Ask Belle: Steamer Questions
Aug 4, 2014
Hi Belle
I know you aren’t running a lifestyle blog, but do you have any knowledge on choosing a good clothing steamer? I don’t have any experience steaming clothes other than with an iron, but I think I would get a lot of use out of a steamer.
Thank you!! Jenna
A steamer is a great purchase. Owning a steamer will save you money on dry cleaning. Skipping a few trips to the dry cleaner will help your clothing last longer.
The first thing you need to decide is if you want a handheld steamer or an upright one. If you’re looking for a professional-quality steaming, I recommend an upright steamer. I owned this upright Conair steamer for awhile, and it is a good choice for under-$75. For a steamer that replicates commercial quality, don’t miss the Rowenta master steamer for $150.
Prefer something hand held, the Jiffy Esteam is a great option. It’s also small enough to fit into a medium-size suitcase on work trips.
For tips on using a steamer, try this tutorial video from About.com.
Does anyone have experienced with cleaning a steamer after you’ve used tap water instead of distilled water? I have one that I used until it clogged (it didn’t take that long to clog either), but haven’t been motivated enough to try to unclog it. On a related note, make sure you heed the advice to use distilled water.
I’ll run hot water and CLR through mine from time to time, even though I use water from my Brita.
I used mine for four years with tap water and had no problems. Then it started clogging up and I ran a white vinegar solution through it like others have already mentioned and it was back to working fine.
Last year for my birthday, my brother bought me the Rowenta steamer referenced in this post. I almost sent it back. After all, who needs a giant professional steamer taking up space in the bedroom?
As it turns out, I DO. I haven’t turned on my iron in 12 months. That steamer would be the first thing I’d save if my apartment were on fire. I highly recommend you check it out.
KC–I clean mine with a white vinegar solution.
The My Little Steamer (https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/my-little-steamer-reg-go-mini-hand-steamer/1017180746) is the best! It uses tap water and is extremely powerful. I have this size that I use for travel and the slight larger size that I use at home. Have never had an issue with this product.
I have this steamer and I love it! It’s small enough to fit in my very crowded closet but I still don’t have to fill it up super often. It heats up very fast as well and works perfectly.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BQRD0I/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1407178859&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
I love that little Jiffy steamer! I don’t steam clothes very often so that size is perfect for me. As for cleaning a steamer, mine cleaned up well with an overnight white vinegar soak. I was going to buy the Jiffy cleaning solution but I was happy enough with what plain old vinegar did.