A steam iron is a device that quickly and efficiently smoothes even heavily wrinkled fabrics. However, many people prefer a special garment steamer to such an iron, believing that it works more efficiently. This is only partly true.
Steamer: undeniable advantages and disadvantages
A garment steamer is a device consisting of a steam generator and a special water tank. If you compare such a device with a steam iron, its main advantage is that you can iron clothes with a steamer directly on a hanger. During ironing, the fabric does not come into contact with a hot metal surface (as is the case with an iron). Steam enters the material and gently straightens it.
In addition, the steamer perfectly smooths silk and synthetic fabrics. It is also indispensable if things have a complex cut or a very delicate thin structure. But with such materials as flax or cotton, the garment steamer can not always cope - it is better to use an iron with a steam smoothing function or with the so-called steam boost. Of course, there are other nuances: if, for example, an ordinary men's shirt is not difficult to smooth out with a steamer in just a couple of seconds, the pants with arrows will have to be ironed with a steam iron. Although many manufacturers of steamers offer special clamps for trousers, but, as practice and numerous customer reviews show, they are ineffective.
It should be noted that the use of a steamer allows not only to quickly smooth out already hanging curtains, a seasoned bedspread or to refresh already worn clothes, but also makes it possible to get rid of the unpleasant smell of things: cigarette smoke and other not very refined aromas. In addition, according to the manufacturers, the steamer is able to remove small impurities from clothing without washing.
In the event that the stain is very large and old, you can first use a steamer, and then wash the item in warm water without the use of special stain removers - the dirt will leave instantly.
But what about the iron?
It is not worth talking about what a steam iron is, but its main advantages and disadvantages deserve special attention.
The main disadvantage of a steam iron is obvious - the need to use an ironing board (constantly assemble and disassemble it), which naturally takes some time. In addition, irons with the function of steam boost have a sufficiently large weight, that is, their use requires considerable effort. However, a steam iron is indispensable for ironing natural or dense fabrics, as well as trousers with arrows. It should also be borne in mind that using a conventional steam iron, you can supercharge many more things at a time than using a steamer.
