This article talks about steamers - vertical and manual.
Not so long ago, a steamer began to be used for ironing things. But it is gradually gaining popularity and people prefer it when caring for things rather than a regular iron.
- Easy ironing, gentle handling of clothes, absence of creases and shiny spots, disinfection of things - all these are the advantages of a steamer.
- In addition, unlike an iron, when using steam, the item cannot be burned, wrinkled or dirty.
- What types of steamers are there, how do they work and how to use them correctly? You will find answers to these and other questions in this article.
How do handheld and vertical garment steamers work?
How do handheld and vertical garment steamers work?
So, you have learned about the benefits of a steamer, bought yourself such a device, but do not understand the principle of operation. How do handheld and vertical garment steamers work? How is water heated and how does this device work? The steamer has a simple operating principle:
- The device is powered from the mains , but there are models that operate from a power supply or even batteries.
- Water is in a vessel. Heating of the liquid is carried out by special elements. The water then turns into steam.
- Steam molecules are supplied through heat-resistant hoses and a rigid metal tube.
- While steam is being supplied, the nozzles with fibers work. It distributes the molecules so that they flow evenly onto the surface of the clothing.
Important: Before steaming, the item must be washed, if necessary. When the product is dry, you can begin the steaming process.
Device and brief description
The steamer (a well-established tracing paper from the English language) or steamer was invented back in the 40s of the last century. However, for a long time it was used mainly for highly specialized tasks before manufacturers saw the opportunity to use it in everyday life.
Steamer was invented back in the 40s of the last century.
Today this device has a fairly simple design, which ensures high reliability. A typical household steamer consists of:
- Water storage containers.
- Heating element.
- Evaporator for supplying steam: remote or rigidly built into the housing.
- Hose (for stationary devices).
- Attachments for various types of fabrics and ironing modes.
Typically, a steamer has several attachments for different types of fabrics.
Some types of devices can be equipped with a clothes hanger, a lint brush and a protective mitten.
Note! Recently, the opinion has spread that a device such as a clothes steamer can be made with your own hands, for example, from a plug-in steam generator with an iron. Nevertheless, such an imitation is still not a complete replacement for a steamer.
It is not always possible to replace a steamer with an iron.
How to properly use a hand-held steamer to iron clothes?
How to properly use a hand-held steamer to iron clothes?
Any such device has instructions for use. Read it before you start ironing. How to properly use a hand-held steamer to iron clothes? First, preparations for the steaming process take place:
- Read the instructions and technical specifications of the device.
- Pour water into the special compartment.
- Wait a while for the water to heat up.
- Now start the process.
- Carry out steaming strictly vertically. This will be more convenient, and almost all models of such devices should work in this position. Therefore, to iron things using a steamer, buy a special vertical hanger.
A hand steamer, also called a travel steamer, is usually small in size. This device is convenient and compact, and will be an excellent travel assistant. With its help you can quickly and easily iron a dress or suit. Such devices have a small water tank, so their operating time is short - 15-20 minutes. But this time is enough to iron the product.
Instructions for use:
- Pour water into the special compartment.
- Connect the cord to the network.
- When the red indicator light comes on, you can start working.
- Check the device by turning on the steam supply. Then you can begin the ironing process.
- Hold the device strictly vertically, as horizontal movements will not give the desired effect.
- During ironing, monitor the water level in the compartment. A special sound signal will notify you that you need to add liquid to the tank.
- After completing the work, disconnect the device from the power supply.
Be careful: The process of steaming items involves working at high temperatures. Therefore, be careful and do not touch a hot device while it is running. Keep children away while you use this appliance.
Security measures
To use a handheld or vertical steamer, you must follow safety rules. When working with the device, you must pay attention to:
- According to the instructions, assemble the device correctly;
- do not direct hot steam onto the body;
- fill the container with water after disconnecting from the network;
- do not carry out repairs yourself;
- After use, wipe all parts and attachments dry;
- do not give the steamer to children;
- Do not clean the device with brushes or detergents.
How to properly use a vertical steamer to iron clothes?
How to properly use a vertical steamer to iron clothes?
A vertical or floor-mounted steamer is usually used in the professional field: textile workshops, shops, tailoring salons, and so on. How to properly use a vertical steamer to iron clothes? This type of device requires preliminary assembly, unlike a manual device. Here's what you should do:
- Place the telescopic holder in place and secure it to the body.
- Pull the elbows of this holder to their full length and secure with clamps.
- Hang the working handle on a special hook.
- Connect the hose to the steam outlet on the housing.
Now follow these steps:
- Pour water into a special container.
- Connect the device to the mains or turn on the battery power.
- Then the light on the indicator should light up. If the device is ready for operation, the red indicator will light up.
- Check the device for readiness by turning on the steam supply. If testing is successful, then work can begin.
