{"id":22394,"date":"2021-11-25T20:44:39","date_gmt":"2021-11-25T20:44:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=22394"},"modified":"2021-11-25T20:44:40","modified_gmt":"2021-11-25T20:44:40","slug":"steamer-vs-iron-which-is-better-for-your-clothes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/steamer-vs-iron-which-is-better-for-your-clothes\/","title":{"rendered":"Steamer vs. Iron: Which Is Better for Your Clothes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\n\n\n\n</p><p>In the steamer vs. iron debate, the decision comes down to the fabric. Here is everything you need to know about how to remove wrinkles from your clothing and textiles.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Silk, linen, chiffon, and cotton are some of the most gorgeous fabrics. But unlike synthetics\u2014think polyester, spandex, nylon, and rayon\u2014they are prone to wrinkling and generally require a little TLC when it comes to laundering. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to pay attention to the fine print on clothing tags, not only the instructions pertaining to\u00a0how to do laundry\u00a0but also those that explain\u00a0how to get wrinkles out of clothes. Then the debate comes down to steamer vs. iron.\n\n\n\n</p><p>A steamer is a machine that employs heat and moisture (from hot water vapor) to eliminate wrinkles and smooth the fabric&rsquo;s surface. An iron, on the other hand, is a device that removes wrinkles from fabric by using heat and pressure (from the weight of the iron and applied pressure). That is why it is sometimes referred to as &ldquo;pressing.&rdquo; It can also help generate precise fold lines like cuffs, pleats, and creases. Here&rsquo;s when things get a little murky: Modern irons have a water reservoir that allows users to add steam to the operation. However, there is always some level of pressure involved. So, when should you use a steamer instead of iron? Continue reading to find out.\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>When to use a clothes steamer\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Generally speaking, fabric type will guide your use of a steamer vs. iron. Gagliardi explains that fabrics with a nap or pile (like corduroy or velvet) have always been tricky to iron because the pressure can crush the pile and distort the fabric\u2019s appearance. A steamer will allow the fabric to fall as intended.\n\n\n\n</p><p>A few other fabrics are prime candidates for steaming as well. \u201cSynthetics respond well to gentle steam and are less likely to melt,\u201d she says. Delicate fabrics, such as silk or chiffon, also are less likely to be damaged with a steamer. And trust us: Once you learn how to wash silk the right way, you\u2019re going to want to remove wrinkles without risking damage.\n\n\n\n</p><p>That said, you should always read the tag of your clothing or textile\u2014you know, the place where it explains that you need to hand-wash clothes or avoid bleach\u2014to see if there are any special instructions.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/11%5C/GettyImages-1321448074.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-22395\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GettyImages-1321448074.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Pros of steamers\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'><li>Newer handheld steamer models allow you to easily smooth large, harder-to-iron items like draperies. \u201cYou can treat them without taking them down,\u201d she points out.</li><li>You don\u2019t need an ironing board.</li><li>You are less likely to damage a clothing item.\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Cons of steamers\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'><li>Steamers may not be as effective at producing crisp pleats, cuffs, creases, and hems.</li><li>It takes longer to get wrinkles out of stronger fabrics like cotton when using a steamer vs. iron.\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>When to use an iron\n\n\n\n</h2><p>You\u2019ve learned how to wash white clothes to avoid dingy dress shirts and have reached the expert level when it comes to removing pilling on clothes. Add in some wrinkle-free garments and you\u2019re good to go, right? It\u2019s true, wrinkle-free items may help you avoid ironing. Technically speaking. But it probably won\u2019t leave your clothes looking crisp and sharp. That\u2019s where ironing (or steaming) comes in.\n\n\n\n</p><p>The majority of textiles can withstand ironing. \u201cHeavy-duty cotton and linens will respond well to the pressure, high heat, and moisture an iron can provide, especially when the iron can also provide some steam,\u201d says Gagliardi.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Of course, double-check the clothing label first. The laundry symbols will indicate if an item should not be ironed, or if it can be ironed but shouldn\u2019t use the iron\u2019s steam function.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/11%5C/GettyImages-578185787_2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-22396\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GettyImages-578185787_2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Pros of irons\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'><li>It works better on heavier fabrics, like cotton, denim, and canvas, than steaming.</li><li>Ironing produces crisp pleats, cuffs, creases, and hems.</li><li>An iron is better for sewing (quilting and tailoring) because the pressure presses seams open, which will give you a better finished product.\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Cons of irons\n\n\n\n<ul class='\"wp-block-list\"'><li>If you select the wrong temperature, you can melt or burn fabric with an iron.</li><li>An ironing board takes up extra space. In the market for a new one? These are the\u00a0best ironing boards\u00a0around.