How to use a steam generator for ironing linen and clothes: operating principle and rating of the best

Rating of the best home steam generators based on reviews

Based on reviews, we can identify several manufacturers that produce the highest quality and most efficient steam generators:

1. Philips. For many years it remains the sales leader on the market. The cost of their models is high, but they are distinguished by a long service life, high power, and good steam intensity;
2. MIE. The brand is not very well known, but at the same time it successfully produces modern ironing equipment. In their arsenal there are high-quality models of steam generators that won’t cost a pretty penny;
3. Tefal. Models of this brand are reliable. An excellent combination of the cost of the product and its quality characteristics;
4. Bosch. The high cost of the models does not make them accessible to everyone, but the characteristics of the products are excellent;
5. Braun. The main advantage of their products is the production of high-quality steam, which allows you to iron things effectively.

The steam generator can be used as an assistant on the road, traveling, or serve as a full-fledged ironing unit at home. The convenience lies in the fact that you can also use it when cleaning premises.

It is only important to choose the right model that will cope with the tasks.

If you do not want to spend a lot of time on ironing, then you should think about buying a steam generator, as it copes with its functions very effectively.

Is it possible to iron without an iron?

You can make things look well-groomed in different ways. Even a high-quality iron can fail at the most crucial moment, so it is important to know alternative methods on how to iron things without an iron:

• 
  a bathtub filled with hot water;

• moistened terry towels: lay clothes on one, straighten, cover with the other;
• boiling kettle: the item is ironed with steam;
• vinegar and water: spray the product well;
• hair dryer: clothes are moistened, smoothed, then dried;
• An iron is an ideal tool for ironing collars.

The ironing cabinet can handle any material. It will help get rid of even large creases, stretch the product after washing, and create creases in trousers. Such devices allow you to iron curtains and outerwear while hanging, eliminating the appearance of wrinkles.

Types of irons

If we consider modern models, they differ not only in design, but also in their set of functions. Iron classification:

• road type models;
• for home use.

If you plan to go on vacation or a business trip, it is better to choose a compact, lightweight model equipped with a folding handle. They have all the necessary modes for comfortable ironing. As for a home appliance, it is usually more powerful, larger and has many additional functions.

Another difference:

• devices powered by a power cord;
• cordless irons.

For home use, corded models are most often chosen, but the cord length must be at least 2 m. Working with a shorter cord is inconvenient, since it is “tied” to the outlet, and an extension cord may be required. It is good if the cord has a durable and flexible fabric sheath. The most convenient to use are those models where the wire can rotate 360 ​​degrees, with the possibility of winding. Wireless devices can boast of their mobility, but you need to get used to them - to recharge, such irons are placed on a special base.

Steam generator: what is it for?

The essence of the operation of such a device is that it heats water to very high temperatures, converting it into steam. Then, hot steam is released under pressure onto the desired surface.

Steamers are easy-to-use multifunctional devices designed for textile care.

The steam generator has comprehensive functionality when it comes to caring for curtains. He is able to cope with all basic tasks.

• Smoothing fabric with steam. Removes wrinkles from curtains as simply and quickly as possible, without having to remove them.
• Removing contaminants. Easily liquefies dirt and grease stains, effectively cleaning fabric.
• Removing odors. Textiles actively absorb any odors; hot steam will help get rid of them.
• Antibacterial treatment. Both harmful microorganisms and dust mites can accumulate in curtains. Treatment with a steam generator will get rid of them due to high temperatures.

A steamer is a device designed to work with textiles. The fabric is exposed to a jet of steam.

Depending on the main task, steam generators are divided into steamers and steam cleaners. The difference between these devices is that they serve different tasks.

The curtain steam cleaner works on the basis of dry steam. It is used to get rid of stains, germs, and kill dust mites. This method of cleaning curtains has advantages. Firstly, this method is the most gentle. The device does not have any mechanical effect on them, which eliminates damage to the tissue structure and leaving puffs. Secondly, a steam cleaner for fabric curtains eliminates the need to use chemicals.

This cleaning method is the safest for health, which is especially important if there are small children or allergy sufferers in the house.

