About Clothing Steamers
Clothing steamers are becoming more and more popular as a solution for removing wrinkles from clothes. They use a water reservoir which heats up to form steam that is swept over the garment. As such they are quick and easy to use, and slowly being chosen in place of the traditional iron. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Clothing steamers remove wrinkles from fabric using steam rather than direct heat and pressure as employed by a traditional iron. Commercial steamers come in large sizes and are used at dry cleaning outlets, whereas compact versions have been designed for use in the home and while traveling. Steaming does not require an ironing board. Instead,clothes are hung upright and steam is swept across them from a short distance away.
History
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Fabric steamers have been in use since the early 1900s, but it is only more recently that compact versions have been available for everyday use in the home. Clothing steamers of today see their origins in fabric irons that used direct heat and pressure to iron out wrinkles in fabric.
Later, irons provided holes in the plate and a water reservoir for the early form of steam ironing. 1940 saw the first standalone steaming device in the form of the Jiffy steamer, developed as a method for retaining men's hat shapes. Since then the Jiffy brand, and others, have developed advanced steaming devices based on this original invention. -
Benefits
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The main benefits of clothing steamers can be seen from comparison with traditional irons. Clothing steamers are much more effective at working out wrinkles; the steam emitted from a clothing steamer is much stronger than from a steam iron, and the steamer does not need to be placed in direct contact with the fabric. This is what makes it safe to use on all fabrics, which is not the case with a traditional iron. The use of clothing steamers can also easily be extended to curtains and other fabrics without the need to move them, so long as they are hung upright.
Types
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Clothing steamers are available in portable models, which are typically small and easily packed into suitcases. Steamers designed to stay in the home may come with additional features, such as a brush, larger water reservoir and different heat and steam settings. Residential steamers will give a higher performance but will also require greater power to run. You may also find a clothing steamer that features both a steamer and steam iron attachment, serving as a two-in-one solution. Brands include Tobi, Jiffy and many more.
Warning
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Clothing steamers, like traditional irons, become hot and therefore there is a danger of burning yourself. Keep the steamer facing away from you at all times to avoid burns. There is little danger of burning clothes with a clothing steamer, though a small number of fabrics will not be suitable so remember to check labels carefully.
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