Clothes steamer

[mydudero]

Can anyone recommend a handheld clothes steamer please?

I tend to increase the spins on the washing machine, especially in the winter, to get clothes to dry faster. The downside of course is more creasing, and some tops I just can't get away without ironing. I let it build up for a couple of weeks at a time as I hate ironing (mainly because our bulky iron and ironing board are awkward to get to, but have no other storage choices for them) and then dread it even more! I'd much rather just do the few bits that need it in each load and a little steamer seems perfect for that.

I've had a look on Amazon and Argos but am seeing very mixed reviews! I don't expect clothes to look as well as they would ironed but as close to would be perfect.

Thanks!

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Bump

... or are clothes steamers taboo on MN

I hope someone will come with an advice. I want handhold steamer too, just put it on my Xmas list.

Good morning!

I bought the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Aroma 28040 last month. Primarily because it has a reasonably long cord so I can steam the bedding while it's on the bed, and I have to say I really like it. I haven't tried the "aroma" part yet but as well as doing the duvet cover I've used it for shirts and a couple of dresses. It's very quick.

The only thing I've found a bit of a faff is actually where to hang shirts etc to steam them. Maybe I should lie them on the ironing board?! I bought it from Argos, and I see it's now £50 although I think I actually paid a bit more.

I’ve got the tefal one that’s £32 in Argos. Bought it for DD’s school uniform and it’s perfect for that - looks smart after use although not as pristine as if someone who was hood at ironing had done it.

Like pp I struggle with where to hang it while steaming - sometimes use the wardrobe door as it’s flat. Using the ironing board would be a good idea if I was doing several items at once.

I could do with one of these too.

Do you do it on completely dry clothes?

I have a Swan garment steamer, they are so much easier than an iron. I have the pink corded one, it's around £25 I believe. They also do a cordless one.
I really rate the swan though

I bought this steamer a few months ago: www.argos.co.uk/product/7828357

Things I like about it:

• it has a long cord
• the water tank chamber is one of the biggest on the market, so doesn't need filling constantly
• it has an automation hold down button, meaning you don't need to keep the button pressed down when you steam, rather you just hold the device and wave it over your clothes as steam constantly comes out. Holding the button down yourself can get tiring very quickly otherwise.
• it comes with a steam hanger you put over the back of your door. It's to protect your door or wall from the steam.
• I'm impressed with the steam function. It made quick work of getting out creases jackets which had been vacuum packed for about 3 years.

Things I don't like:

• it is quite weighty. I can't compare it to other models but you might want to check the weight of others beforehand on the product description. But then I only steam 1-3 garments at a time max, so it doesn't really bother me.
• it was quite pricey compared to others on the market but I personally find I steam clothes more often and it's pretty quick.

Hope that helps.

Automatic*

Yes, I've only used mine on completely dry clothes.

Just a word of warning about where to hang garments when you're steaming them. My sister-in-law damaged a door in her house when she was using hers, she'd hung a really creased linen shirt up on the back of a door and was merrily removing all the creases, until she moved the shirt and realised that the paint was blistering! I learned from her mistake and hook the hanger on the top of the frame of an open door.

One other thing to be aware of is that the tank is small and does empty quite quickly, so if you're comparing a couple of different ones, look at that too.

@CarrieMoonbeams thank you