Steam Iron Guide Category:
by kristine on August 24, 2010
The best steam iron should be self cleaning and doesn’t need you to look after it, right? No! If anybody ever found a steam iron that can be used with tap water, doesn’t require cleaning at all, and still works marvelously after a year of regular use with no sputtering or dripping, please tell me about it!
Taking care of your steam iron is not difficult at all. You’d just have to what causes problems and avoid them.
Clogging up/sputtering/spitting/dripping water
Most steam irons works best with distilled water, especially those that doesn’t have a self cleaning system. But even those that has an anti scale valve and recommends you to use tap water will clog up some day.
How do you know your steam iron has clogged up? It starts to sputter, spit or drip water. There are two solutions to this problem, one is to use distilled water only, and one is to clean the steam iron regularly.
First, make sure the iron is unplugged and cooled down, then clean the steam holes using a cotton swab or toothpick. Don’t use a sharp tool that might scratch the soleplate.
When you’re done with this, fill the water tank with vinegar solution (one part vinegar one part water) and turn on the iron. Turn on the steam iron and use the continuous steam or spray the vinegar solution out of the vents. Do this for about five minutes, then turn off the steam iron and drain the rest of the solution.
Repeat the steaming process with plain water (distilled water is best) to get rid of any remaining vinegar.
Burnt substance on soleplate
Sometimes you get fabrics that burnt (usually because you used the wrong heat setting in the first place) and get stuck on the soleplate.
Always make sure the steam iron is unplugged and cooled down before you start cleaning!
Wet a piece of cloth with vinegar and wipe the soleplate clean of any buildup. Stubborn substances can be removed with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Remember not to use a harsh scrubby to avoid scratching the soleplate. Use a soft cloth only.
Burnt starch can come off by rubbing it with a wet melamine foam or dirt eraser such as the Mr.Clean Magic Eraser or 3M Scotch Brite Erasing Pad.
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by kristine on August 23, 2010
I have noticed that there is an endless debate on whether you should buy a heavier steam iron or a lightweight one. In fact, if you read as many steam iron user reviews as I did, you would probably notice that even for one single steam iron, there are contradicting opinions on whether it is a heavy or a lightweight steam iron!
Heavy Steam Irons
All the traditional irons are much heavier than the irons nowadays, the earlier ones called “sadirons” which literally means “heavy irons”. Weight is an important factor for the iron’s efficiency to get creases out.
But ever since the invention of the steam iron, the weight of an iron is becoming less important because hot steam helps a lot in the way of getting out the wrinkles.
Lightweight Steam Irons
Manufacturers try to make lighter steam irons for relieving the stress on the user’s hand and back while trying to make the steam powerful to substitute for the weight in efficiency. After all the steam iron will be heavier when it is filled with water.
Lightweight and compact steam irons are also good for traveling with. Sometimes my husband goes for a conference somewhere and needs his shirts pressed; he is happy that a compact steam iron can do the job in a few minutes rather than paying for the service.
I guess the choice between a heavy and a lightweight steam iron is purely personal, as long as you know what you like, and the best bet is to get one that has a balance between both advantages!
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by kristine on January 6, 2010
Here’s what reviews say to look for in a steam iron. The products in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers have most, if not all, of these features.
- Non-stick soleplates are easy to clean; starch buildup wipes right off. Despite manufacturer claims, Consumer Reports says that soleplate material does not affect glide.
- Variable steam automatically adjusts the amount of steam for the heat setting, ensuring that you do not get high steam on fabrics that are more delicate.
- Vertical steam allows you to use the iron like a steamer to remove wrinkles on hanging garments or curtains.
- Burst of steam gives you an extra steam surge, allowing you to tackle particularly nasty wrinkles. This is by far the favorite feature of reviewers.
- Auto shut-off is a must for most consumers. However, you can still find irons without this feature, since people who do a lot of sewing prefer the iron to be on all the time. Be sure to read the box to know what you’re getting.
- A self-cleaning feature enables you to shoot air through the steam vents to clear mineral buildup, which prevents eventual clogging and leaks from plugged-up steam holes.
- An anti-calcium feature helps prevent mineral buildup, which can clog steam vents. Higher-end models, such as the Rowenta Advancer, generally have this feature.
- Weight of the iron may not affect performance, but it can make a huge difference in how comfortable the iron is to use. Managing a heavy iron can be difficult for those with less arm/hand strength or for anyone who needs to do a lot of ironing. Try out the handle as well to make sure that it fits the size of your hand.
Almost all irons have flexible cords, a spray or mist button, five or more temperature settings and at least a one-year warranty. Some models offer power cords that pivot out of the way, while others are retractable. In addition, today’s irons are meant to be used with ordinary tap water. With few exceptions, distilled water is no longer necessary, and in some cases it may even damage your iron. Be sure to check the box and owner’s manual to determine whether or not to use distilled water.
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