The possibility of damage when using such an iron is minimal, unlike using a regular iron.
How does the process work?
The devices are easy to use. Before starting work, water is poured into them. For this purpose, the devices have a special reservoir in their design. The steaming mode is selected based on the type of fabric intended for ironing. The readiness of the iron for use can be determined visually by the presence of steam escaping from the holes in the ironing panel.
The heating process of modern steam irons takes an average of 1.5 minutes.
The product intended for vertical ironing is placed on hangers. For trousers, special designs with clips are used. A steam iron is brought to the slightly stretched material and they begin to move it from top to bottom. During operation, the iron should not touch the fabric. The steam it releases penetrates deeply into the structure of the fabric and smoothes it. Models with long power cords are considered the most convenient for vertical ironing.
Dry ironing
Dry ironing is the simplest and most common method of ironing fabrics.
This does not require special steamers or water tanks. Simply set the desired temperature and start the process. Please note that the temperature is selected separately for each fabric. Follow the manufacturer's label recommendations.
You can iron both durable fabrics (cotton, linen) and fabrics that cannot be exposed to steam (some types of silk) in this way. Delicate materials should be ironed at low temperatures.
There are several criteria that allow this method to integrate firmly into everyday life:
- Choice of fabric. Certain fabrics do not tolerate moisture during ironing.
- The fluid reservoir is faulty. This problem plagues irons of older models. Liquid begins to seep out of the reservoir, making the fabric too wet. As a result, serious deformation of the material occurs. Excess moisture can leave nasty streaks that are not easy to remove. Using a broken tank may result in further damage to the device.
- Dirty steam. If the device has not been cleaned for a long time, it may become clogged (this is especially true for steam passages). Once they hit an item, the particles are smeared onto the clothing, leaving many stains. Of course, it is better to clean the iron as soon as possible yourself or in a specialized company.
Dry ironing is used for the following fabrics:
- Some varieties of silk.
- Chiffon.
- Viscose.
- Lining fabric.
- Satin.
- Capron.
- Nylon.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of vertical steam irons is that they can be used to work with any type of fabric. The quality of their ironing depends on the correct choice of steam generation mode. Vertical steam irons ensure gentle handling of items. The probability of their damage is extremely low.
Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna
Devices of this type allow you to smooth out structures and areas of clothing with zippers, beads, complex folds, etc. that are difficult to reach for classic models.
Other benefits include:
- no need for an ironing board;
- ease of steaming curtains and tulle;
- when clothing is exposed to steam, all germs and bacteria are destroyed;
- Can be used to clean furniture and kill insects.
The disadvantages include:
- high cost;
- the need to protect your hands from burns from hot steam;
- Some models are bulky.
Correct use of the steamer
Vertical ironing is a real godsend for those who do not want to bother with an ironing board and carefully process a large number of things. If ironing in your home is a frequent and habitual task, it is best to use a steamer with a large tank volume. With it you will spend less effort on refilling, and you will be able to iron a lot of clothes in a short period of time.
Ironing with a vertical iron is ideal when you need to shape things literally on the go, smooth out wrinkles on curtains, drapes and tablecloths. In this case, the fabric will smooth out under its own weight, and you won’t have to take a long time to remove the curtains and hang them back. Using vertical ironing, it is best to tidy up jackets, blouses and cardigans - the iron does not leave creases on the wrong side, and ironing will take you an order of magnitude less time.
Kinds
Modern manufacturers produce several types of products:
- traditional irons equipped with a vertical steam function;
- steam stations;
- steamers.
The first type of device has the shape of a regular iron. Their advantage is their compactness. Steam stations are more complex devices. They consist of three main components: a separate large-volume boiler, a conventionally shaped iron and a connecting hose.
Steamers have approximately the same, but more compact design. They consist of a floor-mounted steam generator, a connecting hose and an attachment in the form of an iron.
Based on power consumption, vertical steam irons are divided into 2 large groups:
- With a power of 1.6-2.4 kW . Designed for home use. They cope well with ironing soft fabrics.
- With a power of 2.1-2.4 kW . Available for commercial use and heavy fabrics.
To work with light materials, a steam volume of 35-60 g/min is sufficient. This indicator must be taken into account when choosing the right model. The amount of steam produced by the device depends on the power of the heating element. And the duration of continuous operation of the iron depends on the volume of the water tank.
