Steaming: accessories and methods of ironing clothes

With the invention of the iron hostess has become much easier to care for things. However, the existing diversity of models of irons and steamers can cause a lot of questions and doubts. Today, manufacturers are urging everyone to smooth things with steam. This is the least fiber traumatic way of ironing. About different methods of steaming and talk today.

The principle of operation of any steamer is based on the high pressure jet of hot steam. This stream of moist hot air is sent to clothing, due to which the folds on it are smoothed. But this is not the only advantage and advantage of such devices. To understand why they are becoming more and more popular, let us examine their main advantages.

• Careful attitude to the fabric. The main problem of irons is that they can spoil or even burn a product. Steamer to make it impossible. Hot air gently smoothes the fabric, leaving no burned areas, glimpses and creases on it.
• Reduced ironing time. Many people think that ironing steam takes more time. Indeed, the device needs more time to heat up, but then the process goes much faster.

• There are things that are physically impossible to iron with an iron. These include delicate thin fabrics, wool and fur. But for a steamer, there are practically no restrictions on use. It is very convenient to use the device in the care of furniture, curtains and blankets.
• It has disinfectant properties. The heat not only smoothes the fabric, but also kills harmful microorganisms on it. This becomes relevant not only when ironing clothes, but also in the care of furniture, carpets and covers (furniture, automotive).
• Eliminates unpleasant odors. As in the previous case, this is relevant for those surfaces and objects that can not be washed in a typewriter or manually.

On the market you can find completely different devices designed for steaming. They differ in appearance and function and price. Understand which one is suitable for your purposes, will help the original classification of devices and a description of their merits.

The device, small and available at the price, will become the irreplaceable assistant on trips or as addition to the iron. Considering it as the main device for ironing is not worth it. A small tank and a small capacity will create additional problems. The fact is that the operating time of the device is limited to 10-15 minutes. Then you have to re-pour and heat the water.

These devices compare favorably with the previous type of their characteristics. They are a water tank and telescopic rack.A hose goes from the tank to which the handle-steamer is attached (steam will be supplied through it). It may have several attachments or be the only one in the set.

More expensive models have not only a telescopic rack with a hanger, but also a vertical ironing surface. It simplifies the work. Clothes do not have to additionally hold, it will be comfortable to adhere to the board.

The device is a symbiosis of iron and steamer. He has a separate tank of water. The device itself is identical with the iron. Through a hose from the reservoir steam is supplied under pressure. He gets on the fabric through the holes in the sole of the iron.

The advantage of the device is a large tank of water. It will not be necessary to constantly add water when ironing large volumes. The downside is the low mobility of the device and the need to allocate additional space (stand) for the tank. Well, and, of course, can not do without an ironing board.

Some modern devices are equipped with a function such as steam cleaning. With its presence, there will be no need for additional washes of such items as covers, furniture and heavy curtains. Of course, he will not be able to replace the traditional washing of curtains, but it will have to be done much less often. After all, the product will be kept clean most of the time. Difference from a usual otparivatel consists in continuous supply of steam under pressure. Due to this, the effect of purification is achieved.

Under the common name "iron" can hide two devices. This is a regular iron, and a device with a steamer function. In this case, not only the methods of their application, but also the principle of operation differ. To understand how to use them correctly, we give a brief description of both devices.

Practically all modern models of irons are supplied with a small water tank. But the steam here performs an auxiliary function. Smoothing the same occurs due to incandescence of the sole of the device. The volume of the water tank is limited by the size of the iron itself. This amount is not enough for a large number of products, if the steam will be supplied continuously and under high pressure. But they can still smooth out small flounces or thin fabrics without touching the product itself.

With the first device, everything is clear and simple. It is customary for many housewives and questions about its operation does not arise. But the steam generator appeared at our disposal relatively recently. Previously, they were available only to professionals working in dry cleaners and studios. Therefore, to understand the principle of its use is worth it.

• Pour water into a special tank. It should be noted that it will be possible to pour water into the iron with the steam generator during the ironing process, if the provided volume of liquid is not enough.
• Set the desired temperature and steam pressure. In many devices, this can be done automatically by switching the knob to the desired mode by type of fabric. Look also at the badge attached to the clothes. Manufacturers indicate on it the conditions for the care of clothing, including temperature and ironing method.

• The steam supply button is located below the handle. It is very convenient to clamp, if you need a constant supply of hot air. But you can iron and in normal mode. But do not leave the tank empty, as it will heat up and without liquid may be damaged.
• Another advantage of the steam generator is the fact that even if you left it in a horizontal position, after 10 minutes it will stop heating up. This will prevent the risk of fire.
• The process of ironing itself will not differ from the use of conventional iron. You also place the thing on the ironing board in the same way and begin to remove all existing creases and creases.
• The steam generator may also be used in an upright position. This is handy when caring for curtains. But then you should choose a device with a long hose.

