Not all types of fabric can be ironed. Delicate silk items, the finest embroidery with beads or sequins, suits and outerwear made of wool - all this can be quickly and without damage to the appearance of the product steamed with a steam generator. Today, a steam generator for clothes is represented by various models, among which everyone will choose the ideal option for themselves. Before buying, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the main functions of the device, its technical characteristics, and operating rules.
Purpose and capabilities
Initially, steam generators were created for high-quality care of felt products (hats). Over the years, the list of tasks performed has been significantly expanded. An option for steaming synthetic and knitted fabrics appeared. The steam generator also began to be used for wet cleaning with disinfection. The use of a steam generator has become especially relevant in medical institutions.
With the development of technology, manufacturers were able to expand the useful properties of the steam generator. Models designed for cleaning various types of surfaces and upholstered furniture appeared.
Modern steam generators, regardless of the model, perfectly cope with the tasks set:
- cleaning soft surfaces from small particles of lint and dust;
- processing of heavy materials (curtains, bedspreads, bed linen);
- ironing items that are difficult to iron with a regular iron (cuffs, collars, hangers);
- cleaning outerwear that cannot be restored to its original appearance in any other way;
- removal of dust and dirt in hard-to-reach places (heating radiators);
- cleaning sofas and carpets;
- cleaning mirrors, glass surfaces;
- removing unpleasant odors from surfaces;
- washing ceramic tiles and tile joints;
- removing grease and complex stains from household kitchen appliances and plumbing;
- treatment of any surfaces from fungi, mold and harmful microorganisms.
What are they?
There are quite a large number of steam generator models. When making a purchase, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics and operating features of the device in advance.
Manual
Compact, easy to transport and use, the hand-held steam generator for clothes looks like a regular lint-free brush. Some models are presented in the form of a small teapot with a spout and an iron. Such steam generators fit very easily into a travel bag and are transported from place to place.
Advantages of manual steam generators:
- maximum comfort in use;
- possibility of autonomous operation (on batteries);
- affordable price.
The models have the following disadvantages:
- insufficient tank volume;
- insufficient steam supply intensity;
- cannot work for a long time. Maximum - fifteen minutes.
Handheld steam generators are ideal for use on a business trip when linen or other items need to be quickly cleaned and there are no suitable services or facilities nearby.
Floor standing
The vertical steam generator for clothes has an independent steam supply system. Formed in the lower compartment, the steam is supplied to the nozzle - the iron. It is worth noting that this short journey of steam through the hose is able to maintain the required temperature. Floor-standing household steam generator for clothes is good for caring for medium-density fabrics.
Advantages of floor models:
- a sufficient tank volume allows the device to operate for up to two hours;
- ease of use (you only hold the iron in your hand);
- simple and reliable design;
- affordable price.
There are also disadvantages:
- quite large dimensions (difficult to transport);
- the device is energy-consuming;
- It takes a certain amount of time for the water to heat up and build up the required pressure.
Vertical steam generators for clothes are good for everyday care of household items. Floor steam generator models are equipped with a special stand on which you can hang clothes for steaming.
Pump
The principle of steam supply in this steam generator is as follows: a certain volume of poured liquid (literally drop by drop) gets on the heating elements, where it evaporates sharply. A so-called mini explosion is formed, increasing the pressure in the boiler chamber. Then the valve opens and steam is forcefully supplied outward. The process is controlled by a button located on the handle of the iron.
Benefits of using the device:
- allows you to iron clothes very quickly and efficiently;
- the force of steam pressure helps steam penetrate even through very thick fabric;
- ease of steam supply control;
- the operating time of the device is not limited (more precisely, it is determined by the amount of liquid in the tank).
The models have the following disadvantages:
- the cost of the device is quite high;
- the steam supply pressure changes rapidly.
Pump steam generators are an ideal option for caring for outerwear, furs, leather and suits.
Combined
This type of steam generator is a combination of a clothes steamer and a steam cleaner. By combining all the positive properties of these two devices, we managed to obtain a single multifunctional unit - a combined steam generator. It is effectively used for ironing various fabrics and for quick, and importantly, high-quality cleaning of the house, cleaning of particularly dirty surfaces.
