Do you hate to iron like I do? A steamer was life-changing for me; seriously! I don’t even own an ironing board anymore.
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Why Steam?
1. Gentle on Fabrics: One of the most significant advantages of steaming is its gentle nature. Unlike ironing, steam relaxes fibers without putting stress on them. This makes it ideal for delicate fabrics like silk, satin, and wool, preserving their integrity for longer.
2. Quick and Convenient: Steaming is incredibly time-efficient. With a good quality steamer, you can de-wrinkle garments swiftly, as there’s no need to set up an ironing board or constantly adjust settings. It’s a hassle-free solution for busy individuals or those on the go.
3. Versatility: Steamers aren’t just for clothing; they can tackle a variety of items such as curtains, upholstery, and even bedding. We have slipcovered furniture and the steamer helps tremendously.
4. Safe for Embellishments: Steamers are gentle enough to use on garments adorned with sequins, beads, or delicate embroidery. Ironing such pieces can be risky, as direct heat may damage or melt these embellishments.
5. Kills Germs and Removes Odors: Steam not only smoothens wrinkles but also kills bacteria and eliminates odors, making it an excellent choice for refreshing garments between washes. It’s particularly beneficial for items that can’t be washed frequently, such as suits or coats.
How to Choose a Steamer
There are several kinds of steamers to choose from, and you can even get a handheld steamer with an ironing plate if you want to have the ability to put creases in a garment.
1. Handheld Steamers:
Compact and Portable: Handheld steamers are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travelers or individuals with limited storage space. They’re perfect for quick touch-ups on the go and can easily fit into a suitcase or carry-on bag.
NORI Press Iron & Steamer $119.00
My daughter has this one and loves it.
I have this one and have been very happy with its performance.
A friend of mine has this model and raves about it.
Ease of Use: These steamers are typically easy to operate, requiring minimal setup. With a simple fill of water and the press of a button, they can generate steam within seconds, allowing you to swiftly de-wrinkle garments with ease.
Versatility: While handheld steamers may lack the capacity and power of larger models, they’re still versatile enough to handle a variety of fabrics, from delicate silks to heavier cottons.
2. Standing Garment Steamers:
Powerful Performance: Standing garment steamers are designed for more heavy-duty tasks, offering greater steam output and coverage compared to handheld models. They’re perfect for tackling large volumes of laundry or heavier fabrics like denim or wool.
SALAV Full-Size Steamer $129.99
I started with a full-size steamer like this. It was great but does take up a fair amount of space.
Convenience: With their adjustable poles and built-in hangers, standing steamers make it easy to steam garments directly on the hanger, eliminating the need for an ironing board. This makes them a convenient option for busy households or individuals with limited space.
Efficiency: Standing steamers typically have larger water reservoirs, allowing for longer steam sessions without the need for frequent refills. This makes them well-suited for tackling multiple garments in one go.
3. Travel Steamers:
Compact Design: Travel steamers are specifically designed for portability, featuring compact dimensions that make them easy to pack and carry. They’re perfect for jet-setters or anyone who frequently finds themselves on the road.
I have this one for travel and it does the job!
Dual Voltage Capability: Many travel steamers are equipped with dual voltage capabilities, allowing them to be used worldwide without the need for a voltage converter. This makes them a convenient option for international travel.
Quick Heat-Up: Travel steamers are engineered for efficiency, often boasting rapid heat-up times to ensure you can de-wrinkle your garments quickly, even when you’re on the go.
I don’t miss my iron and ironing board one bit. If I have something that needs creases, I can still do them with my steamer/iron, or I can send them out. Happy steaming!
1 comment
Thanks for this great idea, and doing the research for me!