How to Steam Press a Men's Suit
More people are taking a do-it-yourself approach to dry cleaning. With the growing popularity of the home steam press, it is now possible --- and affordable --- to press your own suits. In 2009, the average price for a home steam press is between $100 and $300. Compare that to your weekly dry cleaning bill, and the purchase will pay for itself in no time. And compared to a traditional iron, a steam press will take a fraction of the time. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Steam press process
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1
Turn on steam press.
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2
Check water level in the press. If water level is low, add water to the recommended level.
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3
Move temperature dial to desired setting. If your suit is wool, use the "Wool" setting, cotton the "Cotton" setting, and so on. Wait for indicator light to come on, signaling the press is hot.
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4
Place back of suit flat on press. Smooth out all creases so they don't get pressed in when you lower the press top.
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5
Lower press top. Wait for a few seconds and lift press top. Repeat in the same place if all wrinkles are not yet removed. A home steam press will not press the entire back of the suit in one try, so you'll have to move the suit around a few times to get the entire back.
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6
Turn the suit jacket over and place one sleeve on the steam press. Ensure that the sleeve will be flattened with the seams on the edges, so the creases are on the seam. Lower steam press and wait a few seconds. When you're satisfied, repeat for other sleeve.
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7
Move on to jacket lapels. Place just the lapel portion (one side of lapel and front of suit underneath it) on the steam press. If you try to steam more of the jacket for this step, you may get unwanted creases. Take extra care to make sure the lapel will be flattened on the seam. Lower steam press and give a few seconds more than other portions, since you will be steaming more layers of fabric than you've done before. When you're satisfied, move on to other side of lapel.
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8
Open jacket collar to make it flat. Place just the neck portion of the collar (since you should have gotten the rest of the "collar" with the lapel) on the narrowest part of the steam press, wait a few seconds, and check it to make sure there are no creases. Repeat if necessary.
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9
Move on to front of jacket, taking care not to press down too hard on buttons. Watch for creasing on any pockets.
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10
Do the pants next. If you have pleated pants, take special care to make sure the pleats are laid properly under the steam press. Ensure pant seams are in the proper place, so they have a sharp crease. You can also place pants so that a crease forms in the front of the pants, if the suit is already designed with a crease there.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider a model with an automatic shutoff and locking handle. These features come on many standard models.
Keep children away from the steam press. It can cause serious injury if touched while hot.
References
Resources
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Comments
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I am saving money and time by following these steps in pressing my husband's suit........thanks!
