Tired of ironing curtains with a regular iron? Naturally, this takes so much time and effort, because the huge curtains do not fit on the ironing board. Great news! A worthy alternative has already been found - this is a curtain steamer. Thanks to the latest technologies, steamers today are produced more compactly. Some of them can easily be placed in a suitcase and taken with you on the road. The steamer will not only replace the iron at home, but will also become your number one assistant when traveling on vacation or on a business trip.
What are the benefits? It is easy to use and can be used to care for any textile. Some electrical appliances are designed not only for ironing; they will help you clean the entire house without any effort.
How to iron curtains correctly
Washing even delicate fabrics does not pose any particular difficulties, but not everyone can iron curtains correctly.
Curtains have a large area, so you have to go over the surface with the iron in small areas. In this case, the fabric should be well straightened on the ironing board. It is not recommended to fold curtains. Firstly, only a small number of people can fold them evenly. Secondly, after pressing, unsightly creases remain in the folds, and getting rid of them is even more difficult. Before you start ironing, check what material the curtains are made of. If there is no manufacturer's marking, this can be a difficult task. Typically, curtains with a complex design are more difficult to iron. Velvet, silk and other delicate fabrics are used to produce lightweight products. Heavy and thick curtains are made from jacquard and cloth.
For high-quality ironing, wait until the fabric remains slightly damp, but not wet. It is problematic to smooth out a completely dry fabric.
A steam generator is most effective for smoothing different types of fabrics. With this device, even the largest wrinkles can be easily removed, regardless of the material used. Due to the fact that steam is supplied under pressure, it better smoothes the thickest curtains.
Professional
These are production models that are recommended for enterprises that require daily care of a large number of fabrics and clothing. This:
- curtain salons;
- theaters;
- studio;
- fur and fur shops;
- hotels;
- sewing production;
- sewing workshops, etc.
A production steamer for curtains and drapes is a necessary and irreplaceable piece of equipment for such enterprises. The operation of a stationary model determines greater efficiency and contributes to increased productivity.
Experts recommend choosing industrial curtain steamers to perform large volumes of work, because domestic models are simply not designed for long-term continuous operation and will not fulfill the impossible mission assigned to them.
MIE Magic Style
pros
- powerful steam supply;
- double stand;
- fast heating for work;
- good exterminator.
Minuses
- steams dense fabrics better than cotton;
- overall
From 14590 ₽
Model with a beautiful ergonomic design. There is no clothing or fabric that this device cannot handle. Steams quickly thanks to the power of 2250 W. The steam generator produces steam at 55 ml/min, which is then released as a powerful jet under pressure. Water tank – 1700 ml. There is an automatic cord winder.
After the steamer has worked with them, bedspreads, curtains, tulle, outerwear and other textiles acquire a fresh, well-groomed and tidy appearance. Double reinforced stand. The set includes an auxiliary board that is used for steam ironing, as well as trouser clips and hangers.
MIE Grande
pros
- adjustable ironing board position;
- double heating;
- multifunctionality;
- a mannequin on a tripod, convenient for steaming things.
Minuses
- non-locking steam button;
- Inconvenient fastening for simple hangers.
From 19490 ₽
This high-quality and powerful device is not in vain included in the rating of the best. It is designed to speed up the process of ironing curtains, bedspreads, bedding sets, and outerwear, ranging from tightly woven to the most delicate cambric with rhinestones. Power 1920 W plus 360 W – iron power. Water tank volume 1.2 l. The steam temperature reaches 130-140 °C with a productivity of 85 g/min.
Even very dry items with strong fixation of creases take on a smooth and fresh look in a few seconds. This is possible thanks to the model’s dual heating system and a strong steam boost that easily penetrates the structure of any fabric. The model is equipped with an auto shut-off system. The design includes a movable multifunctional ironing board. The set includes a hanger with an anatomical collar.
MIE Creative
pros
- powerful steam supply under pressure;
- sound notification about water consumption;
- double heating;
- long power cord with automatic winding;
- works in 3 modes;
- mobile and maneuverable.
Minuses
- short steam hose.
From 13990 ₽
This is a modern, powerful unit with a stylish design - one of the best devices of 2021. Copes with large volumes of wet-heat treatment operations. The rated power of the device is 2350 W. A steam iron with a built-in heating element has its own power of 500-600 W. The surface of the iron is metal, constant heating does not allow wet spots and stripes to be left on the fabric being processed.
