July 5, 2023
How to Use a Steamer
A freshly steamed outfit can make a huge difference in the way you look and feel. Steaming your clothes is an easy way to remove wrinkles or press creases. But not everyone knows how to use a steamer properly. Here, we’ll give you all the tips you need to use your steamer effectively and keep your clothes looking neat and crisp.
How Does a Steamer Work?
To use your steamer with maximum effectiveness, it helps to understand how the device works.
Steamers, as the name indicates, heat water to turn it into steam, usually reaching temperatures of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. That steam is aimed at wrinkled fabric, helping to loosen the fibers and eliminate the wrinkles. The effect is similar to what happens when you hang a wrinkled shirt in the bathroom while you’re taking a steamy shower.
While they may operate the same way, not all steamers are created equal. You can opt for a small, portable steamer to take on the go, or you can choose a standing steamer to use exclusively at home. Many steamers have also features like adjustable thermostats, anti-scale filters, ceramic soleplates, and auto shut-off capabilities.
Adjustable thermostats let you control the temperature of your steamer, which is particularly helpful for more delicate items. Anti-scale filters can come in handy for those who have hard water, since the filters can prevent mineral buildup and extend the life of your steamer. Ceramic soleplates help prevent static, and auto shut-offs can prevent accidents or worries about leaving the device on when you leave home.
Steamer vs. Iron
You probably already have an iron in your home, or you’ve at least had your mom iron a shirt or two for you in the past. But do you need an iron when you have a steamer? When should you opt for one device over the other?
Steaming your clothes can help them last longer. Ironing can put too much heat on the fibers of the garments, crushing them and shortening their lifespan. Steaming, on the other hand, is a much gentler way to release wrinkles from clothes, curtains, tablecloths, and more.
Steaming is also remarkably effective at killing bacteria on your fabrics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu viruses are killed by heat over 167 degrees. Since steamers reach temperatures in excess of 200 degrees, they can effectively eliminate harmful bacteria that could be harboring illness.
If you don’t have much space in your home or apartment, a steamer can take up much less room than an iron and ironing board. Those who live in New York’s famous studio apartments will likely find that a steamer is a much more convenient option than a bulky iron and board. This advantage is true whether you choose to invest in a handheld steamer or a standing steamer.
If you want to create sharp creases or pleats in your clothes, an iron is more effective than a steamer. You’ll have more control over where the heat is applied and can use the iron’s plate to emphasize those creases. (You may want to use a cloth or towel between the iron and your fabric if you’re concerned about scorching.)
When debating whether to use an iron or steamer, consider the material of the garment. Many fabrics, including cotton, wool, silk, and linen, can be safely steamed. However, steamers can damage suede or leather, so it’s best to have these fabrics professionally cleaned. Irons are more effective on heavy-duty fabrics like denim or canvas.
How to Use a Steamer
When it comes time to use your steamer, the process truly couldn’t be easier. It only takes a few minutes to steam your clothes, which is great when you need to get out the door and head across Manhattan in a hurry.
Fill the steamer tank with cool water. It’s best to use distilled water in your steamer to make sure no harmful bacteria are introduced. Ensure all the steamer’s parts are connected, then plug in the steamer and wait for it to heat up. (Once you start to see steam, wait at least 60 more seconds before starting to steam your clothes.)
Hang up your garments while you wait for your steamer to come up to the right temperature. Standing steamers often come equipped with a rack to hang your clothes, but if you’re using a handheld steamer, you can hang your clothes on a doorknob, shower rod, or towel rack. If your clothes are particularly wrinkled, steaming them inside out can effectively release wrinkles quickly.
When the steamer heats up, press the activation button to make sure it’s ready to use. Gently touch the clothing with the nozzle of the steamer. Wrinkles should come out easily and shouldn’t require force. Steam the garment from top to bottom, gently pulling on the hem to ensure the clothing dries properly.
When you’re done, empty the water canister to reduce the buildup of mildew. Be sure to let the steamer cool completely before putting it away. Leave your clothes hanging for a few minutes to fully dry.
How to Clean a Steamer
To keep your steamer performing properly for years to come, it’s important to treat it with care. Cleaning your steamer regularly ensures that your clothes will always come out fresh and wrinkle-free.
If you use your steamer often, you may want to clean it monthly or even weekly. If you only get the steamer out a few times per year, you can get away with cleaning it once every quarter.
To clean your steamer, pour white distilled vinegar into the water canister and let the steamer heat up. Then, expel the vinegar into the sink to get rid of any mineral buildup. Repeat with a full tank of water. When the tank is empty again, refill it with distilled water and let it steam into a sink to finish cleaning.
When you’re not using your steamer, store it and all of its components together. Make sure the steamer and its parts are fully dry before putting everything away.
Working with White Glove Cleaner
Having a freshly steamed outfit can make you feel your best. But are you giving your home the same attention? When you live and work in a busy city like New York, it may seem impossible to find the time to properly clean your space. With White Glove Cleaner, you don’t have to.
We are proud to offer recurring and one-time cleaning services for homes and apartments in NYC. You can request services every week, two weeks, or month, or you can opt for an individual service before or after a big event (or just because!). We’ll bring all of our own cleaners and supplies, saving you money on expensive cleaning products.
Each member of our team is individually vetted and trained to provide the most thorough cleaning service possible. In addition to our standard cleaning services, you also have the option to purchase extra services such as our in-home laundry service, cleaning the inside of your fridge and cabinets, or an hour of organizing. Don’t spend your days worrying about keeping your space clean. Let White Glove Cleaner handle the dirty work. Contact our team today to learn more!