Cleaning With Steam Irons
- Add steam cleaning to your regular ironing tasks. A steam iron blasts the garments with steam that flows through the garment's fibers. Set the iron to steam, and hang the garment upright on a hanger. This position is better for allowing the steam to pass through the garment. Hold the steam iron at a distance, and press to release steam onto the garment. Observe how well the garment holds up to the heat (Some synthetic fabrics disintegrate with heat.) before holding the steam iron too close to the fabric.
Use vertical strokes, from top to bottom, to release any wrinkles and to sanitize the fabric. Use circular motions on heavily wrinkled or heavily soiled spots. Pass the steam iron 2 to 3 times over the garment for a thorough cleaning. Leave garment hanging until dry. - Steam irons are convenient tools to use for drapery cleaning. Saving the task of taking them down, you can simply mount a stepladder, and steam your drapes clean. Use a duster or cloth to first remove any dry dust from the drapes. Set the steam iron to the steam setting, and carefully mount a stepladder to clean your drapes. Use even, long strokes to pass the steam iron over the surface of the drapes. Work from top to bottom to follow the way the drapes hang on the rod. Steam spots or trouble areas a little more to remove the dirt.
- Linen tablecloths, napkins and curtains are well suited for an occasional steam cleaning. Hang the items or use an ironing board covered with a clean towel to absorb the excess steam. Set the steamer and test a small, inconspicuous area to determine how much steam is safe to use. Steam the linen with gentle and straight strokes to sanitize and iron out any wrinkles. Hang or neatly fold your linen, and store away until its next use.
- Cleaning your bedding with a steam iron certainly removes the hassle of machine washing or dry cleaning the large comforters and pillows. Refresh your bedding in between washings. Use the steam iron to sanitize and iron out your bedding's wrinkles to luxuriate in your tranquil resting place at the end of your busy day.