The folding hanger can hold up to 7 kg of clothes. The device disinfects, cleans, smoothes, eliminating any wrinkles and wrinkles. Its proper care increases the service life of textiles. Light indicators indicate which of the 3 modes the steamer is currently operating in. The removable tank holds 2 liters of water.
Steam generator or steam cleaner: what to choose?
In terms of their functions, a steam cleaner and a steam generator are completely different devices. The first, as the name suggests, is designed to clean things up. A steam generator is a device designed specifically for ironing. Therefore, if the task is to straighten the curtains, then it would be more correct to use a steam generator. If you need to clean some things in the house, then the cleaning function, which means a steam cleaner, will come in handy. It is impossible to say for sure which device you will need most in your household, so a situation often occurs when you have both a steam cleaner and a steam generator at home.
Fabrics that do not need to be ironed
It is not possible to avoid ironing curtains in all cases. Some types of fabrics are not prone to self-expanding and require mandatory heat treatment. But many materials can do without ironing and still look decent.
Such materials include:
- chiffon;
- organza;
- blackout and some other types.
Proper washing avoids ironing. To avoid ironing curtains, they should only be washed by hand.
The washing process should proceed as follows:
The curtains are removed from the cornice.- Warm water is drawn into the bath.
- Dilute a suitable detergent in water.
- The curtain is carefully lowered into the water.
- If the fabric is organza, silk or chiffon, then you need to wash the curtain immediately. For other materials, a short soaking of a quarter of an hour is possible.
- Wash delicate fabrics without intense physical impact using stroking movements.
- Rinse several times in clean water (cool or slightly warm).
- The curtain is taken out of the bath without squeezing it out.
- Hang the curtain in a free state. At the same time, place a container to drain the water.
- Straighten the fabric with your hands.
- After the water has drained, the curtains are hung in their permanent place while still wet.
Ironing tulle with a steam generator
For many years, tulle has remained a popular decorative element in Russia when decorating windows.
In the production of such products, a wide variety of materials are used - both natural and synthetic. Regardless of the source material, tulle requires careful handling when ironing. The process is simplified when using a LAURASTAR steam generator. There are two options for smoothing tulle:
- Iron with Teflon sole. To do this, the device regulator is set to operating mode with two points. The tulle is laid in one layer on the plane of the ironing board. The soleplate should continuously glide across the surface, and steam should be released as the iron moves forward. It is important that creases do not form on the fabric.
- Using a steam generator. A more convenient and faster option that allows you to steam curtains without ironing or removing them from the windows. With this method, the fabric is not laid out on a board, but is steamed directly in a vertical position. If the tulle is made of delicate fabric, the LAURASTAR steam generator comes with a special protective attachment.
Note! Regardless of the steam generator model you choose, do not forget about safety precautions. The first jet that comes out of the device is very long and powerful, so at the very beginning, move it to the side. When processing, hold the device so that steam does not come into contact with your hands or other parts of the body.
Tips for choosing a steamer
Which steamer model is better to choose and what characteristics should you pay attention to when purchasing? First of all, you need to decide exactly how the device will be used and make a decision based on this. For example, if the device will only be used for light curtains and clothes, then you can purchase a manual model. If you plan to use a steamer to iron large curtains made of thick fabric, then it is worth purchasing a stationary model.
When purchasing, it is important to remember the following characteristics:
- Tank volume and continuous operation time. The larger the volume of the water tank, the longer the device can operate. To process large curtains, it is better to choose a model with a tank of at least a liter.
- Steam power. To process light curtains and clothes, it is not necessary to buy a powerful device, but to work with thick fabric, it is better to use a steamer with a power of about 1500 Watts.
- Availability of additional functions and attachments. For example, the ability to change operating modes and add detergents to water.
- Height of the telescopic rod. If it is too low, it may create inconvenience when processing long curtains.
Thus, knowing how the device will be used, it is easy to find a model that is suitable specifically for this type of activity.
Using a steam generator to smooth embroidered curtains
With embroidery the situation is more complicated.