The steamer, in turn, works on the basis of producing wet steam. His task is to smooth the curtains and give them a presentable look. It is mainly used on those types of fabrics that are difficult or contraindicated to iron.

Attention! Before starting work, be sure to read the markings on the fabric label. If there is such an icon, then steaming is prohibited

There are two main types of steamers: manual and stationary (vertical), but only one of them is suitable for curtains.

Ironing curtains with such a device is carried out quickly and with better quality.

The fact is that a hand-held steamer is too low-power to work with such large items as curtains. It is only suitable for clothing. And its water tank is very small - from 40 to 90 ml, which is extremely inconvenient.

The steam generator for curtains is vertical, i.e. stationary, will become an indispensable assistant in this matter

True, there are some nuances here that you need to pay attention to.

The device not only irons, but also cleans and disinfects fabric.

Preparing laundry: at what temperature and in what mode should you iron?

It will only take 10-15 minutes to prepare, but it will save more effort and time. First you need to carefully read the information on the tag. It indicates the possibility of using steam and temperature.

Below you can see the ironing icons :

1. Ironing and steaming of products is permitted.
2. Recommended mode 110℃.
3. It is allowed to use medium mode up to 150℃.
4. It is acceptable to use an iron heated to 200℃.
5. Do not steam, take it to dry cleaning.
6. Do not iron.

For clarity, the icons are shown in the photo below:

If there is no label, then you need to choose a mode depending on the composition of the fabric:

• flax – 190-230℃;
• cotton products – 165-190℃;
• woolen items – minimum temperature – 140, maximum – 165℃;
• pure silk – 115-140℃;
• items made of viscose – from 85 to 115℃.

If the laundry is wet and the iron is not hot enough, yellow spots will appear on it. You should also not allow the fabric to become too dry; ironing it is very difficult. The material should be slightly damp.

Rating of the best steam generator irons for the home

Philips GC 9682/80

The beautifully designed iron has a power of 2700 W, steam pressure of 8 bar and a water tank of 1800 ml. It is equipped with special technology that allows you to place the device on fabric without the risk of burning it. When steaming vertically, the powerful jet coming out of the iron will quickly smooth out creases and the toughest folds on any item.

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• high performance;
• powerful transformation;
• multifunctionality;
• chic design.

No shortcomings were identified in this model.

Philips GC 9670/50

The compact and beautiful device is lightweight, has a powerful steam generator and a large water container, which includes 1800 ml. It has a slippery sole, several steam generation modes and a power of 2700 W. The iron fits well in a special niche and is equipped with a filter for water purification.

Advantages:

• easy to use;
• good build quality;
• excellent power;
• multifunctionality;
• compact and beautiful.

There are no downsides to the model.

Mie Stiro 1100

The steam generator produced in Italy features a stainless steel base, a power of 2150 W, excellent quality and a large water tank. It is equipped with a steam boost function, which can be used to smooth out rough fabrics. The strength of the case is increased by the metal inserts located on it.

Advantages:

• high power and performance;
• there is a mode regulator to control the steam supply;
• durable body;
• large liquid reservoir;
• availability of constant steam supply.

The only disadvantage of the model is the heavy weight of the device.

Tefal GV6732

The French steam generator with a power of 2200 W is equipped with a metal-ceramic sole, which has a special coating that protects it from damage. The iron has a steam boost function, a 1500 ml tank and anti-scale protection, which prevents sediment from tap water from depositing on the internal elements.

Advantages:

• availability of ECO mode;
• possibility of adding water;
• heats up quickly;
• made from quality materials;
• high power.

The only downside is the lack of an anti-drip system and a spray function.

Bosch TDS 38311 RU

A German iron with a ceramic sole is quite expensive because it is a premium technology. It has a power of 3100 W, due to which it can cope with any fabrics and folds. The quality of ironing is significantly improved by the constant supply of steam, and the ECO mode allows you to work with natural thin fabrics.

Advantages:

• steam is supplied under good pressure;
• presence of temperature control;
• light weight;
• special attachment for ironing thin fabrics;
• branded work surface coating.

