If youre in the market for a crisp dress shirt, an iron is the tool for the job. But when it comes to finishing more delicate items-think silk, cashmere, and lace-a garment steamer is your best friend. Gentle on fabrics and tough on wrinkles, these handy tools are the secret behind both polished ensembles and low dry cleaning bills.
Although steamers are user-friendly, there are some things to keep in mind before tackling that pile of wrinkled laundry. Here, Gwen Whiting and Lindsey J. Boyd-cofounders of eco-friendly cleaning empire The Laundress-share their tips for steaming your most delicate garments like a seasoned pro.
Can silk be steamed? Always steam silk garments if you can. The steam will gently remove any visible creases and wrinkles and add luster to the fabric. The hot steam from a steamer also removes odors and kills bacteria, while nourishing the textile fibers and allowing them to regain their natural shape.
Preserve Delicate Fabrics
One of the best things about steaming is that it does more than smooth things over. It can also save vintage lace, delicate tulle, and temperamental silk from a potentially damaging cycle through the washer or expensive trip to the dry cleaner.
“Steaming your clothes not only removes wrinkles-it also kills odor-causing bacteria and removes allergens that attract dust mites,” says Whiting. “This is why we love steaming to keep clothing fresh between washes, especially items you do not need to wash frequently or are dry clean-only.”
Steamer Basics
First things first: Youll need a steamer.
Hand-held steamers are convenient and space efficient, and will generally get the job done. We like the Rowenta X-Cel Steam Steamer. However, if you have a large amount of delicate and dry clean-only garments, Whiting and Boyd recommend investing in a high-quality standing garment steamer.
Each time you use your steamer, make sure to fill the tank with fresh water-never overfill, never forget to fill, and never use stale water.
How to steam a silk garment.
FAQ
How do you get wrinkles out of 100% silk?
What fabrics Cannot be steamed?
How do you steam silk safely?
Can you get 100% silk wet?