Clothes Steamer – A Conair or Jiffy Garment Steamer

As your drycleaner knows, steam is the gentlest, safest, most efficient method to remove wrinkles. Not only is steaming five times faster than ironing, it is guaranteed not to scorch even the most delicate materials and fabrics. Good quality garment steamers will remove wrinkles from clothing, draperies, tablecloths, and virtually any fabric.

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Unlike ironing, using a garment steamer to press your clothes actually relaxes the fibers rather than crushing them. You can also flatten hard-to-reach places with steam where a steam iron could not come close, including wigs, clothing, drapes, wallpaper, upholstery or even carpet.

It used to be that clothes steamers were only available to dry cleaning professionals – used to create a like-new finish on clothes that had been tossed through cleaning machines.

The steam would eliminate any lingering chemical order, and gently put creases back where they belonged. Nowadays, with so many people taking care of their formerly "dry clean only" outfits at home, interest in small, home fabric steaming appliances grown full steam ahead! So much so, in fact, that manufacturers are offering residential-caliber garment steamers that are as easy to operate as an iron: Jiffy, Conair and Rowenta all have home-quality garment steamers in their appliance collections.

How do I use a clothes steamer?

When steaming, touch the material lightly with the steam head and wrinkles will instantly vanish. The combination of the steam and the steam head is important for a smooth finish. Do not directly touch velvet or silk with the steam head. Some articles can be steamed better from the underside. This allows the steam to relax the fibers of the material, thus removing the wrinkles.

What types of applications can I use fabric steamer for?

Steam garments for quick wrinkle removal; smooth tablecloths, drapes and dust ruffles.
Stretch, smooth and finish upholstered furniture and slip clovers.
Shape and remove wrinkles from craft supplies, ribbons, bows, and needlework items.

Do I touch my garment with the steam head?

When using a garment steamer, touch the material lightly with the steam head and wrinkles will instantly vanish. The combination of the steam and the steam head is important for a smooth finish. Do not directly touch velvet or silk with the head of the clothes steamer. Some articles can be steamed better from the underside. This allows the steam to relax the fibers of the material, thus removing the wrinkles.

Care for your steamer:

Clean and rinse your steamer regularly: All steamers need to be cleaned and rinsed on occasion to flush the mineral deposits.
Never use additives: Additives such as salt, perfumes, and dyes should never be added to your steamer water. These substances will corrode or plug internal parts.
Never overfill your steamer
Never allow your steamer to run dry: Running a steamer dry will cause internal damage to the heating element and wiring.
Never pour cold water into a hot steamer
Steam in a vertical, upright position: Do not use your steamer in a horizontal position like an iron. Steam in a vertical up and down motion. This will allow the condensation in the hose to flow back into the steamer.

Before storing the steamer for an extended period (30 days or more), empty all water from the unit. Stale water becomes thick with time and may plug internal parts.

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