It is almost impossible to completely iron such curtains with a simple iron. You should only walk on the surface from the wrong side, while maintaining strict control over the degree of heating of the soleplate of the iron. It is easier to use a LAURASTAR steam generator for ironing, which smoothes embroidered items with minimal risk of damage. Before processing, it is important to choose the right mode. For delicate fabrics, two points are set, and for dense fabrics, three. It will be easier and faster to steam curtains in a vertical position, directly on the curtain. If you want to iron your clothes with such a steam generator, you can do it right on the hanger.
Tulles with embroidery are processed at a distance of at least 10-15 cm. If the curtain material is denser, then the distance is reduced to 3-5 centimeters so that the steam penetrates more deeply when supplied.
Secrets, tips and rules of ironing
We will devote the last section of the article to useful tips and secrets for ironing curtains. In order for this process to be easy, productive and of high quality, you should know and adhere to some rules. They are very simple, but at the same time unfamiliar to many. This section of the article will help you understand all the subtleties and comprehend the secrets.
And the first thing housewives should focus on is that only freshly washed curtains should and can be ironed. Products that have been hanging in place for some time and become dented can “surprise” housewives by the fact that unsightly stains, smudges or stains of unknown origin may appear in the ironing area. This can be observed especially often when working with a steamer.
The second thing every housewife should pay attention to is the cleanliness of the soleplate of the iron. It happens that small fibers stick to it and go unnoticed. They can easily melt when heated and stick to the curtains. To avoid such trouble, you should definitely clean the iron using a special spray, a pencil with the addition of ammonia or regular ammonia.
Having understood the above, let's start with choosing ironing modes. Before starting to give the curtains the desired look, each housewife needs to familiarize herself with the characteristics of the material from which the curtains or drapes are made. On factory-made products, this information can be found on a label sewn in a secluded place on the product. When making custom curtains, you should remember the name of the fabric chosen for sewing, and also get recommendations for caring for it from the seamstress. In general, when ironing with a regular iron or an iron with steam, you should follow the instructions for the unit and under no circumstances exceed the heating temperature of the device allowed for fabric.
Particular attention should be paid to ironing curtains made of silk, chiffon and organza. These fabrics are the most vulnerable to heat and can easily melt. If possible, you should try heating the iron on a spare piece of fabric from which the curtains are made. If it is not there, then the test needs to be carried out in a corner. We will explain the principle of ironing curtains made from the most popular fabrics below and, for ease of perception, we will summarize it in a table.
Material | Device | Ironing Features | Steam |
Cotton, linen and fabrics made from them (chintz, cambric, staple) | You can iron with a regular iron, and also in some cases with a steam generator. | It requires pressure, so it is problematic to iron it by weight, although this method of ironing is allowed. A better degree of smoothing can be achieved by starching the product during washing, as well as when ironing the fabric while it is still damp. | A large quantity makes ironing easier, which is especially important for linen products. |
Satin and also blackout | Iron or steam generator | Easy to care for, does not wrinkle when washed. In exceptional cases, ironing is required, but the heating temperature of the iron should be maximum. | Allowed. Does not harm the fabric and significantly speeds up smoothing. |
Natural and artificial silk | Iron. | The material is extremely sensitive to temperatures. You can only iron completely dry material, otherwise you can easily ruin it by distorting the threads. | Not allowed. |
Chiffon | Iron. | Only low temperatures. You only need to iron from the inside out. | Not applicable. |
Nylon, nylon and tulle | Steamer or steam generator | It is extremely rare to iron such fabrics, because they are synthetic and practically do not wrinkle. It is necessary to iron only if the washing and spinning rules are not followed, and also if the curtain is sewn using decor or edged with highly wrinkleable materials. It is not advisable to iron it, because all these materials melt easily. When ironing with an iron, you should set the heating temperature to medium and apply minimal pressure to the fabric: low temperature will not help smooth out wrinkles, and with high heat the fabric will melt. | Be sure to use a fine dispersion device. |
Organza | Iron and steam generator | Fabrics with embroidery and punched patterns require extreme care when ironing, because this device can easily pick up the threads and ruin the decor. You can also prevent tearing of the embroidery and tearing off of the sewing decor if you iron the curtain from the inside out. | It is preferable to iron on weight using a steamer or steam generator. |
