New technologies appear every year to ease annoying household chores. The iron has been familiar to humanity since ancient times. Over time, ironing boards appeared to make the work of housewives easier. To simplify ironing, irons were constantly modernized: water containers were built into them, and the sole surfaces were improved.
But in 1940, an innovative device appeared, initially to restore the shape of felt hats in America. It was patented in the same year. Gradually it spread throughout the world and is successfully used in many families.
Purpose
The main function of steamers is to smooth the surface of clothing. If your wardrobe contains items made of thin fabrics or with frills or ruffles, then this device is necessary. It will not leave traces of fibers being baked under the influence of high temperatures, as happens with an iron.
Secondary functions of the steamer:
- Disinfection . Steam kills germs and microorganisms. Therefore, the device is often used to process children's toys or pillows.
- Update . When wearing clothes once or twice, they lose their original fresh appearance and smell. Steam treatment can refresh it and give it a renewed look.
- Pest control . Using a steamer, fur coats and woolen outerwear are treated. In this case, possible insects and their larvae die from exposure to steam.
Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna
A steamer will not replace an iron. He will only complement it. It is difficult to iron bed linen and some other things using a steamer.
Advantages of vertical steam ironing
Vertical ironing of clothes has a number of advantages over the horizontal method, and many factors have favorably influenced the preference for such cleaning systems. Steam generators and their derivative analogues are widely used in:
- Textile industry;
- Dry cleaning;
- Laundries;
- Hotel complexes;
- Sanatoriums;
- Medical and preschool institutions;
- Nursing homes and more.
The main features are those aspects that have been noted in social surveys and sales statistics.
| This aspect is most appreciated in testing cleaning systems. A regular iron can burn clothes, cause a short circuit, which can lead to a fire and replacement of the wiring, cause burns, or damage/stain the fabric. Eliminates the need to use gauze and cotton sheets to iron thin fabrics. |
| With steam systems, ironing takes less time. If you sometimes have to iron the same linen several times with an iron, then the steam generator can handle this in just a few minutes. |
| Under the influence of steam, a greater number of microbes are killed, since it is able to penetrate into the fibers. This ensures reliable care for baby diapers and clothes. By the way, steam is more convenient for cleaning small clothes for newborns; The iron acts superficially, without ironing the seams and joints of hidden areas of clothing. |
| Ironing vertically with steam is not an expensive pleasure. There is no need to allocate space to install the board. You don’t need to buy the board itself either; you can iron it on a hanger, and the curtains can be ironed the way they hang. Imagine, when preparing for the birth of a child, a pregnant woman no longer needs to climb onto a chair and with her arms raised, remove heavy curtains from their fastenings for half an hour. |
| There are no risks of force majeure. Even if your lights are turned off, you can steam your things. Some models have a battery-powered function. |
| As you know, steam is a gas, and it is able to smooth out the seams inside, penetrating into the space between the fibers. The aesthetic side of the issue is also important in this matter - things will look better. |
| When using a steam generator, you do not touch the surface of the clothing, which means you eliminate the possible risk of damaging the fabric. It is impossible to leave stains, stains and holes with steam. You will also no longer have to clean the soleplate of your iron. To re-iron vertically with steam, it is enough to dry the parts of the cleaner. If you use a steam cleaner, its operating principle, on the contrary, is to touch the device closely to the clothing. Read the instructions carefully before choosing types of steam systems. |
Tip: Try steam ironing vertically for a few hours. You will not feel typical pain in the lower back and cervical region. Unaccustomed to this, your hands may get tired. By the way, the video in this article clearly proves the advantage of using steam cleaning systems.
Let’s not argue, it’s much more pleasant to iron things with your own hands, straighten the fabric and enjoy the warmth. You shouldn’t completely abandon your usual routines, the old practices that have been used for several generations in a row. But every woman should try new ideas of modern ease in caring for things and home. After all, a washing machine and a microwave oven are no longer news, but a necessity, without which it is difficult to live in the rhythm of modern technology.
