to ask whether anyone actually uses a steamer rather than an iron?

[GiveMeSteam]

I've been reading here and there about people using domestic hand steamers to give clothes a quick 'freshen up' rather than washing (I mean for something like a jumper that hasn't been worn next to the skin), and that they can be a good alternative to ironing for things that aren't very creased. Could this possibly be true? Does anyone actually do it?

(No comments asking why I care if things are creased please; personally I'm not bothered, but my job requires me to look fairly put together and I've never managed to make a shirt look decent without an actual iron. I can't go to work looking like I've slept in my clothes.)

I'm interested in opinions before I actually take the plunge and buy a steamer. It won't be a professional one like the type I see them use in the shops, so I'm wondering whether it's worth the effort.

[BangingOn]

I bought a small, cheap handheld travel steamer last year for a wedding we were attending overseas as I didn’t trust hotel irons with our outfits. It is brilliant and I never use a regular iron now.

[kmc1111]

I do. It works really well at getting out little creases. I still use an iron when I want to look really polished, but for everyday work clothes the steamer is great.

[Cheeeeislifenow]

I use an industrial steamer in our charity shop and it also cleans them too. It's brilliant, I am thinking of getting a small household one.

[EspressoPatronum]

Me! Cannot be faffed ironing...

[Rtmhwales]

I do. Haven't ironed in years. Even super creased dress shirts look immaculate after a once over with a £10 handheld steamer.

[Pinkginxx]

I leave shirts hanging above the bath and that does the job lovely if that counts 😂

[LaPampa]

I used one when visiting a friend in NYC and was converted. Much better than an iron

[Bufferingkisses]

Yep, so much better than an iron. My iron is now in the spider playground shed!

[StoneofDestiny]

Can anybody say what their great cheap steamer is called and where to buy it?

[BangingOn]

This is the one I have. I’d definitely recommend it.

[StoneofDestiny]

Thank you Banging. Helpful

[FurryDogMother]

I've got the same one as Banging and I love it too - haven't ironed since the 70s, but sometimes need creases to drop out. It works a treat :)

[BirdieInTheHand]

Not instead of washing but I steam pretty much all my clothes instead of ironing.

[Processedpea]

I have a tefal one from Argos it's great esp for freshening up clothes for ebaying

[storminabuttercup]

Woah hold on? I can get creases out without ironing? Is it quicker? Sorry to hijack but I really need to know how this works!

[WidoWanky]

I like ironing😆 so i wouldnt do away with it. I have a steam generator iron. Best of both worlds. Can steam the lighter fabrics, but some of the heavier stuff (my bedding...) still get the old iron treatment!

[lottielady]

Guess what I’ve just ordered

[Processedpea]

So much quicker and great for delicates

[GiveMeSteam]

Thanks for all the comments! I bought a small one, just got to buy some distilled water and I’ll try it out.

[TwinMummy1510]

Aaaah I got confused! I thought you meant a presser - my mum hasn't used a handheld iron in years but uses this big presser thing which is ridiculously fast in smoothing out clothes.

But as this is about steamers, just ignore me... 😅 As you were.... 😅