Advantages of such steam generators:
- ability to handle heavy materials;
- quick removal of ingrained unpleasant odors;
- disinfection of surfaces;
- functionality of the device.
Disadvantages of combination models:
- high cost, not affordable for everyone;
- produces excessive amounts of steam.
A combination steam cleaner is an ideal option for lovers of absolute cleanliness. By changing the attachments, you can achieve better cleaning and clothing care results.
What not to use it for
When using the steam generator, certain requirements must be met. It is prohibited to use the device:
- for processing surfaces that can deform from high temperatures (parquet, natural wool, linen);
- Do not clean electrical appliances or soft plastic items;
- use the device in an aggressive environment (saturated with gases or vapors);
- operate the device in rainy conditions;
- collect flammable waste (ash, drops of solvent and other explosive substances).
Important characteristics to consider when choosing
When choosing a steam generator for clothes, it is important to note the availability of certain options that will allow you to make a really good purchase:
- steam generation capability - a steam generator for ironing clothes can be equipped with a separate boiler that generates steam and have a separate tank for pumping water (one or more). For home use, the best option is a device with instant steam generation, allowing you to start working in just two or three minutes after being plugged into the power grid;
- When choosing a professional steam generator for clothes, it is better to pay attention to a device with a separate boiler. It is this that allows you to get the best result as soon as the temperature reaches the specified maximum;
- steam supply pressure. It is important to understand that the higher the steam supply pressure, the better the work result. It is better to choose a device with a maximum steam supply rate (at least 5 Bar). Such steam generators will easily cope even with very heavy materials. It is also necessary to consider the following indicators:
- the presence of a continuous steam supply function;
- ability to operate the device in a vertical position;
- presence of a steam boost function;
- steam jet performance.
- device power - when choosing a steam generator for home use, you need to take into account its power. The optimal value is over 1800 W. Such a unit will cope with any fabrics in the best way;
- tank volume - manufacturers offer a choice of steam generators with different storage volumes. In a situation where you plan to iron a large amount of clothes every day, it is better to choose units with a maximum tank volume. But with all the positive properties, such a model has a number of disadvantages: it is massive in size, heavy. Therefore, for infrequent use, it is better to choose models with smaller tanks;
- water heating time — an indicator that determines the speed of the device. The average water heating time is five minutes. The optimal option is if the selected steam generator for home is ready for operation in three minutes;
- availability of additional devices. When purchasing a multifunctional, combined steam generator with a large number of attachments, it is better to think in advance which of them will really be useful:
- iron;
- Carpet cleaning attachment;
- special narrow nozzle for work in hard-to-reach places;
- stain removal attachment.
- The material of the iron sole determines the performance of the steam generator. A stainless steel sole provides the maximum service life of the iron. Such equipment heats up very quickly.
The aluminum sole reduces the cost of the device. But when in contact with buttons and other fittings, it rubs easily. The sole of the iron, made of aluminum, can leave marks on the fabric. The ceramic coating heats up quickly, is easily wiped with a regular cloth. But it is very easy to break such a surface. The titanium sole of the iron is durable, does not spoil clothes, heats up very quickly. Its disadvantage is that it weighs a lot. Teflon soles are very strong and durable and effective in operation, but iron models with such a coating are quite expensive.
When going on a business trip, a handheld steamer with a water tank capacity of up to 200 ml will be useful. You can also take such a device with you to work. When choosing a gadget for caring for your entire wardrobe, it is better to choose powerful steamers (at least 1700 W) with a steam supply intensity of 50 g / min.
When purchasing a steam generator for work (studio, sewing workshops), it is important to remember that the result of the entire work of the studio depends on the speed of the steam generator and its ability to cope with any fabrics. In this case, it is better to buy powerful floor or pump models with a tank of at least 3 liters.
Owners of private houses and large apartments cannot do without a multifunctional steam generator. It will not only help to keep the entire wardrobe in order, but will also be useful in cleaning the house, ironing curtains and drapes and many other household chores.
Video
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