Types of devices for ironing clothes
1-Hand steamer 2-Floor steamer
Many steamers can be divided into several groups.
Main types of devices:
- Manual
- Floor-standing
- With steam pressure
- Multifunctional
Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna
For domestic use, floor-standing models are often purchased. The combination of price and functionality is an excellent option for the home.
Hand held instruments
Externally, a hand-held steamer resembles a kettle; it can be used to smooth out bruises on thin fabrics.
Advantages of the models:
- Low cost
- Compactness
- Light weight
Disadvantages of devices:
- The weight of a filled device causes difficulties when working with curtains taller than a person’s height
- Short duration of work – no more than 30 minutes
- Low power – not suitable for ironing heavy fabrics
Manual models are suitable for smoothing thin fabrics and disinfecting soft toys.
Steam Pressure Devices
Pump steamers use water gradually, but the entire volume is filled at once. It is added drop by drop to the heating element, and it evaporates sharply. The pressure in the boiler increases. When the valve is opened, steam escapes under strong pressure. The feed intensity is adjusted using buttons on the body or handle of the device.
Pros of a pump device:
- High power
- Possibility of smoothing fabrics of any density
- High speed of work - no need to work in one place several times
Disadvantages of the device:
- High price
- The steam pressure is uneven - during intensive work it may drop, reducing the effectiveness of steaming
Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna
Due to high prices, such steamers are rarely used in everyday life. They are less common on sale.
Multifunctional devices
In addition to ironing clothes, steamers have other functions.
One of them is the supply of steam under pressure to clean surfaces.
Advantages of the models:
- Lots of features
- A large number of additional attachments
Flaws:
- High price
- Difficulty storing attachments
It is advisable to purchase devices for a specific purpose. When purchasing a cleaner with a steaming function, you will be able to iron simple and delicate items, because the main purpose is to remove dirt from surfaces. And most nozzles are designed specifically for this purpose.
Floor-standing appliances
Slightly bulky when stored, floor-mounted steam ironing devices are the most convenient during operation.
This is due to the structure of the device . Components of a floor steamer:
- Hanger . Clothes for ironing are placed on its hangers. Things are in a vertical position.
- Stand . Some devices have telescopic options that are adjusted depending on the length of the item.
- Steam generator . The body of the device has a built-in boiler, an electric heating element, and a pump for pumping water.
- A steam boiler is a container for pouring water. From there it goes into the steam generator.
- Hose through which steam is supplied and enters the iron. May become very hot during operation.
- A steam iron is a working tool for ironing clothes. The surface can be plastic or metal. It has holes for steam to escape.
What kind of household appliance is this?
A steam generator is a device that visually resembles an iron. The design of the device includes:
- A boiler that heats water.
- Iron.
- A hose that connects the two above devices.
- Replaceable nozzles.
Unlike a regular iron, which has a steam function, in this case the operating principle is similar, but more advanced.
In the boiler, water is heated and boiled, and then steam is released (the temperature of which reaches 140-160˚) under strong pressure through special holes.
Steam generators are used both for professional purposes (for example, in sewing workshops, laundries) and for household purposes.
The devices reduce the ironing process, which is very helpful in everyday life, especially for a large family or if there are small children.
What to look for before purchasing
Do you steam clothes at home?
Constantly! I want to try
A steamer is an expensive device. Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic parameters.
Steamer characteristics:
- Power . The lower it is, the more economical the device is.
- Steam pressure . The higher the indicator, the denser the fabric can be ironed.
- Water container volume . With a larger bowl, you can handle more things.
- Rack height . The indicator directly affects the length of the product for ironing.
- Number of nozzles . Often the steamer comes with a brush attachment for thick fabrics. For ironing trousers, use an attachment with a clothespin: it is attached to the iron, the clothespin is used to clamp the trouser leg, passing from top to bottom, forming a perfectly even crease.
