Thread: Fabric Steamer??

Does anyone have a recommendation for fabric steamers? I have just been to my K-Mart and they have a ConAir one for $40 - there must be something cheaper out there. I have used a steam iron to remove folding wrinkles from batting and also throwing it into dryer with damp towels but I was thinking a steamer would be so much better. Any suggestions anyone?

I have had a couple diffrent one that were around 20 they were not worth 1 in my opinon took way to long to get out wrinkles. The ones that are more expensive work somewhat better but you can use a team iron and do it faster

Some of my batting had been around for awhile and had folds in it. I hung it on the clothesline and used the steamer to
quickly remove the wrinkles. I have the Conair and am happy with it. The steamer is something that seems to turn up in secondhand or thrift shops. You might check Craiglist or e=bay.

I do have one - it said it takes salt, so I never have used it - but I may try it - without the salt for my batting - that sounds like a wonderful idea. Once I tried putting it in the dryer and just didn't like the results, so this may be my answer over leaving it out for 24 hours.

Originally Posted by sassey

I have had a couple diffrent one that were around 20 they were not worth 1 in my opinon took way to long to get out wrinkles. The ones that are more expensive work somewhat better but you can use a team iron and do it faster

Steamers are mainly to steam out light wrinkles, they do not work well for "pressing" out wrinkles. They work wonders on knits, silky fabrics, poly's etc. Cottons to a point and most "wrinkle resistant" fabrics. I have one, and use it a lot. I have steamed my curtains on the rod much nicer than ironing them. I also use it to steam my couch/chairs in living room, mattress, and pillows. It works great for those. Much better than using a chemical to mask smells.

I tried to use it on a quilt back, but I really needed the heat and pressure from using a flat steam iron. The one issue I have with the steamers is there is nothing to press against, I often lay my sweaters on the bed and steam them.

So, for general clothing and extras like furniture/curtains, it works wonderfully and I strongly recommend it. For quilting fabrics and other 100% cottons, better off with an iron (btw, if you go to amazon and search for the steamers, then read the reviews you will learn alot, the steamer directions specifically state they are not good for all cottons)

Thanks for the replies - I guess my steam iron works just as well for now. I'm not looking to "press" out the folds & bulges in the batting, just get it to lay flat. By hovering over the offending areas and then letting it relax and dry/cool I can remove most of the problems. I'm working with an 80/20 batt this time and it has smoothed out pretty well overnight. Next time I buy an iron I think I'll get the one that delivers a "shot of steam" - now to remember which one that is!!!!!