When it comes to keeping your clothes crease-free and looking their best, we want to help settle the age-old debate: garment steamer or iron? Whether you’re racing to get dressed in the morning or prepping your wardrobe for a special occasion, we’re here to break down the pros and cons of steaming and ironing so you can choose the right tool for your routine. From delicate fabrics to heavy-duty denim, there’s a solution for every style, and we’ve got all the tips you need. To learn more about keeping your clothes fresh, check out our step-by-step guide to cleaning a washing machine here. Let’s dive in and find out which option suits you best!

Steamer vs. Iron – What’s the Difference?

Steamers and irons both refresh and remove wrinkles from your fabrics, but they d it in totally different ways.

• Steamers use hot steam to relax fabric fibres without direct contact.
• Irons use a heated soleplate and pressure to flatten out creases.

Depending on what you wear and how you do your laundry, one might be a more suitable fit than the other. Or you might just benefit from both!

The Pros of Garment Steaming

If your mornings are a rush or you regularly wear delicate fabrics, a garment steamer could quickly be your new go-to. But what makes a steamer a better fit than an iron? Here are a few reasons:

• Fast and convenient: For those always in a rush, garment steamers are a lifesaver. They can heat up in 30 seconds or less, making them ideal for quick touch-ups.
• Portability: Off on holiday? Heading to a wedding or business trip? With their compact size and lightweight design, garment steamers are ideal for travel.
• Gentle on delicate fabrics: Silks, lace, and chiffon can be tricky with an iron. Steamers smooth out wrinkles without direct contact, reducing the risk of damage to delicate fabrics.
• Multi-functional: A steamer isn’t just for clothes, garment steamers are perfect for curtains, bedding, and blankets too. Bringing freshness to more than just your wardrobe!

Expert insight: A garment steamer is perfect for cleaning your curtains. Our Product Development Director Atit Chopra says, “Steam helps to sanitise, remove odours, and smooth out any crease.” For more information on how to clean your curtains, click here.

The Pros of Ironing

Ironing is the classic go-to for achieving that crisp, polished finish. It’s a tried and trusted method with several benefits that might be just right for your routine:

• Sharp creases: Irons are ideal for creating clean, defined lines. Perfect for work shirts, trousers, and uniforms that need that freshly pressed look.
• Long-lasting results: Ironing flattens wrinkles through the application of heat and pressure, which in turn keeps clothes wrinkle-free for longer periods of time.
• Power for tough fabrics: Thick materials like linen, denim, and heavy cotton need more heat and pressure, something irons are built to handle with ease.
• Efficient: Got a mountain of laundry to tackle? Irons are often more efficient for batch ironing, while steamers shine with quick touch-ups or smaller loads.

Steamer or Iron – What’s Right for You?

Choose a garment steamer if:

• You need quick, daily touch-ups
• You travel frequently
• You wear delicate clothing
• You want something versatile for both clothes and household use

Choose an iron if:

• You need sharp creases or polished looks
• You work with heavy or structured fabrics
• You want longer-lasting wrinkle removal
• You value precision with heat settings

FAQ: Common Questions about Ironing and Steaming

Can a steamer replace an iron?
Not quite. Steamers are great for freshening up clothes and releasing light wrinkles, but for sharp creases or thick fabrics, irons still deliver better results.

Does steaming sanitise clothes?
Yes, steaming does sanitise clothes as the heat can help kill germs making it a great option for freshening up garments between washes.

Can I use an iron on delicate fabrics like silk?
Yes, irons can be used on delicate fabrics such as silk if a lower heat setting is used. Alternatively, a garment steamer is a safer option for such materials.

Is steaming safe for all fabrics?
While steaming is generally safe for most fabrics, avoid using it on plastic-based, waxed, or suede products. Always check care labels before steaming.

Beldray: Experts in Garment Care

Whether you’re Team Steamer or Team Iron (or both!), Beldray has been helping homes care for their clothes for over 100 years. From inventing the first adjustable ironing board to garment steamers, we’re here to keep your wardrobe looking fresh and fabulous.

So, what’s it going to be: the powerful press of an iron or the speedy convenience of a steamer? To check out all of our ironing and garment care click here!