- Anti-drip system . When ironing at low temperatures, drops of water may fly out along with the steam. If it gets on blouses made of thin fabrics, unpleasant stains are possible. If this function is available, there will be no drops.
Advantages and disadvantages of use
Advantages:
- The steam generator generates dry steam, thanks to which, in addition to ironing, they also disinfect linen, destroying pathogenic microorganisms and dust mites.
Much more effective than any iron in terms of ironing quality.- It does not leave a wet spot on fabrics because it creates dry rather than wet steam.
- You can iron several layers of fabric at once - this is very convenient when it comes to large bedding.
- Significantly shortens the ironing process.
- The boiler usually has a large capacity, so there is no need to constantly add water.
Flaws:
- Inconvenient to transport.
- High price.
- Doesn't heat up right away. It may take up to 10 minutes before ironing can begin.
Hand steamers
Compact devices for vertical smoothing of bruises are an excellent choice if you have a limited budget or lack of storage space. Outwardly, they resemble an electric kettle. The cost of models does not exceed 10,000 rubles.
Lower price range (up to 5000 rubles)
Low-priced steamers are characterized by a low power level, lower steam supply rate, and small water bowl volume compared to expensive analogues.
Kitfort KT-916
The KT-916 handheld device consumes 1000 W. 0.26 liters of water are poured into the bowl. Maximum steam supply speed – 20 g/min.
Pros:
- Steam speed adjustment
- Removable tank
- Fixing the steam supply at one level
- Fast heating
- Big tank
Minuses:
- Low power
- Difficult to remove water bowl
- Short cord
Kitfort KT-916 is designed for steaming light or medium-weight fabrics. It will perfectly replace an iron on summer trips. It has one of the lowest prices - 1590 rubles.
MIE Piccolo
The popular model is characterized by a power consumption of 1200 W. You can fill the bowl with 1 liter of water. During operation, it is converted into steam and supplied at a speed of 40 g/min. The device starts working 90 seconds after connecting to the network and steams things for 15 minutes.
Additional accessories: Teflon mitten, special board for placing under the fabric, brush attachment. The weight of the device is 1 kg.
Advantages:
- Quick ironing
- Evens out wrinkles on thin fabrics
- Easy to use
Flaws:
- Vertical ironing only – does not work when tilted slightly
- It will not smooth out very dry items.
- A bit heavy
MIE Piccolo is an excellent alternative to an iron. The small-sized device can be taken on business trips or kept at work to quickly tidy up your clothes. The price of the device is 2800 rubles.
RUNZEL VAG-150 Jatten
The hand steamer is characterized by a power consumption of 1500 W. This is enough to supply steam with a pressure of 3.5 bar. To operate the device for 20 minutes, you need to pour 0.36 liters into the bowl. The period from the moment of turning on the network until the water boils is 45 seconds. The unit supplies 40 g of steam per minute - one of the highest rates for hand-held devices.
Advantages:
- Removable tank
- Possibility of adjusting steam supply
- Automatic shutdown when overheating
- Smoothes hard-to-reach areas
- Availability of attachments included, in particular for suede
Flaws:
- Heavy
- Without fixing the button, changes in steam pressure are possible
- Smoothes vertically and horizontally
One of the powerful hand-held cleaners RUNZEL VAG-150 Jatten copes with ironing over-dried items and thick outerwear. The device is convenient for cleaning car interior surfaces. The cost is 3,990 rubles.
Middle price segment of hand steamers
Ironing devices in the mid-price range have a number of improved characteristics. The delivery set includes a list of additional devices to facilitate work.
Philips GC361/20 Steam&Go
Model GC361/20 holds 0.7 liters of water. With a power consumption of 1200 W, it boils in one minute.
Advantages:
- Possibility of horizontal steaming
- Removable bowl
- Long power cord – 3 m
- Additional attachments
- Metal surface of the working sole
- A light weight
- Heating indicator
Flaws:
- Inconvenient location of the tank
- Poor performance
- You need to wait until it cools down before storing it.
