Do you use a steamer? Pointers??

Peri

I have a My Little Steamer and I like to use it when I don't care about getting something perfect (99% of the time) and just want to smooth out the fabric. It's just easier not to have to get out the iron. I use it mostly on T shirt type fabric. I have issues though, need some pointers:

1) What do you wear to protect your hands? I've tried kitchen gloves (not heat proof enough) and oven mitts (too clumsy).

2) What is the right method? Sometimes I pull down slightly on the item to stretch out the wrinkles and then run the steamer right over the fabric, in contact like it's a vertical iron (problem: can end up with a wiggly hem). Sometimes I do that without the pulling (problem: less effective on wrinkles). Sometimes I hold the steamer a few inches from the item and hold in place longer (problem: takes a lot more patience and I'm not sure if it's as effective because I usually don't have said patience!).

Okay, pointers please? thanks!

6 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from

Joyce B

Veteran

I use a steming iron but mine is a big one with its own frame and space for hanging clothes. I steam most clothes from the inside, it’s a more efficient way for me and gives me better and faster results. I do my best to keep my hands out of the way of the steam as it can burn you. I do not use any type of gloves to protect my hands, I am not sure there are any and if they do exist they will give you less control of the steaming process. My steamer can adjust temperature settings, maybe every steamer does that? I am careful about the temperature for steaming because if it is too hot it can ruin the fabric or give it a funny looking hem.
My clothes are always on a hanger when I steam them.
I use distilled water and find that it prevents build-up in the machine.
My steamer is a Rowenta. I also have a portable steamer of the same brand but it is a lot more work and never gives me the same results as the floor model.

6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't. I don't find steamers practical, comfortable, effective - or easy to store (by US standards we live in a small urban house - 1600 square feet). I iron the old fashioned way with very satisfying results.

6 years ago

kkards

Veteran

I use one, it's sort of a home verison of the kind you see in stores... Large water tank, pole to hang garment from, and long hose for the steam.....i don't iron, and use the steamer to freshen up knits and jersey. If something is truly wrinkled, I take it to the dry cleaner-mine will "press only" if asked. Depending on the situation I will use either of the methods You describe. I'm sure there are suggestions & probably videos on the Rowena website. And full disclosure, I got a new washer/dryer in January and the dryer has a streamer cycle which I've been experimenting with---and its so convenient -although probably way more expensive on a use basis.

6 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a small hand-held steamer, mainly for silk and silky-type fabrics, and it does a fine job by just passing it lightly across the fabric a few times, but I'm just using it to get creases out (like fold lines from a new garment, or a collar that has sat the wrong way in the closet). I might pull lightly on the hem of a garment while steaming, but not hard enough to pull the hem out of shape. I barely ever iron anymore unless it is a crisp cotton shirt (I don't wear those often).

6 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

No, I don't. And I don't think steamers are common where I live. At least, I don't know anyone who owns one.

I find it quite easy to "get out the iron." Ironing is not an activity I love deeply, but I don't hate it either. While ironing, I often watch television or listen to music. Sometimes I just think--and often get a good idea or two or find a solution to a problem. Very satisfying.

6 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I have a steamer because I thought it would take up less space than an iron and ironing board, and be more gentle on clothing. Unfortunately, it's not as effective as an iron, particularly with heavier fabrics.

6 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Following. I have a steamer on my Christmas list. I hate ironing, am not good at it, and don't have many items that require it. But I would like to have a way to get wrinkles out without dragging the ironing board out.

6 years ago

Greenjeans

Veteran

OK, so I have some steamer experience from working in retail but don't use one at home. I remember it working like magic on knits and other items that don't iron well (like vintage rayon crepe, suit jackets with padded shoulders, polyester . . . ). But the iron gives better results on most everything else. If it's not feeling easy and magical then that particular item is probably better suited to the iron.

6 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

This is very useful info because I was planning to get one. I was fooled by the speed of the retail staff at Ann Taylor. I saw the woman get through an entire rack of returns in no time.

6 years ago

Anonymous

I have the Rowenta Pro Compact. I use it on my drapes, curtains, rugs, sofa, men's suits, slacks, and lightweight fabrics. I usually iron, but when I need to get the wrinkles out of DH's suits when he gets back from traveling, it is so quick. My steamer has a crease attachment as well as a fabric and upholstery attachment. I put a drop of lavender essential oil in the steamer when I want to refresh my drapes/curtains, sofa and area rugs. It does a great job and freshens everything up. (I only use the steamer after I deep vacuum the sofa and rugs first)

6 years ago

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