Iron storage
The iron should be kept in a vertical position so as not to put the sole at risk. Keep it away from water and direct sunlight. Clean the device regularly for long-lasting functionality, and dry the device thoroughly after cleaning.
The best place for storage is considered to be a chest of drawers or drawers that are not exposed to the weather.
The manufacturer provides precise instructions for storing the iron. Listen to him and the universal advice to keep the device safe and sound.
Basic and additional functions of devices
The average duration of continuous operation of devices intended for domestic needs is 15-20 minutes. These irons are equipped with water tanks with a volume of 200-250 ml. For commercial purposes, devices are used that can operate without interruption for refilling with water for 1.5-2 hours. The volume of their tanks is 1.5-2 liters.
What power steam iron would you buy?
1.6-2.4 kW2.1-2.4 kW
A useful feature for commercial irons is to adjust the amount of steam supplied to the product. Most models designed to perform large volumes of work have a “Steam Boost” mode. It allows you to apply 10 to 80 g of steam to the fabric in 1 minute. This allows you to smooth out strong creases on dense fabrics.
Other important functions of the devices include:
- automatic shutdown and with sound or light indication;
- indication of liquid level in the tank;
- purification of water from contaminants and systems from scale.
Best models
The rating is based on customer reviews
Philips Azur Performer GC 4521/35
The homeland of the brand is the Netherlands. Country of origin: China. The model has a vertical steam function. There are several modes for changing the steam supply strength. Iron sole type – T-ionicGlide. It has a scratch-resistant titanium coating. The design provides automatic shutdown and descaling of the system.
Advantages:
- fast heating;
- long cord;
- several steam supply modes;
- There is an option for spraying water;
- comfortable handle.
Main disadvantage:
- high price.
Morphy Richards Saturn Intellitemp
Country of origin: Great Britain. The model has the following functions: vertical steaming, self-cleaning from scale and steam boost. The iron is capable of smoothing out several layers of folds. The impact-resistant ceramic soleplate has 485 steam holes. The temperature is adjusted automatically.
Advantages:
- auto shutdown;
- there is a turbo mode;
- backlight;
- comfortable handle.
Main disadvantage:
- high price.
Bosch TDI 902836A
Country of origin: Spain. The model is equipped with an anti-drip system and automatic programs for ironing various types of fabrics. Has a vertical steam function. The steam supply turns off immediately after the iron stops moving. Economy modes allow you to reduce water consumption in the iron by 35% and electricity by 25%. A powerful steam blast copes with folds of any complexity.
Advantages:
- efficiency;
- stylish design;
- ease of operation and maintenance;
- efficiency;
- safety.
Main disadvantage:
- high price.
Tefal FV4950 EO
Country of origin: France. The model is equipped with a self-cleaning system for descaling and can be used for professional activities. It effectively smooths out problem areas on any type of fabric. The sole, made of metal ceramics, has a groove for buttons. The iron has automatic shut-off and vertical steam functions.
Advantages:
- powerful steam boost;
- convenient section for storing the cord;
- stylish design;
- self-cleaning;
- ease of care.
No deficiencies identified.
VITEK VT-1257
Country of origin: China. The model is equipped with many useful functions, including vertical smoothing. The sole has a double ceramic coating, which ensures the iron glides smoothly on various types of fabrics. It is scratch and chip resistant.
Advantages:
- self-cleaning from scale;
- the presence of a groove for buttons on the sole;
- anti-drip system;
- powerful steam boost.
Flaws:
- short power cord;
- unusual shape of the sole.
Rowenta DW4130D1
Country of origin: China. The model has a metal sole. The iron has a narrow spout and two steam modes: normal and burst of steam. The device is well suited for vertical steaming. The model is equipped with drop collection and self-cleaning systems. There is an indication of inclusion.
Advantages:
- convenient design;
- good build quality;
- low cost;
- fast heating;
- powerful vertical steaming.
Flaws:
- inconvenient water tank;
- There are no instructions in Russian.
REDMOND RI-C262
Country of origin: China. The model has several steam supply modes, including steam boost. There are functions: vertical steaming, water spraying, automatic shutdown and self-cleaning from scale. The drop collection system is well thought out. The sole is made of metal ceramics. It is easy to clean from dirt, but it requires careful handling. The iron comes with a measuring cup.
