If you’re unsure if your fabric can be steamed, carefully test the steamer on a small corner of the fabric before using it on the entire garment. Always check fabric care labels for advice prior to steaming.
Steamers are more portable than irons, so they are ideal for those who travel a lot. [2] X Research source
Plug the steamer in. Steamers usually heat up fairly quickly (2-3 minutes). Allow your steamer to heat until steam begins to form. Be sure to let your steamer warm up all of the way to get the best results. Make sure it is steaming nicely before you use it. You can check how well it is steaming by pulling the trigger on the handle / pressing the button, and seeing how much steam issues when you release it. This is the same button you will use while steaming your clothes. [3] X Research source
You have the option to use a handheld pad as surface to steam your clothes on, though it is not necessary. It may be helpful when you are steaming extremely dense or wrinkly fabrics. If you decide to use a pad, slip it over one hand and use your other hand to hold the steamer. With extremely wrinkly clothing, you should steam from the inside of the garment, or underneath the garment. The weight of the fabric against the steam will help to get the wrinkles out more quickly. When steaming fabrics with embellishments such as pleats, ruffles, etc. , hold the steamer at a distance of 1-2 inches from the fabric. This will allow the fabric to keep its shape while the steam de-wrinkles it. If the garment is extremely wrinkled, you can also turn the garment inside out to steam the fabric without damaging the embellishments.
If you plan on keeping your steamer in one location, upright steamers are the ideal choice. They are larger than other steamers, but are very convenient because of their features (the clothing hanger, nozzle, etc. ). However, they can be transported if you don’t mind moving something that’s a bit larger. These steamers are ideal if you are steaming numerous pieces of clothing. Their water base is large and usually won’t need to be refilled. Most upright steamers come with attachments, such as different types of brushes for different kinds of fabrics. Upright steamers are typically the most expensive of all steamers, ranging from $50-$200.
Handheld steamers combine the water tank and nozzle into one device. They typically weight a couple pounds. Some handheld steamers come with attachments, like different nozzles and lint rollers. Some steamers come with a small padded square with a strap that slips over your hand (similar to a large oven mitt). This pad can be helpful when you’re steaming your clothing, as it can prevent you from burning your hands. Handheld steamers typically range in price from $30-$100. [8] X Research source