The Philips GC361/20 Steam&Go model has a metal sole. Therefore, while ironing, you can apply the iron for greater efficiency. It is difficult to iron heavy fabrics and coats with the device. The volume of water is enough for one dense item or several thin ones. The price is 5,015 rubles.
Tefal DT9130E0 Access Steam Care
The DT9130E0l steamer is designed for smoothing clothes, updating textile surfaces of furniture, and processing soft children's toys.
The base of the device is made of cast aluminum. The water bowl holds 200 ml of water. With a power of 1600 W, water boils in 40 seconds. Steam supply speed – 30 g/min. The period of non-stop operation is 9 minutes.
Advantages:
- High power
- There is a nozzle for wool
- Fits comfortably in the hand
- Special backing for convenient vertical ironing
- Bag for storing attachments
Flaws:
- High price
- The cord is wound by hand
The Tefal DT9130E0 Access Steam Care steamer is one of the most powerful hand-held devices. It copes with smoothing thick fabrics thanks to its high-quality cast aluminum surface. The delivery set includes branded attachments to make work easier. The cost of the unit is 8960 rubles.
How to iron things correctly?
Proper ironing is the key to beautiful clothes and overall appearance. But the main point is not only aesthetics, but also the correct assembly and operation of the device. In addition to proper care, every housewife must learn to cope with new modern cleaning products. But a man will quickly get used to the improved steaming system, although he will have to iron the creases on his trousers with an iron or a steam generator.
| Before using steam systems, carefully check the device for compliance with the manual and accompanying tools. |
| While dispensing steam, do not tilt the button cover back - this may cause water to leak out. During ironing, while the device is in operation or connected to a power source, do not check, clean or inspect. |
| Never move the device horizontally while steaming. Move it smoothly from top to bottom. |
| The steam pipe will make the sound of bubbling water. This is fine. Therefore, if you want to iron clothes, do it away from the bedroom or children's room so as not to disturb someone else's sleep. |
| When the steam cleaner runs out of water, you will hear a beep. Unplug the device from the outlet, and only then replenish the ingredients to continue ironing. |
| To clean wool or thick fabrics, use a brush. It will allow you to penetrate deeper into the tissues. The brush is installed up to the latch. This can be done during operation without disconnecting the device from the power source. |
| The brush should only be removed after running up and down the clothes without steam. If steam is still flowing, do not touch the brushes - you may get burned. |
| Some models are equipped with a tire that allows you to iron decorative fabric and borders. |
| Before storing the cleaning device, drain the water and allow it to dry. Do not put it in the closet until it has cooled down. This way you can avoid burns and dampness. |
Tip: When emptying the water tank, make sure it is not hot. Follow the instructions to ensure your steam cleaner lasts longer. If you have a vertical steam generator, leave it in a cool, dry place during storage. The ideal place would be a glazed balcony or storage room with ventilation. If this is not possible, always ventilate the room where the device is stored.
Floor steamers
Unlike hand-held devices, floor-standing units are bulky and more powerful. During operation, only the working head with the surface from which steam comes out is in the hand.
Lower price range (up to 5,000 rubles)
Floor steamers in the lower price range are represented by many European brands. Each of them has a number of pros and minor cons.
Philips GC512/40 EasyTouch Plus
The GC512/40 EasyTouch Plus can be filled with 1.6 liters of water.
The power of the device is 1600 W. The water heats up in 60 seconds. Steam supply speed – 32 g/min.
Advantages:
- A clothes hanger is included in the package
- Adjusting the steam supply
- Telescopic stand
- Anti-scale protection
- Clothes hanger included
Flaws:
- Water may drip at the start of operation.
- No vertical board
Philips GC512/40 is a great inexpensive option for everyday use. You can quickly refresh an item and get rid of a slight unpleasant odor. The price of the device is 4,650 rubles.
Scarlett SC-GS130S06
For the Scarlett SC-GS130S06 floor-mounted steamer, 1.6 liters are poured into the water bowl. With a power of 1800 W, the time until steam comes out from the moment of switching on is 45 s.
Advantages:
- High power
- Adjusting the steam supply
- Stand height is adjustable
- Additional brushes included
- Long operating time without refueling
Flaws:
- The steam handle gets very hot
- The hose becomes very kinked during operation.
- Lint and small specks stick to the handle
- Short steam hose
Scarlett SC-GS130S06 is designed for smoothing thin and medium-weight fabrics. It does an excellent job of disinfecting furniture and toys. During operation, it is important to observe safety precautions due to excessive heating of individual parts of the device. The price of the unit is 4,970 rubles.
Average price range (from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles)
Most models in the mid-price segment are representatives of large European manufacturers of household appliances. They are distinguished by high power and steam supply.
Tefal IS8360E1
The IS8360E1 model has a 1.7 liter tank. Device power – 1700 W. Water heating time is 45 seconds.
Advantages:
- Removable tank
- Stand height is adjustable
- Automatic shutdown when there is not enough liquid
- Availability of additional attachments, including a vertical ironing board
Flaw:
- Bulky
- Water may splash at the start of operation.
The easy-to-use Tefal IS8360E1 cleaner perfectly smooths curtains and other thick fabrics. High build quality makes the device safe throughout the entire period of non-stop operation. The price of the model is 7,700 rubles.
Tefal IT3450 Pro Style
The capacity of the IT3450 Pro Style steamer is 1.5 liters. Power – 1500 W. The maximum operating period is 40 minutes. The water heating time does not exceed 40 seconds.
Pros of the model:
- Possibility of adjusting steam supply
- Telescopic stand
- Anti-scale protection
- Additional attachments
Disadvantages of the model:
- Does not iron thick cotton fabrics
- Doesn't work well horizontally
Tefal IT3450 Pro Style copes well with light and medium weight fabrics. It is convenient and does not take up much space. The price of the device is 7690 rubles.
Philips GC524/60 EasyTouch Plus
The volume of the water tank is 1.6 liters. Device power – 1600 W. Water heating time is 60 seconds. Maximum steam supply speed – 32 g/min.
Advantages:
- Removable water bowl
- Adjusting the steam supply
- Stand length is adjustable
- Built-in anti-scale protection
- Lots of attachments included
Flaws:
- Fragile plastic where the handle is attached to the body
- The steam handle gets hot
- No device to carry
Philips GC524/60 EasyTouch Plus smoothes out any wrinkles on a variety of fabrics. But the build quality of the purifiers is rather weak. The price of the model is 7,890 rubles.
High price range (from 10,000 rubles)
Steamers of a high price category are distinguished by high technical characteristics and many additional attachments included in the delivery set. The main feature is the high power of the devices.
RUNZEL Pro-300 TurboSteam
The floor-standing steamer RUNZEL Pro-300 is characterized by a power consumption of 2,250 W. The volume of the water bowl is 2.2 liters. After 45 seconds from the moment the device is turned on, steam is released, the pressure of which is 3.5 bar. Maximum steam supply speed – 55 g/min.
Advantages:
- High power
- Long operating period – 2 hours
- Removable water bowl
- Adjusting the steam supply
- Low water shutdown
Flaws:
- Sometimes it splashes clothes
- Does not steam heavily wrinkled linen items
The powerful RUNZEL Pro-300 TurboSteam is suitable for quickly ironing items of any density. With its help you can disinfect upholstered furniture and refresh soft toys. But at the beginning of work, it is better to work the steam in the air to avoid possible stains on clothes from the first splashes. The price of the device is 16,990 rubles.
MIE Magic Style
The volume of the MIE Magic Style water tank is 1.7 liters. With a power of 2,250 W, the water heating time is 45 s. The device operates for 50 minutes without adding water.