Although the steamer is a universal ironing device, there are certain nuances of its use for various types of products. We will understand how to smooth out various materials and fabrics with it.

It seems that there should be no questions about the use of the steamer, because it is intended to smooth out clothes. But would you decide to use a new device, for example, to iron a wedding dress and veils? Here there is a question not only in the price of the product itself, but also in the key value that this thing plays. On the use of iron and speech can not be when the question concerns a very delicate fabric. Then ironing comes to the rescue.

We will give just a small list of those things that you would not dare to entrust to a regular iron, but without fear you can process it with a steamer:

• capron;
• tulle (skirts, blouses);
• bows;
• berets and hats;
• parka, jacket and other outerwear;
• satin dress

Not one fashionista would ever think to iron her expensive mink coat with an ordinary iron or even a steam generator. For such a delicate product, only a steamer is suitable. In the process of improper storage, the nap may acquire wrinkles and become wavy. And here you can not do without this device. After all, it is these devices that are used in professional dry cleaners and fur stores (only their power and functionality are much wider). In order not to spoil the fur itself and the skin under it, it is necessary to adhere to some rules when steaming the product with your own hands.

• The product should hang on wooden hangers. Their size should be optimal for this fur coat.
• Steaming begins with warming up. To do this, the device must be kept at a distance of 20 cm from the product. Gradually, it can be reduced to 15 cm. But do not rest the steamer against the pile.
• After finishing work, shake the product several times. So you get rid of a lot of water. Without removing the fur coat from the hanger, hang it to dry.

In this way, you can steam the mink coat, arctic fox products (including collars and fringe) at home. The same steaming rules apply for artificial products. Only here you can skip the warm-up phase, as there is no risk of damaging the natural nap or leather lining.

Besides the fact that these products require special care when washing, the process of ironing is associated with certain risks. In this case, the steamer also comes to the rescue. The fact is that even special modes on ordinary irons do not guarantee you the complete safety of natural fibers. One awkward movement or delay in work can completely spoil your favorite sweater.

When using steam, the product will not lose its attractive appearance, will get rid of folds and irregularities and will remain intact. To do this, dry it after washing. To minimize the risk of reducing the size or stretching of individual parts, it is better to do it on a vertical surface. Next, hang the thing on the hanger. These can be those that come with floor-standing devices or a regular hanger.If you have a mode selection function on the steamer, then turn on the appropriate one and start ironing.

This function in boilers of various types is convenient not only because there is no need to use an ironing board, but also for a number of points. For example, it allows you to care for a felt hat, which can not be crushed and bent. It is also indispensable if you want to steam upholstered furniture. This is especially convenient if you are using covers. It will be possible to give them the original appearance on the spot. That is, you put them on the furniture and start to iron. Young mummies are afraid that dangerous bacteria accumulate on the carpet and soft toys. You can carry out a kind of disinfection using a steamer. After all, the temperature of the steam is high enough to destroy most of the dangerous microorganisms.

In addition to the above advantages and methods of using the steamer, there are some other cases when using it greatly simplifies housework.

• Overdried linen. Manufacturers of clothing and other textiles advise ironing products only after they have completely dried. But when the laundry is dry (especially if the conditioner was not used for washing), it is difficult to smooth it out in the usual way. Then you have to re-wet or iron it through wet gauze. There is no need for this if you use steam ironing. The directed stream of moist hot air will do everything for you. You can not be afraid to damage the vulnerable fabric and fibers.
• Zalomy. Even with the use of aggressive high temperatures to get rid of them is very difficult. The best option here is to use a steam generator. Acting on the fabric and hot steam, and its own weight, he copes with the task of ironing such difficult areas.

• Baby clothes. Besides the fact that it is made in most cases from natural materials, ironing of which is fraught with the risk of deterioration of the fiber, tiny sizes also add additional difficulties. The steamer, on the other hand, easily smooths out even the smallest details, such as sleeves and ruffles.
• Natural linen and pure cotton, wool products. Products made from these fabrics are difficult to iron, even if it is not dry. Linen curtains, drapes and tablecloths often have serious wrinkles after washing. But you can avoid additional difficulties by simply hanging the curtains on the eaves (and putting the tablecloth on the table) and starting to otglazhivat otparivatel.

For information on how to use the steamer for clothes, see the following video.