tips for good steaming?

Hattysattic

Hattysattic

VFG Secretary
:)

i have spent the last day hanging up various stored formal items - particularly wedding dresses - in an attempt to let some of the creases fall out naturally. but there's nothing for it... i am going to have to finally give in and get my steamer out .

i have to admit i hate steaming things as i am so scared of doing it wrong to the point that i steam about 4 feet away from the garment. so if you have any tips for me they would be most welcome, however simple! (and yes, i already know 4 feet is a bit too far)

TIA :wub:
 
I know, I have never found one yet that didn't spit a little. I guess just be careful of the fabric you are steaming. Probably silk leaves a mark where it has spit. Hate to say it, but I spent more time ironing last year than steaming.

Guess if in doubt turn it wrong side out. I know there is a trick to velvet. I think it is turned inside out and you use a velvet board or an old piece of velvet underneath to press.

I would be interested to know what others have to say, too.
 
everything! lots of tulle, some rayon satin and silk satins that scare me (as does silk chiffon), wool and thick gab suits...
i do iron all the cotton things, but aside from that i usually hang stuff in the bathroom. but i have a big, relatively expensive steamer just sitting there that i feel i ought to make use of..
:BAGUSE:

i agree on the wrong side out steaming with a lot of things linda!
 
Harriet, which steamer do you have and where did you buy it? I cannot find ANY in Leicester at all!!
The one I had before, a Conair, I got from Price Drop TV but had to return it as it spit very badly and haven't seen any anywhere since.

Lei
 
I have an older Jiffy steamer that I found at a thrift. It never spits. I have always used distilled water, though. That makes a difference.
 
I have been wanting to buy one of those Roweena (sp?) irons. You can hold them upright and steam an item. Have you seen those?
 
I don't use a steamer. My bathroom in my house is in the middle of the house. So I turn the hot on very high and let the steam take effect. I leave the shower door open and hang the item in front of the door.

I don't have wedding dresses though.
 
Here's what I've picked up, and I like steaming (therapy and hair curling all at once)....

Steam from the back/inside and let gravity do some of the work when you drag across the fabric.

If it's spitting, the machine probably overfilled or the hose has a drop in it, like a U shape. Try setting the machine a foot or two further away and raising the garment up a smidge to put the hose at a straighter angle. That helps condensation run back down the hose.

Use only distilled water so you don't get hard water stains if there is a drip.

I have heard (not practiced) that you can set your steamer up in a closed room and just let it run to help those bulky items fall out a bit. That's the basic premise behind those new fangled steam chamber things (Whirlpool?), the steam goes into a closed area and just sits.
I've also heard you can put vinegar in a steamer and do this same treatment to get odor out.

Wrap an old cotton T around the head if you are really affraid of spitting.

Oh, and don't steam your fingers. I make sure and test that one every time and it still holds true.
:wacko::wacko::wacko:

Jenn
(I use a Conair)
 
I used to work in a bridal shop, and we usually steamed the skirts & trains from the inside, without turning the garment inside out, just holding the skirt or train out with one hand & steaming with the nozzle several inches away on the inside. For tops & sleeves, usually just lightly steamed with the steamer held further away. I would agree with turning silk or more delicate satins inside out, though we didn't at the shop & I never had a water stain on anything.... And yes, distilled water is a must! I think once one gets the hang of steaming it is far easier & safer than ironingj--at least if you iron like I do! (which is not well and not often)
 
thanks for all the advice! distilled water is the first thing i need to sort out, and i like the glove tip.
lei, i haven't used this one enough to recommend it yet but if i remember it had good consumer reviews (i persuaded my mum to go halves with me as she really wanted to steam all her upholstery etc, and apparently it's good for that too!) so will check on the model and let you know how i fared later in the week :)
 
Here's what I've picked up, and I like steaming (therapy and hair curling all at once)....
Click to expand...

:hysterical: Jenn, that is too funny.

There is one that is advertised on QVC or HSN which I thought might be good. Cannot remember name but it is red and has a clothes attachment. Saw they had them at Super Walmart for about $50.00.
 
I use an old Jiffy. It has the metal nozzle. I like the metal nozzle better than the plastic ones like on the Conair. Mine does not spit much but I cover the nozzle with a sock which will catch the occassional spit and also prevents me from getting burned by the nozzle. Put a sock over it is my 'tip of the day'.
;)
 
Okay, I have an old Jiffy similar which I purchased at the thrift for $5.00.

Where is the water tank on this one??

I will definitely use the sock treatment!
 
Hmm...would a foot from pantyhouse work too, you think?? (make it a fine mist lol).

Thanks for the tips, because i had considered just going out and getting a conair but the older ones seem more the way to go.
 
The steam still come through real well with a sock but a good cotton sock will absorb the moister drops where I think a stocking would drip.

I've been thinking of that DreamSteamer closet I posted above. I bet I could get a rubbermaid closet and attach the steamer hose to it and make my own.:eureka:
 
My hubby bought a Omega Mini Steam Zapper. I just love the thing! Works wonderfully. Like everyone else, I always use distilled water. I've never had a problem with spitting at all. It even comes with a little cotton "sock" cover for the end so you don't have to make one yourself.

I get in really close with the thing, an inch or two away most of the time, and I've never had any problems with it at all. Well, I've burned myself a couple of times but no harm to my clothes. I highly recommend it!

Connie
 
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