Fabric Steamers / Wrinkle Removers

[tomturbomatic]

I am not sure if this is the correct term for these things. Back in the 70s we sold one made by GE in housewares. It was tan with maybe some brown. It was plastic, with sort of a square tank with a handle like a mug and a nozzle that looked like a small fabric attachment for a vacuum cleaner. A lady came in, ready to buy one, thinking they were for removing facial skin wrinkles.

I never used one or saw one demonstrated, but I was wondering if this classification of appliance works and if such a thing is made today or if the little things are so underpowered as to be jokes. I have to steam wrinkles out of my suit coats after each wearing and was wondering if one of these things would save setting up the ironing board and heating up the iron.

Would a tea kettle be a better solution? I could hold the garment up in front of the steam stream if that would work.

Thanks in advance.

 

[liamy1]

Steamers

If you're talking about what you think I am talking about, then yes, they're advertised all the time.

I have linked the main advertised one below, not sure if you can get them in the US - I'm sure you'll be able to.

http://www.thanedirect.co.uk/produc...mer/tobi.php?gclid=CMCH6NTO57kCFVMftAodbzwAsw

 

[liamy1]

Oops

*you're talking about, not me

 

[mattl]

Is this what you are asking about?  Found it on ebay for $9.95.  I have an older version of this and it's not that great.

 

I did pick up a steamer like Liam posted a few months ago for $24.  Puts out lots of steam and did get most wrinkles out of one of my sports coats.

 

[washdaddy]

garment steamers-

Hand held garment steamers aren't that effective at removing wrinkles. Their real purpose when first introduced was to be an aid for touchup work for travelers from taking their clothing out of luggage and freshening them up. They're size was a convenience for packing in your luggage.

A rolling tank model garment steamer is much more effective at de-wrinkling or freshening a garment cause it dispenses constant steam. They are available in the states. You just have to keep your eyes open for them since they aren't widely sold anymore. Todays w/d's offer garment steaming options on them now have decreased the need for them.

 

[launderess]

Have Two

An older Jiffy Steamer and a smaller Rowenta.

The Jiffy is an industrial steamer used by professional laundries, dry cleaners, tailors, costume shops, seamstresses and so forth. Rowenta is a small and compact job especially for and marketed to be taken on trips.

All steamers work on the same principle; using warm moist air to release creases and smooth textiles. It is the same as ironing damp laundry or using a steam iron, and or using a laundry press (again damp laundry or with steam), with the exception steamers do not use pressure or friction.

In theory the process is the same; steam causes textile to change on a molecular level which becomes *permanent) once moisture evaporates and fabric cools. Well that is until the item is worn and or laundered again.

Best materials for steaming are thing such as wool (remember all those old tips about hanging creased wool trousers and or suits in the bathroom made steamy from the taps?), and loosely woven fabrics. It *can* work on say tightly woven fabrics like percale or broadcloth, but the results may not be as good as ironing.

Small travel sized steamers are best for touching up already ironed/pressed items that have become creased from folding/travel. Commercial steamers and or the steam from better steam boiler/generator ironing systems can blast the wrinkles out of pretty much anything.

 

[kb0nes]

Jiffy J-4000

Tom,

I have a cast off Jiffy in the garage that needs some TLC. I think it was tossed out because the switch failed. It will need a good descaling and maybe a new hose. Let me know if you have any interest in one of these, I might be inclined to move it on down the road.

The only hitch with these industrial models is that they have a fairly big tank for longer run time and they take a while to get to the steaming point. They do make a ton-o-steam for when you have a lot to do though. Not sure how practical they would be for the occasional garment though.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Thank all of you, especially Phil,

for your offer of a steamer. I think I will try the tea kettle on one of the induction units for fast, safe heat since it seems that a strong blast of steam is necessary. I have been using a damp pressing cloth and a dry iron over the wrinkled areas with success, but I am basically lazy and would like to try something easier.

 

[launderess]

damp pressing cloth and a dry iron

Old school and works wonders. If you are happy and it does the trick then that is that...