Vertical steamers usually have a steam cleaner function. With their help, you can clean the surface of facing tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, disinfect and remove dirt from pillows and mattresses, clean the room or remove dust from children's toys.
Which steam generator to choose for your home?
Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that the most acceptable and best model of a steam generator for the home will be a device with a remote water tank, which will also serve as a convenient stand. The optimal power of the steam generator will be approximately 2000 W or slightly less than this value. At the same time, the higher the steam pressure and the intensity of its supply, the better. Also mandatory for safe use is the auto-shut-off function, and anti-scale protection will significantly increase the period of its operation.
ROWENTA Silence Steam DG 8985
Professional premium steam generator with a noise reduction system. The power of the device ensures high-quality and comfortable ironing. Five operating modes allow you to achieve results on all types of fabric.
BOSCH TDS 4070 EasyComfort
This device is designed for easy and effective ironing of all types of fabrics. The steam generator has one universal operating mode and a large 1.3 liter tank. In addition, it is characterized by the presence of an effective cleaning system to remove limescale from the surface.
TEFAL Liberty SV7020
Combines efficiency and ease of use. It handles any task faster than steam irons, thanks to its power and large water tank. The reservoir is removable.
KITFORT KT-922
A budget steam station that can replace a conventional iron with water supply. Smoothes out wrinkles quickly and accurately, without leaving crumpled stripes. Has horizontal and vertical steam supply modes.
MIE Vapor
This iron with a steam generator is suitable for ironing all types of fabrics. Its features include a system for monitoring excess water on things, a ceramic sole, buttons for short-term and continuous steam supply, and a spacious water tank.
PHILIPS ComfortTouch Plus GC558/30
The steamer has five steam modes, thanks to which it can give a fresh look to clothes made of any fabric. The kit includes a brush that allows you to clean out small dirt.
The device is equipped with an aroma capsule, thanks to which you can add the scent of essential oils to things. The set also includes a hanger with a board for straightening long-style items.
How to properly use an iron to steam clothes?
How to properly use an iron to steam clothes?
Using a regular iron is quite a tedious task, especially if you need to iron a large amount of linen or clothing. Using a steamer makes this task easier and helps you deal with it quickly and easily. How to properly use an iron to steam clothes? Rules:
- Move the iron from top to bottom.
- Gently stretch the fabric so that all folds and creases are straightened out.
- It is enough to carry out one area 2-3 times. The surface will become even and smooth.
- If bubbling sounds appear, do not be alarmed - this is boiling water.
- Before starting the ironing process, place the item on special hangers.
- Select the mode that matches the type of material of the product. This function is available in both vertical and manual models.
Then proceed depending on the specifics of your wardrobe.
What else should I steam?
You can also use a steamer to smooth curtains, bed linen, clean upholstered furniture or disinfect toys.
A steamer will help tidy up not only your clothes, but also your interior.
- It is best to steam curtains, drapes or tulle while they are already hanging. Portable or hand-held steamers are perfect for these purposes, as well as vertical ones that have a long hose (2.5 meters) or the ability to connect one.
- It is convenient to steam fresh bed linen or bedspread on an already made bed.
- Upholstered furniture or new toys can be disinfected with hot steam or cleaned of stains using a brush attachment.
Water tank volume
If you are doing global, large-scale ironing, then the volume of the tank matters. It is logical that irons lose again - you have to fit all the functionality into a small device at once, so the volume of the reservoir will always be small, usually no more than 300 ml. True, in some models the capacity can even reach half a liter. This is already quite a lot, but at the same time the dimensions of the iron itself also increase - it will be large, and when fully filled it will weigh up to two kilograms.
In the case of steamers, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between hand-held and floor-standing models. Manual ones cannot have a large reservoir, otherwise it will be difficult and inconvenient to operate them. For very tiny, portable steamers, the tank can be from 50 to 200 ml. There are larger handheld steamers - from 300 to 500 ml. Not much, but such devices are clearly not intended for grandiose ironing.
The floor-standing ones no longer have a tank, but a whole separate tank that stands on the floor, and you operate the steamer nozzle on the hose. And here the volume can reach up to four liters - enough not only for a home wardrobe, but for an entire clothing store.
Steam stations are somewhere in the middle between irons and floor steamers. There are both moderately compact models with a small tank of up to a liter, and heavier stations with 1.5–2.5 liters.
Additional features
Sometimes the device is used for other purposes than its intended purpose :
- boil water for tea;
- boil eggs;
- carry out disinfection;
- refresh the appearance of fur products;
- treat clothes and closet surfaces to destroy moths and larvae;
- remove adhesive labels from ceramics and glass;
- clean upholstered furniture;
- wash the windows.
To perform the latest types of work, manufacturers of some models have added a special attachment .
