Garment Steamers

What is a garment steamer?

A garment steamer is an electric appliance that heats water to produce steam and blows this steam onto clothing through a nozzle. The hot steam penetrates the fibers of the fabric and makes them more supple, causing wrinkles to smooth out on their own. Unlike a traditional iron, you usually use a garment steamer while the clothes are hanging, either on a hanger or on a steamer stand.

That makes the device particularly practical: you can smooth out wrinkles in a blouse, shirt, or dress right where you store it, without having to go through the ironing board.

In addition to removing wrinkles, steaming has other benefits. The high temperature of the steam gently disinfects and cleans the surface of the fabric, reducing odors and limiting bacteria.

That makes a garment steamer ideal for clothes you don’t want to wash right away, such as wool sweaters, blazers, or delicate fabrics like silk. You can even easily freshen up curtains, sofa upholstery, and other home textiles with a steamer.

Types of Steam Cleaners

Clothing steamers come in various models, each with its own advantages depending on your situation. Whether you want to care for your clothes at home every day or quickly freshen up a shirt on the go, there’s a model to suit every need. The two most common types are the handheld steamer and the steamer with a stand.

Handstomer

A handheld steamer is a compact, portable steaming device that you hold in one hand and use directly on hanging clothes. Thanks to its lightweight design and short warm-up time, you’ll be ready to use it in no time. Handheld steamers are compact enough to take with you when traveling and often fit in carry-on luggage.

They are suitable for everyday use and work great on shirts, blouses, and lighter fabrics. Thanks to their small size, they’re also easy to store, making them ideal for smaller households or anyone with limited space.

Steamer with stand

A steamer with a stand, also known as a freestanding garment steamer or vertical steamer, is a more powerful and versatile appliance. The system consists of a steamer unit and a stand on which you hang your clothes, similar to a professional garment steamer. Thanks to its larger water tank and higher power output, this type of steamer delivers a more powerful and continuous flow of steam, allowing you to efficiently remove wrinkles from even thicker fabrics such as wool or linen blends.

Floor-standing steamers are reliable for heavy-duty use, suitable for steaming multiple garments in a row, and ideal if you want to replace your handheld steamer with a full-fledged alternative to ironing.

Dry-cleaning clothes instead of ironing them

Many people wonder whether a garment steamer can completely replace an iron. The answer depends on the type of clothing and your personal preferences. For most everyday garments, such as shirts, blouses, dresses, pants, and knitwear, a steamer works very well as an alternative.

Removing light wrinkles is quick and safe, with no risk of shiny spots or scorch marks that an iron sometimes leaves behind. What’s more, steaming is safe for delicate fabrics such as silk, chiffon, and wool, whereas an iron can actually cause damage.

Still, there is one situation where an iron has the edge: when you want to create sharp creases, such as on a shirt with crisp cuffs or pants with a sharp crease. Steam makes the fibers more pliable and removes wrinkles, but it doesn’t create hard, pressed creases.

For those who don’t care about those sharp creases and just want fresh, wrinkle-free clothes, a garment steamer offers a modern and user-friendly laundry routine that eliminates the need for an ironing board. You hang up your clothes, move the steamer along them, and the results are visible within minutes.

What should you look for when buying a garment steamer?

There are several factors that determine which garment steamer is best for you. Below is a list of the most important considerations to help you make an informed decision.

• Power and Steam Power: A higher wattage generally results in a more powerful steam output, which speeds up the process of removing wrinkles. Sufficient power is especially important for thicker fabrics or heavy use.
• Preheating time: A short warm-up time means you'll be ready to use it in no time. This is a practical advantage, especially for everyday use or if you're always in a hurry.
• Water tank capacity: A larger water tank allows for longer use without refilling. This is handy if you want to treat several items of clothing in a row.
• Dimensions and weight: Choose a compact, lightweight model if you're on the go or have limited space. For home use, it can be a little larger and heavier if that provides more steam power.
• Material Compatibility: Check to see if the device is suitable for the fabrics you use most often, such as silk, wool, or cotton. Many steamers are versatile and can be used on a variety of fabrics.
• Drip-free design: A drip-free nozzle prevents water spots on delicate clothing. This is an important feature, especially for light or delicate fabrics.
• Ease of Maintenance: It is best to choose a limescale-resistant model or a device that is easy to descale. Regular descaling extends the appliance's lifespan and ensures consistent steam output.

By carefully determining in advance how and how often you'll use the steamer, you can make a choice that suits your situation. 

Thinking of buying a garment steamer at TechPunt?

Are you looking for a reliable garment steamer that will remove wrinkles from your clothes quickly and safely? At TechPunt You'll find an extensive selection of steamers to suit a variety of needs and budgets. As a fast-growing Dutch retailer and official distributor, TechPunt operates out of Barneveld and offers a lowest-price guarantee, expert service, and fast delivery. 

If you order before 8:00 p.m., your garment steamer will be shipped the same day and delivered to you the next business day. Compare the models in our selection and choose the best garment steamer one that suits your wardrobe, your laundry routine, and your lifestyle.