Taffeta and brocade | Iron and steamer. | Iron inside out only. The heating temperature corresponds to one point on the iron, although in exceptional cases (especially when the fabric has metallized threads) it can be set to two points and the fabric can be ironed through a gauze or chintz backing. | Steam is directed at the curtain from a great distance. On an iron with a steamer, you need to set the steam supply to frequent. |
Velvet and plush | Steam generator or steamer, sometimes an iron. | If curtains made of such material have to be ironed, then it is best to do this through cotton fabric and only from the inside out. The high hairiness of the fabric requires the utmost attention of the housewife. You only need to iron such curtains “on the wool”, otherwise they will look like a worn-out product. After ironing or steaming, the curtain should be combed with a soft clothes brush. | When using an iron, you need to iron only with dry heat, while when using vertical steaming, a large amount of steam allows you to quickly return the original appearance of the products. |
Tapestry and other heavy curtain fabrics | Iron, steamer, steam generator | Thick fabric is difficult to iron with a regular iron. If there is no steamer, then such curtains should be ironed using damp cotton cloth or gauze, and only from the inside out. | It lends itself well to treatment with hot, humid air, although in this case there is a risk of getting streaks on the fabric. |
Gozhka | Iron or steam generator. | Practically does not wrinkle. The texture of the material allows you to quickly tidy up the curtain using regular ironing. | Used extremely rarely or as an alternative to an iron. |
Gabardine | Iron, steam generator or steamer. | The fabric is quickly smoothed with a regular iron if the washing and spinning rules have not been violated. In exceptional cases, the steam function can be used. Since voluminous curtains are not made from this fabric, ironing is not difficult. | It is easily leveled when treated with steam, but it dries for a long time after that. |
Wool and wool mixture | Iron, steam generator | Requires careful handling and gentle ironing. Due to the fact that curtains made from such materials are usually sewn with a lining, they need to be ironed from the inside out and dry. | Not used because it disrupts the fiber structure. |
It is noteworthy that vertical blinds are most often made from unpretentious materials: matting or blackout. These curtains are washed by hand and without spinning. That is why such curtains do not need to be ironed. Polyester curtains for bathrooms and showers do not require forced alignment.
Proper ironing of curtains will help extend their life, as well as transform the interior, emphasizing the neatness and experience of the housewife.
Laurastar steam generators are the best solution for smoothing curtains
Routine chores around the house are simplified and brought pleasure with the introduction of Swiss technologies.
Laurastar steam generators smooth out not only large but also small wrinkles. During ironing, the surface of the fabric is exposed to a powerful jet of steam, which, due to high pressure, penetrates deep into the material without damaging the fibers. Laurastar steam generators and hand steamers are an alternative to professional models. The devices weigh little and are small in size, so they are suitable for use not only at home. The devices can also become indispensable travel assistants.
As an inexpensive assistant, you should take a closer look at the Laurastar Lift White and Lift Red models. The steam generator has a power of 2200 W and produces a constant pressure of 3.5 bar. This is more than enough for any task, even if you decide to use it in a clothing store or other place where ironing is needed constantly. The water tank has a capacity of 1.1 liters and has transparent walls for easy control of the liquid level. Water can be added directly during ironing. The automatic control system will notify you of this need. The device is ready for use within 1-2 minutes of warming up after switching on. Although we are talking about a floor-standing device, steaming even tall items does not cause any problems, because the iron is connected through a steam hose that is almost 2 meters long. The electrical cord is also 2 meters long, so you can easily place the steam generator next to the curtains without the need for extension cords. Laurastar engineers tried to eliminate all the disadvantages of such models in advance by installing an anti-scale filtration system inside.
Want to save on dry cleaning? The Laurastar steam generator will help not only get rid of wrinkles on curtains, but also remove light stains from them.
Are you concerned about your health? Laurastar dry fine steam when ironing kills 99.9% of known viruses, bacteria and microbes on fabric. You not only give a neat appearance to your clothes and curtains, but at the same time make them cleaner and healthier.
Professional steamer - what are the advantages?
This type of equipment is mainly used in hotels, shops, studios, curtain salons - where there are large volumes and there are time restrictions. Moreover, they can be used by both a professional master and an amateur.
Professional steam generators really differ from household ones for the better, although they cost an order of magnitude more.
What are the main advantages of these units?
- Higher power – from 2000 W and steam intensity from 70 g/min.
- Boiler steam generation system. Under pressure, steam penetrates fabric fibers easier and deeper.
