Getting The Right Steam Iron
April 22nd, 2010 by Kristine Taylor, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
Steam iron and regular iron are always mistaken as the same device for its similar design. Both devices serve the same purpose though having slight difference at it, which is smoothing creases on garments. The heat released from the iron loosens the molecule bond and is straightened by pressing the garment between the iron and a hard and flat surface. The modification of the molecule bond ensures that the garments stay smooth even after it has cool down.
Steam iron has taken the iron in market up a notch; it shortens the time taken to smooth all the wrinkles. Back in the early days, before the steam iron was invented, maiden will spray some water on the garment itself before ironing to shorten the length of time taken to iron. In market nowadays, there are few types of steam iron. The most popular choice would be the regular steam iron, a personal steamer and a travel steam iron.
A personal steamer is technically not an iron; it looks more like a hair dryer that emits pressurised steam. This steamer allows user to straighten any garment without needing an ironing board. A personal steamer usually comes smaller in size, suitable for home use and departments with small area. It is advisable to iron a small section to get the optimum result. The length of time taken to smooth all the creases in garment is usually longer than a regular steam iron.
A regular steam iron or a residential steam iron looks exactly like a regular residential iron, but with a slightly bulky built. A regular steam iron is heavier and pricier in general. But with the slightly heavy weight compared to a regular iron, the time taken to smooth all the creases shortens significantly.
A travel steam iron is much more alike to a personal steamer rather than a regular iron. The usage of an ironing board is also optional but for a better result it is advisable to use against hard and flat surface. Travel irons are usually cordless thus making it very suitable for travelers. The cordless steam irons are usually not as powerful as a regular iron thus making the length of time taken is slightly longer.
There are a few features that should be considered when choosing a steam iron. Weight is usually at the top of the list. A heavier set of iron takes less time and it is easier to iron a fabric, but this can cause straining and back pain if used frequently in the long run. A clothing iron that is too light requires more energy and time to smooth the creases on the fabric. The size of the water reservoir is another feature that should be look into. A bigger water reservoir comes in handy when a bigger load of ironing needs to be done, saving time to reload the water again and again. Of course, personal preference is important during decision making like design, colour, display or how it feels in your hand.
If you are a first time users, you can practice the few tips below. Before ironing any garment, read the flaps on the garment to check the settings that the garment needs. Some fabric may not be suitable for the use of steam and may cause the garment to shrink or suffer permanent damage. A good ironing board also contributes in better result; a higher quality ironing board ensures that no steam escape through the bottom of the board. When ironing, please be sure to iron slowly and carefully. When rushing in ironing any fabric, some creases may escape the smoothing process thus making the time to iron longer. The steam released and the steam vent is very hot and may cause injury if mishandled.
Steam iron is a simple device that has become a necessity in many household. With the saying “time is gold”; a steam iron has shortened the time taken to take the entire wrinkle away from the garment. So, what are you waiting for, start ironing away!
Kristine Taylor used many best steam irons and enjoys writing blogs. She writes about how to pick the best steam iron in her steam iron product reviews blog.