The disadvantage of the device is the tank volume is only 1400 ml and the lack of a sprinkler.

Braun IS 5043 WH

The steam generator from Germany has a power of 2400 W, an aluminum base, a steam pressure of 6 bar and a steam boost function. It is equipped with an automatic system that turns off the iron when a certain temperature is exceeded. The capabilities of the device are expanded by the vertical steaming function. The built-in filter protects it from scale formation. The iron's power cord is 1800 cm long, which allows you to install the ironing board anywhere and not depend on the presence of a nearby outlet.

Advantages:

• low water consumption;
• powerful steam supply;
• good glide;
• long power cord;
• presence of a filter;
• multifunctionality.

The disadvantages of the model include overpriced and rustic design.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=VghdHSmoPRc

Not all housewives enjoy ironing clothes and cleaning the house. To make homework faster and easier, you can buy yourself an assistant in the form of a steam generator.

How to use a steam generator

Thanks to the hot steam released under pressure, the unit can perform the following functions:

• clean blankets, mattresses, pillows from dust and mites;
• disinfect surfaces with hot air;
• clean tile seams from dirt and mold;
• rid floors, walls and bathroom fixtures of soap and limescale deposits;
• clean hoods, ovens, furniture, kitchen walls from grease film and food contaminants;
• remove dirt from carpets and upholstered furniture;
• clean fabrics and remove stains from them;
• steam things in a vertical position.

To effectively iron, steam and clean things, you need to use a steam generator iron correctly:

1. Pour the amount of water specified in the instructions into the tank and select the desired operating mode on the panel (economy, steam generation or powerful steam supply).
2. Select the ironing temperature, which depends on the type of fabric being processed.
3. Connect the equipment to the network and wait for a special signal that will indicate that the device is ready for use.
4. Bring the iron to the surface to be treated and press the steam button. Steam will be released as long as the button is pressed.
5. If you need to steam heavily wrinkled items, you can use the steam boost function, the button of which is located at the top of the handle.

During operation, water may run out, which will be indicated by a light indicator located on the control panel. You can add water to the tank without turning off the device. The tank should be opened carefully so that the steam escaping from it does not cause harm.

Selection criteria for steam generators

Household appliances stores offer a large selection of steam generators, from which you need to choose the device that is most suitable for certain purposes. Therefore, first of all, you need to decide why a steam generator is needed and what functions it should perform in the house.

Power and steam supply

The power rating is very important because it determines what kind of work the unit can handle. For daily cleaning and frequent ironing, you can purchase equipment with low power, which is not very expensive. In order for the device to heat up quickly and cope with many tasks, it is recommended to choose a power from 2700 to 3000 W.

Depending on the model, steam may be supplied at different pressures. The device works most efficiently with a steam pressure of 6 bar. Using such a device, you can easily steam suits and outerwear hanging on a hanger. In addition to high pressure, the steam generator must be equipped with:

• vertical steaming, which supplies steam in a vertical position of the unit;
• steam boost with an indicator from 95 to 260 g/min, with which you can cope even with very wrinkled and overdried dense fabrics;
• steam jet productivity, which should be in the range of 90−140 g/min.

Tank volume

The volume of the water container can be from 700 to 2200 ml. Units with a large capacity are needed only for cleaning large houses or ironing many things at once. But so that the device can be hidden in a closet or other secluded place, it is recommended to choose steam generators with small tanks. The liquid tank should be transparent so that you can monitor the water level.

Operating mode

All steam generating devices are divided into the following types:

• without regulator;
• with steam power regulator;
• devices with automatic regulators that themselves adapt to the type of fabric.

It is better to choose a unit that has a regulator with which you can set the device to a certain temperature.

