Delicate fabrics such as silk, satin and muslin require special care. Steaming is an ideal solution for preserving their quality while eliminating creases. Follow these 10 tips to get perfect results from your steamer and extend the life of your delicate clothes.
1. Prepare clothes before steaming
Hang your garments out on clothes hangers. This will make it easier to remove creases and allow the fabric to relax naturally before using the steamer.
2. Choose the right steamer
Choose a steamer like the SteamCube from SteamOne, specially designed to suit all fabrics, including the most delicate. Its different power modes mean you can tailor steaming to all your different clothes.
3. Test the steam on an inconspicuous area
If in doubt, try steaming an inconspicuous part of the garment first - such as an inside seam - to check how the fabric reacts, before steaming the whole garment.
4. Always hold the steamer head close to the fabric
For effective steaming, always keep the steamer head in direct contact with the fabric. Unlike an iron, the steam released does not burn delicate fibres and gently relaxes creases. Use slow, even strokes for best results.
5. Hold your clothes correctly
To optimise wrinkle smoothing, hold the bottom of the garment with your free hand, pulling it slightly to keep it taut. This will allow the steam to penetrate the fibres efficiently, without damaging or distorting the fabric.
6. Adjust the steam power
Adjust the power of your steamer according to the type of fabric. For particularly fragile fabrics such as chiffon or silk, use a gentle steam mode to preserve their texture and shine.
7. Avoid spending too much time on one area
Pass the steamer head gently over your clothes and avoid staying in one place for too long. This will ensure the clothes are ironed evenly!
8. Let the steam do its work
Hot steam naturally relaxes clothing fibres. There's no need to rub or press with the steamer head: a fluid movement is all it takes to remove creases while respecting the fabric's structure.
9. Do not smooth creases by pulling on the fabric
When smoothing a delicate garment, do not try to flatten creases by pulling hard on the fabric. This could misshape or stretch your clothes irreversibly. Simply hold the garment slightly taut for optimum smoothing.
10. Keep your steamer well maintained for impeccable results
A well-maintained steamer guarantees perfect crease removal. Clean the diffuser head regularly to prevent the build-up of fibres or residues, and descale your appliance from time to time.
See also:
How to care for your vertical steamer: Maintenance guide
How to care for your portable steamer: Maintenance guide
Why choose steam for delicate fabrics?
Steam is particularly well suited to delicate textiles, as it respects their structure and texture. Unlike an iron, it doesn't crush fibres or leave shiny marks. What's more, it's a quick and effective way to freshen up your clothes.
These tips will make child’s play of steaming your delicate clothes. Invest in a SteamOne steamer, renowned for their efficiency and simplicity, and you'll always have a spotless wardrobe!