Advantages:
- fast heating;
- Convenient water tank:
- good glide over the surface of any type of fabric;
- attractive design.
Flaws:
- a small number of functions;
- Too heavy for top steaming.
Hottek HT-955-007
Country of origin: Belarus. The model has great power with low weight. It has the following functions: vertical steaming, adjusting the steam supply force, spraying water, self-cleaning from scale and collecting drops. The safety of the device is ensured by an automatic shutdown system when inactive, which is accompanied by a light signal.
Advantages:
- ease of maintenance and operation;
- comfortable design of a large sole;
- wide range of functions;
- low cost.
Flaws:
- low quality plastic;
- short cord.
Polaris PIR 2695AK
Country of origin: China. The model has a ceramic sole that is resistant to mechanical damage, but requires careful handling. It has all the options necessary for high-quality ironing. There are functions of vertical steaming, self-cleaning, automatic shutdown, accompanied by a sound signal.
Advantages:
- long cord;
- fast heating;
- safety;
- multifunctionality.
No deficiencies identified.
Braun TexStyle 7 TS765A
Country of origin: Hungary. The model is distinguished by delicate smoothing of the material and has a vertical steaming function. The iron comes with a measuring cup. The stainless steel sole is covered with sapphire chips. The model has several steam supply modes, including steam boost.
Advantages:
- high quality ironing;
- multifunctionality;
- quick heating;
- comfortable sole shape.
Main disadvantage:
- The reservoir is inconvenient for filling water.
Reviews from customers ^
Svetlana, 35 years old: “I’ve never used steam generators before, but my old iron broke down, I wasn’t short on money and decided to buy something new and modern from this area. I took the compact model from Braun. I am very pleased with the quality, it irons several layers with a bang. All clothing is smooth and neat, leaving no stains or marks. Compact, modern, convenient - in general, there are only advantages. A regular iron is much inferior to this one in terms of ironing quality. I’m very happy with such a profitable and useful purchase!”
Marina, 40 years old: “For my birthday before last, they gave me a brand new steam generator, they said it was a worthwhile thing. I liked it - very quickly, efficiently, I can iron both bedding and delicate fabrics. Nothing has deteriorated during the entire period of use. There are only two drawbacks: it’s a little hard to hold when the tank is full of water, but I quickly got used to it, and the clothes are slightly damp due to the large amount of steam. But other than that, it’s a complete plus: when I have a lot of ironing to do, I only use it. Now I rarely use the regular one.”
Yana, 28 years old: “I have a small model that combines the functions of a regular iron and steamer. I live alone, I don’t have much clothes, I don’t really need a super-sophisticated unit. The model is basically no different from a regular iron, with the exception of a well-developed steam function: it produces more, more powerful and better than a regular one. Thanks to this, clothes are ironed faster, better and better. Easy to store, compact, I’ve been using it for two years.”
Question answer
How do steam irons self-clean?
A special liquid is poured into the water reservoir. The iron heats up to maximum temperature and then turns off. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times. After which the cleaning liquid is poured out of the iron, and the reservoir is rinsed with clean water.
What means can you use to clean the soleplate of your iron?
The most effective means for cleaning an iron are: ammonia, citric acid, peroxide, laundry soap and acetone.
What kind of water can be poured into steamers?
To fill water into irons, you must use distilled water.
Do I need to empty the water from the iron every time I stop using it?
It is not necessary to empty the water from the iron during a break in operation of no more than 1-2 days. Water left in the appliance for a long time acquires an unpleasant odor and may bloom.
Is it possible to clean the steam supply system in irons with citric acid?
Citric acid can only be used for external cleaning of the sole. When cleaning the internal system with it, a sticky coating is formed, leading to damage to the iron.
Precautionary measures
When using the iron, precautions must be taken. If you do not calculate the temperature, or make a mistake in something, you can completely ruin your clothes and get burned.
Make sure the iron is at the correct temperature before use. When leaving, do not forget to unplug it.
Despite the fact that some models require a special fuse, it is better to protect yourself.
After 30 seconds in a horizontal position, the energy saving mode is activated and the temperature drops. The fuse also trips if the switched on device is left in a vertical position for 5-10 minutes (depending on the model).
However, it does not save you from power outages, such as a sudden blackout. In such cases, the device is at risk of short circuiting and defects, which will reduce its functionality in the future.
The higher the power of the device, the more carefully you should handle it.