- Larger water tank volume 3 – 3.5 liters. In addition, most models are equipped with a refueling function.
- With such a large amount of water in the tank, the device heats it up in 30 - 45 seconds.
- Long continuous work: on average 2 hours or more.
- Versatility. Typically, such steamers can also be used as steam cleaners due to the high temperatures of the steam produced.
- It is more convenient to work with a hose of at least 2 m and a cord of about 5 meters.
- Reliable housing that prevents the device from overheating even during long-term operation.
Most manufacturers producing household models have professional steamers.
These are the brands “Kärcher” (Germany), “Grand Master” (Russia), “Sauber” (Sweden), “MIE” (Italy), “Philips” (Netherlands) and many others.
A steam generator is a really necessary thing, and not just another trinket for the home.
This device will become a reliable assistant on the way to perfectly ironed curtains. Regardless of which of the above models you choose!
All of the steamers listed have many positive reviews from their owners.
What iron setting should you use to iron?
A weakly heated device will not create problems: you will simply be left with a crumpled curtain. Another thing is an iron heated to extremely high temperatures. One touch, and you will ruin the curtain, and then your own mood.
It is important not to confuse the ironing mode by correctly deciphering the meaning of the symbol on the curtain or fabric label:
Number of points on the iron thermostat: | Permissible temperature: |
3 | up to 200°C |
2 | no higher than 150°C |
1 | allow heating up to 110°C |
The crossed out iron icon means that ironing, including steam, is prohibited.
Maximum numbers are not scary, as a rule, for natural materials, including cotton and linen. The work will go faster if you iron a curtain that is not completely dry, or a curtain that is dry but through damp gauze. A good old way is to spray with water from a spray bottle.
The most capricious are polyester and viscose, which melt under a hot iron. They are ironed from the inside out, first placing the iron on the edge of the curtain to check the degree of heating.
Which one to choose for your home?
A steamer is a device that generates hot steam. It penetrates deep into the fibers and straightens them.
There are several important options to choose from:
- Power . Must be a minimum of 2000 W. Then the device will not leave stains on clothes and will quickly straighten out all the wrinkles.
- Hose length . The longer it is, the more convenient it will be to use the device. For vertical models, this requirement is especially important.
- Tank volume . For infrequent home use, a device with a 200 ml tank is sufficient. Such a device can operate continuously for 15-20 minutes. Steamers with a 1.5-2 liter tank can work for hours.
Attention is also paid to the material of the iron. It should be metal or ceramic, as plastic will get very hot.
Common mistakes when ironing
There are a number of mistakes that housewives often make when ironing curtains.
You need to know them in order to prevent them from happening in the future:
- Incorrect temperature. If the curtains were purchased in a store, then the label indicates recommendations for the ironing mode. If they are made to order, you must ask the craftsman what fabric they are made of. When the material is unknown, first perform a test ironing in an inconspicuous place.
- Steaming. It is not suitable for all fabrics. Delicate materials cannot be steamed, because... they are easily deformed and lose their original appearance.
- Smoothing curtains with rhinestone embroidery on the front side. This can only be done from the inside out, otherwise the rhinestones will stick to the iron and the embroidery will lose its relief.
- Ironing without lining. If you iron them on the front side of the curtains without a lining, then waves and shine appear on the material, and the likelihood of burning through the fabric also increases.
How to iron starched tulle
Before you start ironing the starched tulle, you need to wring out the curtains and dry them a little. You can’t twist them, just squeeze them well and shake them. Some housewives are afraid to iron tulle, so they hang it wet and it flattens out under its own weight.
If there is a need to smooth out bruises, do this with an iron heated to 120 °C. It is better to iron starched curtains that are not fully dried; if they dry out, it will no longer be possible to iron them.
To prevent the iron from sticking to the tulle, add gauze or cotton fabric. Steam cannot be used, otherwise the starch will lose its properties.
When choosing a steamer, you must know for what purpose it is being purchased. If you take the device on trips, it is better to buy a manual model.
It is recommended to purchase floor-mounted steamers for your home or office. A universal option is a steam generator. With its help, you can not only smooth clothes and curtains, but also clean and disinfect various surfaces.
Conclusions on the topic
Our rating of vertical and hand-held curtain steamers introduces the leading products on the market. Not only we, but also numerous owners of both floor-standing and portable devices were convinced of their reliability. Without the slightest fear, we recommend these models to those who are looking for a device for caring for interior textiles.
