Why You Need a Garment Steamer
This device’s burst of hot steam is a boon for swiftly smoothening creases and folds across various fabrics. Unlike an iron, a garment steamer offers a gentler approach, making it safe for delicate materials like silk, lace, or tulle. It’s also suitable for garments with prints and embellishments like sequins and beads.
Bid farewell to cumbersome ironing boards! With a garment steamer, removing clothes from hangers is unnecessary. This gadget aids in swiftly refreshing curtains, drapes hanging on rods, and even the already-laid beddings.
Besides eliminating wrinkles, the hot steam rejuvenates clothes between washes, effectively tackling unwanted odors. Some models even come with specialized attachments. For instance, a specific brush attachment helps remove lint, hair, and other small debris while steaming.
Types of Garment Steamers and Water Requirements
Garment steamers come in handheld and stationary (vertical) variants. Handheld steamers are compact and portable, ideal for travel, but one charging cycle may only suffice for a few garments. Operating as a power outlet, geostationary models possess greater power and handle tasks more efficiently.
When it comes to water, some device manufacturers permit the use of regular tap water. However, tap water’s mineral content and impurities might require frequent appliance cleaning due to limescale build-up and potential water stains on clothes.
Using distilled, filtered, or bottled drinking water for your garment steamer is advisable. These liquids are safe for both the device and the fabrics.
Preparing the Garment Steamer
While the basic principle remains consistent across models, each may have unique features and functions. Hence, it’s crucial to thoroughly read the user manual before using the device and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially when assembling it for the first time.
First, remove the water reservoir from the garment steamer, fill it with water to the maximum level, and reinsert it. Power on the device and allow it to heat up, typically taking an average of 30–45 seconds.
Using the Garment Steamer
To steam most clothing items, hang them on the dedicated hangers of the stationary steamer or on a regular hanger. Interestingly, there’s no need to turn garments inside out. For trousers with secure trousers with creases clamps and place them on a flat surface, like a table, with a towel or another dense material underneath.
Wear the provided heat-resistant glove to protect your hand from burns. Commence steaming the larger sections of the clothing item. Maintain the steamer nozzle within 1 cm of the fabric, gently moving it up and down while slightly stretching it. Pressing the steamer close to the fabric is safe without causing damage.
Next, smoothen out the remaining intricate parts—collars, cuffs, pockets, belts, and decorative elements. Hang the item back and allow it to air dry completely.
Additional Tips for Safe Use
Always check the clothing labels. If the manufacturer recommends dry cleaning only, avoid using a garment steamer. Refrain from steaming wool and polyester fabrics as the hot steam might distort them.
Upon completing the steaming session, ensure that you switch off the device. Please remove any remaining water from the reservoir and fill it with fresh liquid before steaming next time.
Avoid touching the steamer’s tube and heating elements to prevent burns. After use, allow the device to cool entirely before cleaning it with a dry cloth.
If the water reservoir runs dry during steaming, switch off the device, let it cool down, and refill the reservoir. The same procedure applies when changing attachments.
Do not shake, tilt, or turn the device while it’s operational. Never steam clothing while it’s being worn or on a person. Also, avoid directing the steam towards people, pets, or plants.
Keep the garment steamer out of children’s reach, and never leave the device unattended while it’s in use.
By following these steps and safety measures, a garment steamer can become an indispensable tool for keeping your clothes crisp and fresh without the hassle of ironing.
