Question:
I hate ironing. Fabric, clothes, Anything. I've been toying with getting one of those fancy fabric steamers. Conair, or Jiffy, I think it is. They seem to rank pretty good on Amazon and epinions, but I'd really like to hear from someone who I can ask actual specific questions of. My biggest concern is collars and cuffs on DH shirts.
Thanks.
Answer:
Hi cin131,
I've never tried one of those steamers, but I know they are often used to remove small wrinkles from Prom and Wedding dresses after they've been altered and just before the customer wears them.
In Ohio I'd guess they'd work best in the Winter when the relative humidity is low and the garment would dry quickly after being steamed.
I think they work best on hanging items that have enough weight to pull the fabric smooth while it's being steamed (like drapes and large skirts)
It also probably works best on 'plastic' (as in synthetic) fibers that relax when heated. Polyester, etc.
My personal opinion is that nearly the same thing can be accomplished by pulling the items out of the dryer and hanging and buttoning them while they are still warm and slightly damp, smoothing out any wrinkles with your hands. The hardest part for me is being next to the dryer when it's time to pull them out! (I generally clean the laundry room while I'm waiting! Otherwise I forget and leave the room just at the wrong time! lol)
If you do get one I'd love to hear how it works.
I sure hope someone else reading here has some REAL experience with one and will log in and tell us about it!!
Elaine
Answer:
Love the little hand steamer I use at the shop -- for specific types of de-wrinkling. I doesn't "do all" but what it does is a time saver.
I used to own a professional model steamer, the kind that now sells $100 or more. Sold it off to another vintage clothing dealer friend....and have regretted it ever since! live and learn.
I also have a Singer ironing press that I truly cannot live without!
and I have my trusty ol' steam iron with it's spritzer.
All are tools for specific types of jobs and none would stand alone as the sole work horse in the laundry room.
So thar ya go.... 2 cents!
Answer:
Well, I bought my jiffy steamer today. I went to their website today and found a local dealer who gave me a great deal. He knocked $20 off the price if I paid cash on the spot. It is brand new. Cash on the spot was $155, which is about what I could get for one on ebay including shipping . I figure, if nothing else, it'll get dd's dresses looking decent. Honestly, she's 3 years old, I want to spend HOW LONG ironing them????? DH's shirts, I can iron the collars and steam the shirts. We'll see how they do without starch. Worst thing that can happen is.....He gets to wear them Lord knows that with a precocious, hyper, strong-willed 3 year old I don't spend alot of time with a hot metal object in my hand. Not that I would use it on here. That didn't come out right. It's just not safe with her running around. Never mind. If your a mom, you understand what I'm trying to say.