For detailed information, we have listed their technical parameters, advantages and disadvantages, so everyone can independently decide on the type of device that is suitable for them.
Initially, you should pay attention to why the household appliance is purchased. If you take it on a trip or to the country, then you should opt for a manual model. In this case, inexpensive, compact devices are suitable.
For a home, office or commercial facility, it is worth considering floor-mounted steamers with improved technical characteristics and various additional functions.
If you have some experience in selecting a steamer for curtains, please share it in the block provided for this below. You can leave comments, attach photos and share information about whether the purchase met your expectations or not.
Smoothing without iron
You can give curtains a sleek look in a variety of ways, such as hanging them over a bathtub filled with hot water (with the door closed tightly). This steaming takes 20-30 minutes, then the fabric is straightened by hand, attached to the curtain rod and left until completely dry.
The second method resembles the first, but excludes the bath step:
- The wrung out, but moderately damp curtains are fixed to the cornice.
- Severely sagging fabric is lifted and attached to the crossbar.
- If the curtain wrinkles a little, it is wrapped a couple of times around the cornice.
- The drying curtain is gradually unrolled and lowered.
- The bruises are carefully straightened out, smoothing them with your hands.
- It takes up to 12 hours for massive curtains to dry.
The damp fabric straightens out under its own weight, which makes it possible to do without an iron.
Steamer - what is it and the purpose of the device
A steamer is a modern device used for ironing various fabric products. Such a device has a water tank, a heating element, a hose and various nozzles. When water is heated, steam is generated, it is applied to the fabric and its structure is leveled.
Functionality
The main task of the steamer is ironing fabric products. In addition, such a device can be used to remove dust and allergens from clothes, to get rid of unpleasant odors, to clean toys, upholstery, etc.
What determines the cost of steam ironing curtains and blinds?
When calculating the cost of the service, the following are taken into account:
- dimensions of curtains, curtains, drapes, blinds - footage, number of units;
- type of textile;
- curtain model - the presence of complex decorative elements, folds, draperies;
- curtain decor (sequins, bugles, embroidery, beads, lace).
If you need dry cleaning of curtains, blinds, leave a request on the website or call. We offer cleaning and steam ironing of curtains of any models from different fabrics at low prices.
Rating of the TOP 15 best vertical steamers of 2021
Place | Name | Price |
TOP 5 best vertical steamers in price/quality ratio | ||
1 | RUNZEL PRO-300 TurboSteam | Find out the price |
2 | MIE Grande | Find out the price |
3 | RUNZEL PRO-290 AngaStark | Find out the price |
4 | Philips GC552/40 ComfortTouch | Find out the price |
5 | Kitfort KT-960 | Find out the price |
TOP 5 best powerful vertical steamers | ||
1 | RUNZEL MAX-220 Rena | Find out the price |
2 | Philips GC514/40 EasyTouch Plus | Find out the price |
3 | Scarlett SC-GS130S09 | Find out the price |
4 | RUNZEL ECO-260 Skraddarsy | Find out the price |
5 | MARTA MT-1171 | Find out the price |
TOP 5 best vertical/horizontal steamers 2in1 | ||
1 | MIE Grande | Find out the price |
2 | Kitfort KT-937 | Find out the price |
3 | Tefal QT1010 | Find out the price |
4 | Kitfort KT-913 | Find out the price |
5 | MIE Maestro | Find out the price |
Types of curtain steamers
These devices are divided not by functionality, but by method of use, since all curtain steamers serve the same purpose, but in different ways and have different characteristics.
Kinds:
- Manual - in accordance with the name, the device must be constantly suspended. As a rule, they do not have a large tank volume and high power, however, these models are considered the most popular among travelers, as they represent the best ratio of compactness and quality. They are not popular for use at home due to the short period of operation and the need to keep the structure suspended, but they are the most budget-friendly than other types.
- Floor-standing is the most bulky, but also the most durable among the types, which can be used for steaming both curtains and clothes. Best suited for home use as it is designed for long-term steaming. It is a vertical structure with a long hose ending in a tip through which steam is supplied.
- Ceiling - some users, seeing the name of this type, ask the question “What is this?” This type is not as common as others due to the fastening features that only dry cleaners can afford.