How clothes steamers save you money

It’s fair to say that pretty much all of us in the UK are worried about costs and inflation.

According to the ONS 77% of UK adults are feeling somewhat or very worried about the rising costs of living. This rises to 90% of people with children 0-4 years.

With this in mind we want to show how even changing household appliances can make a difference. Here we talk about clothes steamers and how they can save you money compared to using a steam iron and the dry cleaners.

Let’s look at the benefits:

1. Reduces dry cleaning costs. Did you know that using a clothes steamer can actually substitute, or if not then delay the use of a dry cleaner? That’s right - steaming can extend the time between dry cleaning visits. Steaming not only removes wrinkles but freshens the garment by killing the odour causing bacteria.

2. Reduces laundry expenses. Steaming can revive lightly worn clothes that are not necessarily dirty but may have some wrinkles or odours. Instead of washing them after every use, you can simply steam them to freshen them up. This can significantly reduce your laundry expenses, including water, detergent, and energy costs.

3. Extends the lifespan of your clothes. Steam is far easier on the fibres of fabrics compared to the traditional iron, which involves fibre pressure and direct heat contact. Ironing can cause wear and tear, fade colours, and even leave shiny marks on certain fabrics. Steaming helps maintain the quality and integrity of your clothes, allowing them to last longer.

4. Don’t have to buy specialized clothing care products. Ironing often requires additional care products such as starch sprays and distilled water for steam irons. Clothes steamers often don’t need these items.

5. Versatile and multi-purpose. Clothes steamers can be used on a variety of fabrics, including delicate materials like silk, satin, or chiffon. Having a steamer means you can handle different types of garments at home, reducing the need for professional services or special equipment for each fabric type.

6. Time-saving. Steamers heat up faster and generally take less time than ironing, freeing up your time – and as they say ‘time is money’.

7. Minimizes the risk of damage. Ironing requires skill and precision to avoid scorching or damaging delicate fabrics. If you accidentally burn or ruin a garment while ironing, you may need to replace it, resulting in additional costs. Steaming is generally safer and less likely to cause damage, reducing the risk of having to replace clothes.

7. Reduces energy costs. As mentioned above, clothes steamers are quicker than irons, saving you electricity.

8. Portable and travel-friendly. Steaming devices come in various sizes, including compact and portable models. If you frequently travel for business or leisure, having a travel steamer can help you avoid costly hotel laundry services. You can quickly freshen up your clothes in your hotel room, saving money on laundry fees and minimizing the amount of clothing you need to pack.

9. Repurposes old/pre-loved clothes. Steaming can be a useful tool for breathing new life into old or thrifted clothes. If you find a second-hand item that fits well but has wrinkles or stale odours, steaming can restore it to a wearable condition, without the risk of damaging the fibres. This can save you money by expanding your wardrobe without having to buy brand new clothes.

Remember that while steaming can save you money, it may not completely replace the need for ironing or dry cleaning in certain situations. Some fabrics and garments may still require specialized care. It's important to read the care instructions on your clothes and use your judgment to determine the most appropriate method for each item.

Benefits of ironing?

1. Smoother and Crisper Results. Ironing offers precise control over the fabric, allowing you to achieve a crisp and polished look. It can create sharp creases and pleats, making it ideal for formal attire and garments that require a well-pressed appearance.

2. Efficient on Thick Fabrics. Irons are especially effective on thick or heavy fabrics, such as denim or wool, where the heat and pressure from the iron can penetrate deep into the fibres and flatten stubborn wrinkles.

3. Can Handle Delicate Fabrics. Irons come with various heat settings, including lower temperatures suitable for delicate fabrics like silk or satin. The ability to adjust the heat level ensures that you can iron a wide range of materials without causing damage, although take care. As we have said above the clothes steamer may be a safer approach.