Outsole material

Steam generator irons can have different sole coatings:

1. Ceramic metal heats up and cools down quickly, is scratch-resistant and glides freely. The downside is the fragility of metal ceramics.
2. The aluminum coating cools and heats up quickly, but it is prone to scratches. Also, after using aluminum soles, there may be puffs and shiny marks on the fabrics.
3. The steel coating is durable, not susceptible to scratches, glides well on fabrics and is quickly cleaned. However, steel is quite heavy and takes a long time to heat up.
4. Titanium soles are reliable and durable. But they have poor conductivity, so they take a long time to heat up.
5. Aluminum with stainless steel is a durable coating that does not leave marks on fabric, is easy to clean and glides perfectly.
6. Aluminum with a ceramic coating has good glide and high thermal conductivity, but this combination is not very strong.
7. Aluminum paired with Teflon will glide perfectly, but this coating often leaves scratches.

When choosing the material for the soleplate of the iron, you should also pay attention to the location of the steam vents. For good steaming, it is recommended to choose a sole with holes located along the entire length and even on the spout

Extra options

In addition to power and other basic parameters, when choosing a steam generator, it is important to pay attention to additional functions and equipment:

Safety

It is very important that the fastening elements are reliable, especially in a house where small children live. Adding detergent. It is recommended to choose devices that can work with detergents

With their help, you can disinfect your home and clean various stains. Aspiration. Cleaning will be faster and more efficient if the vacuum cleaner-steam generator is equipped with a dust suction function. Hose length. This is a very important parameter, since short hoses are not very convenient to work with. Weight. The iron should be chosen so that your hand does not get tired of working with it. Therefore, you need to think about the volume of the tank, since the larger the tank, the heavier the device.

How to iron with a steam generator

As a rule, simple and clear instructions are included with the steam generator. Before using it, you must study it. It usually consists of five points:

• First, you need to fill the water compartment of the steam generator to generate steam and heat the water;
• Wait until the device prepares for operation, indicating on the control panel that it is ready for use;
• Select the optimal mode and temperature. The higher the power, the faster you can smooth out wrinkles, but also the faster you damage the fabric (this point should be taken into account when choosing parameters for working with the device);
• Press the button to release steam and hold it down to iron.
• Iron items by pressing the iron nozzle onto the surface of the fabric.

It is worth noting that optimal ironing requires a lot of water, so it is necessary to pour the maximum amount of liquid into the special compartment. However, it is not necessary to constantly check the presence of liquid in the tank.

Important! If it is missing, the device will show and inform the owner of the device about this with a special light signal. It is better to use plain filtered water.

Interestingly, many steam generators have an inattention protection system. If you put it down and do not work with it, the device will turn off by itself. This function allows you to protect things from damage and the house from fire.

In general, a steam generator can quickly remove wrinkles from T-shirts, T-shirts, dresses made of thick fabric, shirts and some other things. But not everything can be ironed with this device.

It is contraindicated to use the product for ironing light synthetic fabrics at high temperatures and high power to avoid damage. Manufacturers also do not recommend ironing tulle-type materials.

How to use

A home steam generator is an easy-to-use device. Most models require only a few simple steps:

1. Fill the reservoir with water. Watch the limiters carefully to make sure you don't pour too little or too much.
2. Plug in the device and wait for a sound signal indicating that the steam generator is ready for use.
3. Point the device at the surface to be steamed and press the button.

Please remember that this is not a regular household iron and should be handled with care. Make sure that steam does not come into contact with your skin, otherwise serious burns may occur.

Open the steam station carefully, as hot steam may escape from it and burn you.

Let's start steaming

To properly iron clothes with a steamer, you need to proceed in the following order:

• wait until the device heats up (until the heating light goes out);
• set the desired power and press the steam button;
• move the sprayer along the fabric, at a short distance from its surface;
• pass several times until the material is ironed;
• move on to the next section;
• Once your clothes are ironed, leave them on hangers for a few minutes to dry.

To iron something faster and better, use the following tricks:

• lightly stretch the fabric by running the steam iron over it;
• if you use an ironing board, you can use a steamer to form arrows, folds, creases;
• use the brush attachment to clean the item at the same time;
• for difficult areas, you can use a board, placing it under pockets and collars.

How long should you iron clothes with a steamer? Information about this is in the table below.

How to care for the device

To extend their service life, steam generators for ironing clothes and linen must be descaled regularly. The procedure consists of two stages:

1. Removing scale from an iron.
2. Cleaning the steam generator tank.

To properly remove scale from an iron, fill the boiler with water and heat the appliance to maximum. If the model provides, turn on the “Cleaning” mode; if not, take the device in your hands and, continuously pressing the steam supply lever, empty the tank above the sink.

