Steam iron and regular iron shares the same design and purpose, the only difference is their mechanism is providing the results. Both devices are used to smooth wrinkles on garment. When the garment is heated, the molecule bond in a fabric is loosened. After pressing the garment between the heated plate and a hard flat surface, the molecule bond is straightened. This modification allows the molecule bond remained straightened even after the garment has cool down.
The invention of steam iron has taken a new definition on ironing, the steam released smooth the creases easier. Even in early days, it is common to spray some water on the fabric itself, imitating the steam iron. Generally, there are a few types of steam iron in market, a regular steam iron, a personal steamer and a travel steam iron.
A personal steamer is technically not an iron, it doesn’t resemble the look of an iron, and it looks like a hair dryer that emits a pressurized steam to smooth creases. To use this steamer, ironing board is not necessarily used. A personal steamer is usually more compact in size, suitable for travelers and clothing departments with small area. To get the optimum result, it is advisable to iron in small sections, one side at one time. The time taken to get the wrinkle out of the garment is generally longer than a regular steam iron.
A regular steam iron looks a lot like a regular steam iron. The only difference is that a steam iron comes with a water tank which makes the steam iron slightly bulky, heavier and pricier. The steam from the steam iron and the weight of the iron shortens the time taken to smooth all the creases.
Travel steam iron works just like any iron, usage of ironing board is optional but for optimum results, it is advisable to use the iron of top of any hard and flat surface. Travel steam irons are usually cordless, making it very easy to fit in any luggage. The cordless steam iron may not be as powerful as the others, but during “clothing emergency”, this device comes in handy.
In choosing the perfect steam iron, there are a few features that should be considered. Weight is usually on top of the list regardless the type of iron. A heavier set of residential iron shortens the time taken to iron a garment, but in the long run, it will cause straining and back pain. For handheld type of iron, it is better to get a lighter iron to make sure it is easier to transport. The size of the water tank should be reasonably big. When there is a big load of ironing needs to be done, the large tank will save a lot of time from refilling again and again. Personal preference such as color, type of display; is also one of the restrictions when choosing.
A few tips on using a steam iron if you are a first time user. Bear in mind that not every fabric is compatible with steam iron. Some fabric may shrink or suffer a permanent wrinkle when ironed with steam iron. Before using a steam iron, please ensure that the water reservoir contain sufficient water. Lack of water may cause the iron to overheat leading to permanent damage. A good ironing board contributes to a perfect result; a low quality ironing board may cause the steam to escape through the bottom of the board without doing anything to the fabric. Iron the fabric carefully and slowly, when rushing to iron any fabric, some creases may escape the smoothing process thus lengthening the time taken to iron. The steam released is very hot and may cause injury if handled without caution.
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.