Garment Steamer

Ironing is usually a boring and monotonous chore, one that most of us would gladly avoid. Garment steamers are an alternative to the traditional irons as they use steam rather than heat to eliminate wrinkles on fabric, be it your clothes, hats, upholstery, drapes or even the carpet. Today you can choose from home garment steamers to even compact portable ones. Pick up a handy garment steamer iron that combines the features of a traditional iron with a steamer.

Using a garment steamer

A self-contained reservoir in the garment steamer holds water bringing water to a boil until steam is produced. This steam is sprayed right on top of the wrinkled material. After this a flat surface is smoothed above the garment, this will help in pressing out the most obstinate wrinkles. The major advantage of using a garment steamer is that you can avoid accidental injuries while ironing clothes.

Traditional heated irons could scald, damage, burn or at times melt delicate fabrics whereas garment steamers are safe and can be used on any type of fabric or material. Garment steamers are designed such that they can be used even as the garment is hanging. A garment steamer can be used safely on almost all types of fabric including cashmere, silk, velvet, and wool.

Garment steamer is recommended for delicate fabrics as it is gentler on the fabric when compared to regular irons. You can use it to remove the wrinkles out of living room curtains, clean your favorite couch, clean the upholstery, clean the cloth shower curtain in the bathroom or even to clean your wigs.

• Touch the material mildly with the steam head; this will remove the wrinkles immediately.
  
• Never touch velvet or silk with the steam head directly.
  
• Learn to use the steam and the steam head correctly to get a perfect finish.
  
• Few garments or fabrics should be steamed from underneath. The steam will relax the fibers and remove the wrinkles too.
  

Types of garment steamers

Home garment steamers: The major advantage of this steamer is that you can steam for a long period in between reservoir refills. They also come with extra adjustable steam settings for a variety of fabrics. Such garment steamers also have additional features like automatic shut-off, on/off buttons and triggers that can control steam output.

Portable garment steamers: They are very smaller in size and are handy during travel. These handheld models are priced low and are easy to store. Apart from this, a small steamer can access the intricate parts of a garment when compared to the larger units.

Commercial garment steamers: Such models are largely used by dry cleaners.

Features of a garment steamer

On/off button: To switch on and switch off the device. There are garment steamers without the on/off button; they will generate steam either until they are unplugged or until they run out of water.

Trigger: This controls steam output.

Additional features: Brushes for certain types of fabric and upholstery, lint remover, wheels for easy movement and drain plugs to prevent mineral deposits.

Benefits of garment steamers

• Garment steamers have the major benefit of cleaning and de-wrinkling the garment.
  
• Garment steamers can also reduce odors. E.g. cigarette smoke.
  
• Garment steamers are easier to use when compared to traditional irons.
  
• Garment steamers can freshen up clothing between two dry cleaning sessions.
  
• The steam from the steamer kills germs that can be present in your clothing. This can also help in eliminating dander and allergens.
  
• Garment steamers can increase the durability of your clothes as they are mild on the fabric.
  
• Garment steamers can reach every part of the garment, e.g. tight places such as shirt collars.
  

· Furniture upholstery and slipcovers can be smoothened into place with a garment steamer.

· Give better shape and enliven old bows and needlework pieces with a garment steamer.

Shortfalls of a garment steamer

• The crisp ironed look that a traditional iron can give cannot be achieved through a garment steamer.
  
• A garment steamer's vapor can damage clothes if not checked properly before using it. E.g. silk.
  
• Clothes cannot be used immediately as it might need a few minutes to cool and dry after the steaming process.
  

Garment steamer iron

Enjoy the benefits of a garment steamer and iron in one compact appliance. Many of these steamer irons are available in portable and handy sizes. This makes for ideal travel aids since you can quickly eliminate wrinkles and get your clothes ready for use in a jiffy.

Garment steamer maintenance

Don't run the garment steamer dry: If you use the garment steamer without water, it will damage the heating element and wiring. You should not pour cold water into a hot steamer.

Do not use additives: Additives like perfumes, salt, and dyes should not be mixed with the water in the garment steamer as they might corrode the internal parts.

Always steam in a vertical and upright position: Garment steamers are not like irons, they have to be held in a vertical and upright position while you use them.