To descale the tank, you should unplug the device and let it cool completely (this will take about two hours). The removable boiler is filled with water (approximately 300 ml), shaken well, then emptied over the sink. The non-removable tank is cleaned in the same way, only the base is not shaken, but carefully turned over the sink 3-4 times.

Manufacturers do not recommend using acid solutions, vinegar, or descaling products.

Most models are equipped with an alert system that reminds you when cleaning is required. If there is no such system, it is recommended to remove scale after every 10th use.

How to steam iron correctly

Steam ironing is very easy

The sequence of your actions is as follows: before starting to work with the iron, fill the reservoir with water and then install this reservoir in the body. Having plugged the iron cord into the outlet, you need to switch the switch to operating mode. This is the "Enabled" button. And after half a minute or a minute you can start ironing the prepared items. Make sure that the steam supply hose remains straight and does not twist. Otherwise, ironing will not be uniform and of high quality.

It is important! On average, the operating time of one tank filled with water is up to 45 minutes. If you have a lot of laundry and the steam ironing process takes a long time, add water to the container.

Important recommendations for selection

Every buyer wants to purchase a good and high-quality product, so before purchasing it is worth considering several important rules. They will help you choose a convenient and functional board for ironing clothes and linen.

So, let's look at important recommendations for choosing an ironing board:

The material from which the ironing board is made. It is worth considering that if the structure is made of wood, it will not last long and will quickly become unusable.

If the tabletop is made of metal with a mesh, then you should pay attention to the density of the cover; if the material is very thin, then during the ironing process there will be traces of the mesh on it. Thermoplastic products are considered the best

During ironing, heat and steam are reflected on them, while things are ironed evenly and efficiently; Height adjustment. You should not choose designs with a large number of height positions, they will not last long. The best option would be products with 2-3 height positions; Availability of additional accessories. Modern models of ironing boards are often supplemented with an outlet, a cord, shelves for linen, a removable sleeve, hangers, and supports for installing appliances; Additional functions. Ironing boards can have several functions that can make the ironing process easier - the function of supercharging, heating the tabletop and vacuum.

If you take into account all the important recommendations when choosing, you can purchase a good ironing board for the steam generator that will meet your wishes. It is advisable to first study the models that are sold in stores; it is worth considering their characteristics, features and positive qualities. There is no need to look for cheap options with a large number of functions. It is worth remembering that when choosing, the main condition must be taken into account - the optimal ratio of quality and price.

You can also learn from our article on the website about folding and built-in ironing boards.

Secrets for different wardrobe items

Not all clothing items are cared for equally . Each thing requires a separate approach. To get the maximum effect from your work, you need to follow simple rules.

Here are simple tips for caring for things that will help you maintain the original appearance of your clothes and always look respectable.

Premium luxury devices

If you set maximum goals for the device, and the price is not a big issue, check out the elite-level steam generators.

Braun IS 5043WH

A top-level device from the Brown brand. This is a universal ironing system. Works in a vertical position. The model offers functions of steam boost up to 340 g/min, eco, spraying, and steam release through the spout. The model has an LCD display, 360-degree cord rotation, and heating indicator.

Volume 1400 ml. Power 2400 W. Price 26990 rub.

Pros:

• Multifunctionality
• Automatic temperature setting
• Easy lock system
• Eloxal 3D BackGlide outsole for 360 degree glide
• Auto power off function
• CalcClean descaling system

The downside is the high price.

Philips FC7012/01

The Philips handheld steam generator is made of plastic and comes with four microfiber attachments. The device is easy to disinfect and remove old stains. The strengths of the model include self-cleaning, anti-drip system, light weight and small dimensions.

Capacity 600 ml. Power 1400 W. Price 7489 rub.

pros

• triangular sole shape;
• long cord 2.5 meters;
• compact and lightweight body;
• no detergents needed;
• readiness alert.

The downside is that the steam boost is rather weak.