\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>How to iron or steam your clothes\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Regardless of whether you are ironing or steaming, Gagliardi warns against using tap water to fill your device. \u201cTap water includes calcium and magnesium, minerals that will cause a crusty buildup that can clog the iron or steamer. Instead, use deionized, distilled, or demineralized water,\u201d she explains. \u201cThis will prolong the life of your iron or steamer.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>If you do see mineral buildup in your steamer or iron, follow the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for removing it. \u201cIt may be as simple as a vinegar-and-water solution, or the warranty may require you to use their recommended cleaning product,\u201d she says.\n\n\n\n</p><h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>How to iron your clothes\n\n\n\n</h3><p>It\u2019s not enough to know when to iron your clothing and linens. In order to avoid destroying your items, you need to know\u00a0how to iron\u00a0properly. Thankfully, the process is relatively easy. Follow these tips and you\u2019ll be well on your way to perfectly pressed.\n\n\n\n</p><ol class='\"wp-block-list\"'><li><strong>Check the tag.\u00a0Always begin by reading the clothing label to see if there are any instructions as to which temperature setting to use.<li><strong>Use a press cloth.\u00a0To reduce the chances of scorch, light burn marks on cotton fabric, place a press cloth (lightweight plain-weave fabric like muslin) between the iron and the fabric you\u2019re ironing, suggests Gagliardi.<li><strong>Keep moving.\u00a0Don\u2019t let the iron rest in the same spot while you press the fabric. \u201cIt should always be moving,\u201d Gagliardi says.<li><strong>Iron damp clothing.\u00a0The best time to iron clothing is when it\u2019s still a bit damp after machine washing. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to get it all the way dry\u2014just get any wrinkles out then hang the garment to finish drying completely,\u201d Gagliardi says. \u201cThis is great if you like to air-dry your clothing to prevent shrinkage but don\u2019t like the wrinkles that come from a high-speed spin cycle at the end of the wash.\u201d\n\n\n\n<h3 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>How to steam your clothes\n\n\n\n</h3><p>Steaming is simple. Still, you should always follow the directions in your steamer\u2019s user\u2019s guide. \u201cIt will show you the recommended way to hang a garment before steaming and should include helpful tips, like pushing the steamer head against the fabric while you apply the steam,\u201d says Gagliardi. These are the basic steps to steaming fabric:\n\n\n\n</p><ol class='\"wp-block-list\"'><li>Pull the clothing item taut before steaming.</li><li>Hold the steamer one inch from the fabric.</li><li>Slowly move the steamer up and down the garment.</li><li>Repeat, if necessary. Heavier fabrics may require multiple passes with the steamer to get out severe wrinkles.\n\n\n\n<div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-large><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"683\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/11%5C/woman-is-steaming-blue-shirt-in-room-she-holds-royalty-free-image-1144511966-1561118417-1024x683.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-22397\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/woman-is-steaming-blue-shirt-in-room-she-holds-royalty-free-image-1144511966-1561118417-1024x683.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>What to look for when buying a steamer\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Depending on how you intend to use a steamer, you\u2019ll want to first look at the size. \u201cIf you want it for travel, get a compact one,\u201d Gagliardi explains. If you don\u2019t do much traveling, you can safely go larger\u2014provided you have the space to store it.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Plan to steam a lot of items at once? \u201cLook for a steamer with a larger water reservoir so you don\u2019t have to refill with water as frequently,\u201d she says. This feature will allow you to steam more items.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Depending on your needs, an attachment for delicate fabrics or upholstery could be useful. Here are some of the best steam irons to buy.\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>What to look for when buying an iron\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Look for an iron that includes specific fiber types on the temperature gauge. \u201cNylon and polyester must be ironed at much lower temperatures than cotton or linen, and it helps to have the fiber types listed,\u201d Gagliardi says. Because while nobody likes finding out their best dress is now fit for a toddler, you\u00a0<em>can\u00a0unshrink clothes. But accidentally scorch your favorite top after using a too-high iron setting, and you\u2019ll be in the market for a new fave.\n\n\n\n<p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>In the steamer vs. iron debate, the decision comes down to the fabric. Here is everything you need to know about how to remove wrinkles from your clothing and textiles. Silk, linen, chiffon, and cotton are some of the most gorgeous fabrics. But unlike synthetics\u2014think polyester, spandex, nylon, and rayon\u2014they are prone to wrinkling and\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22444,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[100,96,30,46,6,31],"class_list":{"0":"post-22394","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tie-life-style","8":"tag-diy","9":"tag-diy-home","10":"tag-household-hacks","11":"tag-life-hacks","12":"tag-life-style","13":"tag-tips"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Things-You-Should-Never-Clean-with-Dish-Soap.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22394"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22394\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22444"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></em></p></figure></div></li></ol></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></strong></li></ol></li></ul></h3></li></ul></h3></figure></div></li></ul></h3></li></ul></h3></figure></div>