensure that the nozzle of your steamer is positioned accordingly right from the onset.
Conclusion
Steamer for clothing is great investments that are worth your time and money and are far less than a trip to the dry cleaners.
We hope this article was helpful, and that you are able to better understand how clothing steamers work, and what their capabilities are.
