When the laundry routine becomes a real budget
Wrinkled shirts on Monday morning , delicate trousers that need freshening up for a date, or evening gowns that need urgent steaming: laundry care is a recurring chore in the lives of many households. For those who have neither the time nor the inclination to get out the ironing board, a solution has quietly gained popularity in recent years: the steamer . But behind its elegant appearance and instant steam, is it simply a household gadget or a truly worthwhile investment?
Dry cleaning: invisible costs that accumulate
Regularly using a dry cleaner to care for your clothes has long been the default solution for those who wanted impeccable results effortlessly. However, the figures speak for themselves. On average, a shirt costs between €3.50 and €5 to have cleaned and pressed at a dry cleaner's. Trousers or a dress easily cost between €7 and €10.
Let's take a simple example: a household or a single person sends five items to the dry cleaners each week (three shirts, one pair of trousers, and one light jacket). At an average of €5 per item, this amounts to €25 per week, or approximately €100 per month, and €1,200 per year. This expense often goes unnoticed but adds up to a significant annual cost.
The steamer: initial cost, long-term savings
A quality steamer, vertical or portable, costs between €100 and €300 depending on the model. In addition, the running costs are negligible: a little electricity (less than €0.10 for a 10-minute session) and tap water. No special cleaning products or subscriptions are required.
Let's say you buy one for €200, with regular home use for 3 to 5 years. The return on investment is achieved in two months for a user who previously replaced dry cleaning with a steamer on a daily basis. Beyond that, it represents significant savings, but also time saved, fewer trips to the store, and a newfound sense of freedom.
Earning more than just money: autonomy and comfort
The steamer does more than just smooth clothes. It changes the way we care for our garments. No more waiting for a dry cleaning appointment or adhering to opening hours. In seconds, it's ready to use. It can be used without an ironing board, directly on the hanger, and is suitable for a wide variety of fabrics, including the most delicate.
Even better: it allows you to quickly de-wrinkle an outfit just before going out, freshen curtains or a tablecloth, or even refresh a coat or fabric that has absorbed odors from the day. It's a portable, fast, intuitive solution that doesn't compromise on aesthetics.
Gadget or investment? A question of perspective
If we focus solely on the technology, the steam that appears in seconds, and the often elegant design, a steamer might seem like a gadget. But when we consider the savings generated, the ease of use, the everyday versatility, and the durability of current models, the answer becomes clear: it's a true investment.
Adopted by more and more households, recommended in upscale hotel rooms, and used behind the scenes in the ready-to-wear industry, the steamer has gone beyond a mere fad. It embodies a new way of caring for clothes: faster, more economical, and more modern.