Mastering the Art of Proper Steam Iron Usage

The steam iron is an indispensable device in every household, ensuring your wardrobe stays neat and tidy for your workdays. However, not everyone knows the secrets of proper steam iron usage. In today's article, Mytour Supermarket guides you on the correct way to use a steam iron and suggests some of the best steam iron brands available today. Don't miss out!

A steam iron has a structure similar to traditional irons, but the key difference is the addition of a compartment with functions for steaming and spraying to iron clothes using heat and steam. Below is a guide on using this device correctly: 

If it's your first time using a steam iron, remove any protective adhesive on the iron soleplate. Alternatively, use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe the entire surface to eliminate dust, making the ironing process more convenient afterward. 

Pour water into the iron's reservoir. Note that you should use distilled water to prevent rusting inside. Also, avoid overfilling; just pour approximately ¼ of the reservoir's capacity. 

Plug the iron into the electrical outlet until the power indicator light illuminates. Then, set the appropriate temperature by rotating the knob on the iron. When the light goes off, it means the iron has reached the desired temperature, and you can start using it.

After plugging it into the electrical outlet, adjust the temperature accordingly to begin ironing clothes. 

Properly using a steam iron involves selecting the appropriate setting based on the fabric of your clothes. Specifically:

- For synthetic fabrics like Polyester, Nylon, adjust the heat setting to the lowest level. 

- For linen, which is prone to wrinkles, iron at a high temperature with a generous amount of steam. 

- For wool and other fabrics, iron at a moderate to high temperature, as too low a temperature may cause steam leakage and lead to clothing stains. 

Additionally, you can utilize features like mist spray, shot of steam, or vertical steam to make ironing more convenient. For instance, if using steam ironing, select this mode. Then, position the garment about half a forearm's length away from the iron, press the mist spray or steam shot button to moisten the fabric, and proceed with regular ironing. Ensure the water tank is at least ¼ full in this step. 

For vertical ironing, start by hanging the clothing on a hanger. Adjust the iron's temperature to level 2 or higher and hold the iron about 10 - 20cm away from the fabric. Finally, press the button to release a stream of steam directly onto the clothing. It's essential to maintain at least ½ of water in the tank when using this feature. 

When ironing clothes in an upright position, ensure the water in the tank is at least half full. 

After usage, turn the temperature control knob to the Min position and unplug the iron from the socket to prevent any potential dangers such as short circuits or explosions. 

Using a steam iron is generally straightforward, but there are still some crucial considerations that users should be aware of for effective and safe ironing:

- To ensure the most efficient ironing process with a steam iron, use distilled water to avoid mineral deposits. Prolonged accumulation of these deposits in the iron's steam vents can lead to blockages and soil clothing during ironing. 

- Absolutely avoid adding odor-producing substances inside the steam iron as high temperatures can damage the internal components of the iron.

- Pour an appropriate amount of water into the steam iron, avoiding the Max mark to prevent water spillage and leakage during ironing. 

- When using a steam iron, it is advisable to use a dedicated power outlet as this iron has a high operating power. Using it with other devices may pose a risk of short circuits or fire hazards. 

- After each ironing session, dispose of the excess water in the reservoir to prevent buildup. Additionally, every 3 - 6 months, add white vinegar to the reservoir, turn on the switch, and steam the vinegar on a clean cloth until it runs out. Then, rinse with water and let it dry. The purpose is to disinfect and eliminate bacteria inside the reservoir. 

- Avoid using sandpaper to clean the soleplate of the iron as it can cause scratches and damage to the device. It is best to use toothpaste, vinegar, or a soft cloth for cleaning. 

Fill the water reservoir with an appropriate amount, not exceeding the Max mark, to prevent water spillage and leakage during ironing. 

With the information on how to use a steam iron in mind, Mytour suggests 5 of the best steam iron brands currently available. This makes it easier and more convenient for you to choose a product that suits your needs. 

Philips is a renowned household brand from the Netherlands. In the realm of steam irons, Philips has earned accolades and certifications for its efficiency and high quality from prestigious global textile research institutes such as Woolmark, IWTO, and DWI. Specifically, Philips steam irons stand out among users due to outstanding features such as:

- The soleplate of Philips irons is coated with premium non-stick layers like SteamGlide, Ceramic, T-ionicGlide, capable of ironing all types of fabric smoothly without causing fabric wear and tear, thus protecting your clothing material.

- Philips has equipped its steam irons with an auto-off feature that shuts off power when not in use (2 minutes in the horizontal position and 3 minutes in the vertical position). This ensures optimal safety, preventing potential hazards such as fire or electrical issues during usage.

- The Philips steam iron is equipped with multiple functions such as steam spray and water spray, making the process of ironing clothes easy, especially for challenging fabrics like jeans and fleece. