Choosing the most useful clothing steamer comes down to the individual need. If you travel a lot for work, a small lightweight steamer would be an obvious choice.
Choosing the right clothing steamer is no different to purchasing a washing machine or hoover. In order to find the most useful appliance for yourself. Research needs to be done. But one of the most important factors would be how much of a budget is available to you.
Once you have worked out your budget, the search for a clothing steamer can begin. Although there are different ways for you to choose such appliances, the most time efficient and easiest way to search the internet and visit a web site such as Garmentsteamerguide.com
The Different Types of Material That can and cannot be Steamed
The steaming of clothing is a bit similar to ironing clothes as an iron and a clothing steamer both work on the principal. Some fabrics will be ruined if they come into contact with such hot temperatures.
Any material that melts in hot temperatures should not be steamed, such as suede, plastic and waxed items of clothing.
These days the majority of clothing can be steam cleaned. Previously there were a lot of items of clothing that would be destroyed and possibly cause a fire. Probably the most famous type of material that was renowned for melting and even causing fires just from a hot wash in a washing machine, was the 1980;s classic shell suit.
Cotton is still one of the most popular types of material used to produce all different items of clothing.
Linen is faster drying than cotton and is an all year round material, it is cool in the summer but warm during the winter months.
Silk is probably one of the least fabrics that is steamed, mainly due to the fact that silk is worn in hotter climates and in some of the poorer countries, where it would not be feasible to steam.
Synthetic material is designed more for outdoor or sports activities. Unlike other materials it is not made from natural fibres and therefore not biodegradable.
How well do Clothing Steamers Clean Compared to Washing Machines?
Although clothing steamers are designed to get out wrinkles and creases, just the same way as an iron is designed. Clothing steamers also have cleaning capabilities
In order to create steam first of all the water needs to reach at least 100 Celsius. Most bacteria are killed off at 65 Celsius therefore, steam cleaners are a good and efficient way of killing nasty unwanted bacteria, as well as getting rid of mold stains on garments.
Therefore a clothing steamer works just as well, if not better than a washing machine, in fact, steam cleaning has many more benefits compared to a washing machine.
In order to wash clothes in a washing machine, chemicals are needed. A steamer on the other hand turns water into steam, because of the intensity of the heat no chemicals are needed. Which is not only better for your health but better for the environment.
A steamer will also use less power than a washing machine which in return will save you money and again is more beneficial for the environment.
Over time washing machines will damage items of clothing, causing holes and the weakening of the fabric. This is because during the wash, the fabric rubs together, and causes the fabric to weaken and fray.
Other Uses for a Clothing Steamer
When it comes to the tedious but necessary task of a spring clean of your house, looking or finding new ways to save time is always in your best interest, whilst still keeping the same high standards that you have
A clothing steamer is just a form of steam cleaning fabrics. Therefore it is possible for you to clean many other parts of the household. It can even be used as a sanitizer on multiple surfaces and different areas of the home.
Bearing in mind caution is needed when you are cleaning certain materials around the house. Windows for example, can be fragile, which could lead to not only an unnecessary but expensive mistake. As it is possible for a window to crack under high temperatures. Although this is very unlikely to happen to you it is still good to be aware
If you have ever taken down and washed curtains you will know how hard and time consuming it is. The same as when you clean an oven or defrost a freezer. All of which is possible with a clothing steamer.
A lot of carpet cleaners use the exact same process, although it would only be time effective for you to clean on small stains. No one would want to clean the whole household carpet with a clothes steamer.
Different Types of Clothing Steamers
All clothing steamers work in the same way and work on the same principle, the main difference between the four types of steamers is the size of not only the water tank, but the appliance itself.
The biggest clothing steamer is a standing up steamer used in a professional capacity or for a large family this style of steamer can continuously produce steam for no longer than one and a half hours.
There are also stand up steamers available on a smaller scale, a lot the time they come with hangers already built in. These steamers are designed for steaming. Ideal if you have a medium sized family. Its steaming capabilities is up to about 30 minutes, therefore steaming does not need to be a daily task.
Handheld steamers are small enough to maneuver around your family’s home. They have a relatively big size water tank. Which makes it tiring if used for a long period of time. These steam devices work most efficiently by steaming two-five items of clothing at a time, depending on the size of the items.
The smallest of all of the clothing steamers is the travel steamer. These little devices are designed to do one or two items at a time. They have a very little power and a small water tank but are lightweight and are ideal if you travel for work. They are easily refillable and can be recharged at ease.
How To Select a Clothing Steamer?
Establish a Budget
You must first and foremost have a clear understanding of your budget. In this approach, you may rationally look for a garment steamer that can provide the most functions for the lowest cost. The many garment steamers that best suit your budget may be found online and in stores. They are offered at a variety of pricing points. Decide on a pricing range, and then bargain for features within that range.
Vertical or Handheld?
You can first decide whether you want a portable or free-standing device when selecting your clothing steamer. Both are a little different to handle, aside from the visual differences.
The ability to move about easily is a major benefit of the handheld garment steamer. It is portable and light, making it ideal for travelers. For a fast refresh of your clothing in the morning before getting dressed or before a business meeting, this steamer is great.
Because it is logical, simple to use, and effective, it is also the go-to option for individuals just beginning their steaming adventure. Many people eventually upgrade to a vertical garment steamer.
A hanger is included with the vertical garment steamer. Since the hanger is hooked to an aluminum rod, you may hang any kind of apparel on it. It produces more steam than the portable model does. It is preferred for simultaneously smoothing a bunch of clothes. It has better autonomy because of its bigger water tank. If you want a great outcome in a tiny space, several models offer intriguingly modest proportions.
Factors to Consider
1. Steam Flow Rate (g/min)
The unit of measurement for steam flow is grams per minute (g/min). This is equivalent to the volume of liquid water that is converted to vapor per minute. The fundamental component of anti-crease is steam. The effectiveness of the clothing steamer in eliminating wrinkles increases with the steam output! Be careful not to mistake this with the steam flow rate of steam generator irons, which produces steam continuously and is recorded as an average over one minute, whereas the steam flow rate of vertical steamers produces steam in waves and is measured at the maximum peak of power.
2. Power (watt)
Watts are the units used to describe power. It controls the flow rate and heating pace as well as the strength of the steam, which ultimately prevents your garments from becoming wet.
3. Heat-Up Time
Another crucial criterion for selection is the heat-up time. Using your steamer in the morning before leaving for work should not cause you to be late. In this instance, some portable models heat up in 30 seconds whereas vertical models heat up in 60 seconds.
4. Water Tank and Autonomy
The more garments you can steam at once, the longer the autonomy! Some portable variant includes an 8-minute battery life and a 150-cc water tank. Some vertical model has a 1.2 L water tank and a 60-minute autonomy, while others have a 1 L water tank and a 24-minute autonomy.
Even though it might seem minor, you should determine whether the water tank can be filled immediately, even while it is in operation. Some steamers are available on the market call for you to hold off on replenishing until the water cools.
5. Accessories
The correct accessories may make all the difference in your steaming experience since true beauty is in the details. The greatest ally for traveling light without a water tank is usually the portable model, which has a suction hook and universal bottle connector. Vertical versions have a tiny board that aids in creating the ideal finishing touches, like as collars.
6. Storage
Portable clothes steamers can be stored on a shelf in the laundry room or linen closet. Floor models are much bigger and need room on the floor for storage. In order to make packing a portable travel steamer easier, seek handles that collapse.
7. Evaluations & Performance Ratings
The reviews and performance ratings that are available online should be checked last but most critically to ensure that you acquire a high-quality steamer at a fair price. To select the ideal clothing steaming product for your requirements, you can visit clothing Steamer Buying Guide. So that you can effectively compare steamers based on pricing, read up on the major qualities that each steamer offers. Verify the performance ratings provided by consumers who have used or are presently using garment steamers by reading their reviews and comments.
Costs
Depending on whether you select a travel-sized steamer or a premium upright one, the cost of a clothes steamer can range from about $20 to well over $200. Pricing is determined by the size, power, features, and extras of the water tank.
During year-end deals for the holidays, several stores provide the finest prices. When looking for more costly upright steamers, find out whether you can save money by buying a showcase model.
Steam iron vs. clothes steamer
Although both devices utilize steam to eliminate wrinkles, there are significant differences in the methods and outcomes of using a clothes steamer vs a steam iron.
Steam Iron
- Removes creases from garments
- Establishes and finishes crisp pleats
- Demands an ironing board
- Not appropriate for all fabrics
Clothes Steamer
- Removes creases from garments
- Does not provide crisp finishes or pleats
- Uses only this equipment and nothing else.
- More gentle on all fabric types
- Faster than iron to use
The Best Places to Buy a Clothes Steamer
You may buy a clothes steamer online or anywhere small appliances are offered. Compare characteristics between models and brands when you are ready to buy.