Advantages:
- Steam control
- Anti-drip system
- Control buttons on the steam handle
- Maximum steam supply – 85 g/min
- Many additional attachments: thermal mitten, collar steamer, hanger with velor surface
Flaws:
- The trouser brush does not clamp well - the arrows are unclear
- Short hose for working with curtains or carpet
- Difficulty handling over-dried items
The MIE Magic Style device does an excellent job with silk and synthetic items. When smoothing thick linen and cotton fabrics, you have to brush it several times. It perfectly refreshes textile floor and wall coverings throughout the house. The price of the unit is 17,990 rubles.
For processing clothes made from dense fabrics, a hand steamer is not enough. The floor option is preferable. Before purchasing, you need to pay attention to the power of the device, the speed of heating the water, and additional accessories included in the package.
Which to choose?
When purchasing a device, be sure to pay attention to several important technical characteristics:
- Steam pressure . Typically this figure varies from 2 to 7.5 Bar. The higher it is, the more powerful the steam jet.
- Steam boost . Smoothes very dry wrinkles. Steam is supplied in an amount of 90-520 g/min. The higher the indicator, the more efficiently and quickly the steam generator smoothes out wrinkles.
- Power. The ability of the device to operate continuously for a long time without failures depends on this parameter. For professional use, the power should be at least 2000 W; for home use, at least 1600 W is recommended.
- Tank volume . If you plan to use the device frequently and for a long time, then in order not to constantly pour water into the tank, it is better to buy a model with a capacity of at least 1800 ml. If the device will be used rarely, you can purchase a device with a smaller tank volume.
- Operating mode . The steam supply can be adjusted manually, automatically, or sometimes not at all. It is better to give preference to models where it is manual.
The video will tell you how to choose a steam generator:
In what cases is a steamer appropriate?
Essentially, a steam generator and steamer replace an iron, but have more advanced functionality. The steamer has a slightly different design, which has only a water tank in common with the steam generator.
Visually, this is a kind of handle that emits wet rather than dry steam without pressure . And its temperature does not exceed 100˚.
It makes sense to buy a steamer if you need to iron clothes, curtains and other products in a vertical position, without laying them out on the ironing board.
In addition, steamers are used to disinfect clothes, toys, upholstered furniture, and carpets from pathogenic microorganisms: dust mites, mold without the use of household chemicals.
What to buy: a steamer or a steam generator should be considered based on your own needs. The steam generator is suitable for those who iron a lot and often and want to reduce this process by at least 2 times.
How to straighten arrows
If you are dealing with a classic style of trousers, then they are supposed to have two straight darts along the length - front and back. Before you start ironing, make sure the side seams line up perfectly and the creases are set as an extension of the darts. This is the only way you can achieve the desired result.
To make the task easier, secure the trouser fabric with pins and attach it to the ironing board. This way you will draw straight lines for future arrows and iron without fear of ruining the item and without worrying that the fabric will twist or corrode. Now cover the ironing areas with a cloth or gauze, spray it with water from a spray bottle and start ironing.
The trouser legs can be fixed using office clips, as shown in the photo
In the process, it is necessary to adjust the edges of the pants in the places of future arrows, pulling them a little. Experienced housewives advise using the following tricks:
- To strengthen the arrows and keep their shape longer after ironing, it is recommended to lubricate the designated places of the arrows from the inside with a piece of soap, and then iron them twice from the front side.
- You can add a few drops of ammonia or vinegar to the water to moisten the fabric. Using the solution will fix the hands and prevent their subsequent crumpling during wear.
When you finish ironing, do not rush to hide your trousers in the closet or immediately put them on. Wait 5-7 minutes after the end of the process, let the item cool completely and dry from the wet steam. Only after this can you consider the work completed.
You cannot store ironed trousers folded, only on a hanger and without bending them, so that they do not wrinkle and the creases do not stretch out.
Always hang the ironed product without bending it
As you can see, there is nothing complicated in such ironing, especially if you practice more often and follow the step-by-step instructions. We hope our tips will help you when you need to quickly prepare your trousers before an important business meeting.
