How To Use A Steamer On Clothes For Wrinkle Free Results

Equipment Or Tools

• Clothes steamer
• Lint roller or brush
• Clothes hanger
• Hanging rod or hook

Materials

• Distilled water
• Distilled white vinegar

Step 1: Fill The Water Tank 

Pour cold tap water to fill the water tank of a clothes steamer and make sure every nozzles and parts are secured so that the water doesn't leak all over the place.

While tap water is an affordable and safe option, using bottled distilled water can be a great idea as well. 

Distilled water is great, especially if you live in an area with hard water. As hard water contains a lot of minerals, it can cause build-up that can block the steam nozzles. But the choice is yours.

Step 2: Plug In The Steamer

Next, assemble all the parts of your steamer and plug it in. Heat it until steam begins to form and the steamer reaches its maximum temperature.

Step 3: Hang Items For Steaming

Unlike iron steamer for clothes, hanging your clothes in an upright position is best for the process. If you have an upright steamer, it basically comes with a hanging pole attached.

But if you have a small handy one, you can always use your spare ones to hang the dress in a friendly area like a curtain rod, the back of a chair, a door knob, or anything of similar nature.

Step 4: Grab The Bottom Of The Garment

For a professional wrinkle free and crisp result, gently grab the bottom hem of your clothes to stretch the fabric. This part may sound dramatic or unnecessary but it does make it easier to conquer those through crease.

Step 5: Press The Mouthpiece Against The Fabric

Upright steamers will produce steam continuously but for handheld steamers, you need to press the steam button to release steam. Once you begin the process, move the steamer in a downward strokes along the fabric. 

Yes, you can move it against the fabric in any direction, top to bottom or sideways, but the key here is that you hold the steamer against the fabric.

Step 6: Let Your Clothes Cool Off

Once you are convinced of your job, let the garment hang in there for a few minutes because a freshly steamed cloth may feel a bit damp. And you don't want to wear a damp steamed shirt and let your hard work go into vein, do you?

So, let it stay for around 10 minutes and put it on. In case of hurry, turn on the fan which will make the job easier.

Allow It To Heat Fully

As a newbie trying to get your clothes steamed without destroying them, there are a few things you need to consider. First, do not rush and start steaming before the water starts releasing steam.

When you turn it on to check, you should be welcomed with a strong steam which will make the process very easier and way faster.

Try Steaming From The Inside

Just hear me out before you call it preposterous and toss this idea away. Although the idea of steaming your garments from the inside might not be intriguing but I am sure it is an effective technique as we have been doing it for a long time now.

Because steaming from the inside allows you to see the wrinkles while you apply steam. Thus, this technique efficiently removes creases from button-up shirts, blouses, t-shirts without any hassle.

Try it once and thank me later.

Try Steaming Horizontally

Before being all judgemental and thinking, why would you use the steamer horizontally as an iron, just give it a chance. Simply lay your garment on your iron table or your bed with a towel underneath.

Indeed, this can be done in an upright position but sometimes, using it like an iron can help you get rid of that wrinkly cotton pants with tough creases. Like said, this idea is to achieve a perfectly steamed and de wrinkled clothes.

Use A Steaming Tool For Collars, Cuffs, And Hems

This is an effective technique for removing creases  when steaming details like collars, cuffs, and hems. Usually, a heat-protected steaming tool, heat protective glove and a heat protection bag  comes as a set when you purchase the steamer.

This attachment can really come in handy when steaming those details. But if your steamer doesn't come with these attachments, it will be wise to make an investment to get a perfect result.

All you have to do is hold the tool behind the fabric while steaming to create a pressed effect.

Before you purchase any kind of steamer, first ask yourself a question. Brainstorm if you will primarily use your steamer or make it a sometime thing.

As you understand your requirements, budget and needs, it will be easier for you to choose between an upright steamer and a handheld steamer.

Handheld Steamer

Handheld steamers is a travel friendly and portable steamer that combines nozzles and water tank into one device. While they are more compact and portable, they are not the ideal choice for a day to day use.

Although, it will be difficult to steam a number of clothes at once with a handheld one, but you can always use this while travelling or steaming a few garments when in rush.

Regarding it's attachments, it typically ranges from $30-$100 and comes with different nozzles and lint rollers. Some of them also come with a small padded square with a strap that slips over your hand. It is similar to oven mits but larger and protects you from burning.

Upright Steamer

On the other hand, upright steamer offer more power and capacity which makes it ideal for larger quantities of clothings. Better suited for heavy-duty steaming tasks, these steamers are for more professional approach in comparison to the handheld one.

These floor steamer's base sits on the floor which includes a base where the water tank sits. It comes with a hose attached to a nozzle and a pole with a hanger at the top. In fact, these steamers usually sits on a wheel so they can be moved easily from one place to another.

When it comes to attachments, most of the upright steamers available in the market are convenient because of their larger water tank, the attached hanger, nozzle and the capacity to handle numerous pieces of clothing at once.

They cost around $50-$200 which might be on the expensive side but the bright side is, it also comes with different types of brushes for different kinds of fabrics.

It's a wise deal for someone who chooses to steam their clothes than iron on a daily basis.

When it comes to cleaning and taking care of your steamers, there are a few things you have to follow religiously. And they are-

Store Properly

• Let the machine cool off completely before you think of storing it in its safe place. 

• You also have to empty the water container after each steaming session. 

• Drain the water completely and let it air dry before setting aside the appliance.

• But if you are looking for a safe solution or place to store it, purchase a steamer closet.

A steamer closet is a multifunctional clothes steamer that can stem, dry, and air out your clothing. It is pricier than regular steamer but is one of the best and revolutionary way to care for your clothes.

Clean Regularly

As we discussed earlier that tap water of some region might contain more minerals. Therefore, you have to clean the steamer after using it to prevent building up the minerals.

It requires regular cleaning even if you only use distilled water to remove limescale and minerals that can clog the wand and nozzle openings.

Process

• To clean it thoroughly, use white vinegar to fill the water reservoir and heat it up.

• Once it starts to boil, hold the steamer over a sink or bathtub, to release the steam until the tank is empty.

• Next, fill the tank with distilled water and repeat the same process.

• Lastly, let the appliance dry up completely before you store it.

The question isn't which one is better a steamer or an iron. It is more, when it is best to use an iron and when is it best to use a steamer? 

Like we discussed, steaming is better done for thinner and delicate fabrics. It works best for garments that are less structured.

But if you are working with more structured and thick fabric, steam isn't enough to erase those stubborn wrinkles.

Also, sometimes you want an iron to get hard edges done right. so, irons are better at making crisp pleats, hems, and cuffs, while a steamer gives the clothing a smooth, relaxed finish.

Hold a steamer away from a delicate item because they can reach over 200 degrees and burns you more quickly than you think.

So, never direct the steam toward your hands or attempt to steam a garment while wearing it. Also, be sure to keep it upright to prevent spills and keep it away from children.

Can I Steam Any Fabric?

Yes and No. As steamers are highly effective for releasing wrinkles from most fabrics, but there are some fabrics that are unsafe to steam or iron on. So, never use a steamer on suede, wax-coated jackets, or plastic.

On the bright side, heavy-duty wool or stronger fibers can handle direct contact with a steamer.