How a garment steamer works: how it works

In recent years, steamers have begun to gain popularity among housewives - household appliances that smooth clothes and household items.

Features of the work of different types of garment steamers

How does the steamer work? Its main difference from the iron is the ability to process things in an upright position. Other features of the device depend on its type. At the moment, there are:

• Floor (vertical) steamer;
• Hand steamer;
• Steam iron or steam generator;
• Steam cleaner.

Floor steamer

Its equipment usually makes the ironing process very comfortable for the consumer. In addition to a broiler for water, a hose with a nozzle and a rack, the kit includes a clothes hanger, mittens, textile cleaning brushes, heat-resistant boards for ironing trouser arrows, shirt collars and other hard-to-reach spots.

Work with the handle from top to bottom, pulling the fabric slightly. It is also not difficult to store the device - vertical steamers are easily disassembled.

Hand steamer

It is very compact in size and looks like a small electric kettle and a small container for water. It is not very spacious, so usually its continuous operation is limited to 15 minutes (but it is very convenient to take it with you on a trip).

Important! To work with such a steamer, despite its size, you can only vertically! Therefore, you should take care of where you hang the thing.

Iron with steam generator or steam function

Depending on the model, the water tank is located either in the body of the iron itself or in a separate broiler. In the first case, the steam exits directly from the holes on the sole of the iron, in the second it is first fed through a hose.

The disadvantage of this option is that you can iron only on the board in a horizontal position. It is also important not to burn the thing, as strong jets of steam are combined with pressing the hot surface of the iron.

The principle of operation of the device

Even from physics lessons it is known that steam is formed as a result of boiling water. This essence is laid in the work of the steamer. Each appliance is equipped with a heat-resistant water container. Its boiling is due to special heating elements. Most devices are powered by electricity, but portable options can run on batteries or rechargeable batteries.

After complete heating of the water to 98-100 ° C, as evidenced by the light or sound signal of the device, the vapor molecules are supplied through a metal tube or a durable hose to the outside.

How to prepare for ironing

How the garment steamer works, can be seen in the video. You just bought a new machine. Do not neglect to read the instructions: it will take 10-15 minutes, but will warn you from unpleasant situations.

The principle of operation of the garment steamer is simple. In general, to carry out activities with the device, you need to prepare the following:

1. If it is a floor steamer, place the stand and fasten it in height. Prepare a hanger and other items you need.
2. The hose must be connected to the body, and at the other end to put on the necessary nozzle. Hang the handle onto the hook (usually located on top of the stand).
3. Pour clean water into the broiler and connect the device for heating. Never add detergents or hard, untreated water to the container; this may damage the steamer!
4. After the heat warning light, carefully check the operation of the device.

Working with a manual steamer or steam iron is even simpler: just pour water to the maximum mark. Such devices usually work when a button is pressed.

Safety precautions

How does a garment steamer work? To avoid injury situations, follow simple rules:

• Pour water before connecting the device to the network;
• Never point the steamer at yourself and try not to use it in the presence of small children and pets;
• Do not leave the device turned on unattended;
• Wear a heat-resistant mitten if necessary;
• If you need to add water during ironing, disconnect the steamer from the mains.

Attention! The appliance produces hot steam under pressure! Always observe safety precautions when working with high temperatures!

Additional features

The steamer in ordinary life can significantly simplify life and not for its intended purpose. For example, you can:

• Remove adhesive labels from glass or ceramics - for this it will be enough for a couple of seconds to hold the item under a stream of steam;
• Destroy the moth and its larvae (just work on the back of the cabinet and clothes);
• Boil water for tea;
• Refresh the appearance of fur products and household items;
• Disinfect the room.