I gave up the iron life back in college and never looked back. Instead, I’m a mini steamer gal through and through now. There’s really only one or two things in my closet that I would love an iron for and it’s those really stiff button down shirts (I legit only own one so not a major issue there), and there are one pair of trousers in my closet that could maybe really use a good press. Otherwise, the steamer is the way to go.
The Best Mini Steamer For Home And Travel
I’ve used a few steamers over the years, and this recent one seems to have last the longest. Not only does it work really well, but it also is nice and compact. It makes it the perfect size for travel. And yes, no matter what, if I am checking a bag, I’m usually bringing this with me. I love it so much it’s part of my Amazon travel essentials which you can check out here.
How To Use A Steamer For Clothes
When using a steamer, there are a few tips to make sure you get a good result, and quickly.
Tip One – Use Distilled Water
First, you should be using distilled water. Which, to be honest, I never do. But if you have it around, use it. It will keep your steamer working much longer and prevent mineral buildup inside.
Tip Two – Hang Your Clothing
You’ll want to hang your clothing to steam. The steamer needs to be upright, and you can’t be laying pieces down to steam them or water will just get everywhere.
Tip Three – Steam From The Inside, Top To Bottom
When steaming your clothes, you’ll want to start at the top and pull down. Always go from the inside of the garment if you can. Obviously some will be easier to do than others, but this allows almost a natural tension as you pull down making your steamer more effective in removing wrinkles.
Tip Four – Use A Steamer On Air Dried Denim
Another tip I love, is if you air dry your denim, you’ll notice they’re really stiff. That’s because they’re super dry and have lost their moisture. Just running a steamer over them will add back in that moisture and make them less stiff almost instantly. I usually just throw my jeans on and they are fine in a few minutes of wearing, but if you hate doing that, a steamer does the trick.
If you need a new steamer for your clothes and for travel, this one from Amazon is a great find. It’s compact, does a good job and is easy to pack for travel. I’ve tried super small travel steamers and have hated them. It’s worth the slightly extra space this hand held steamer takes up to get the job done properly.
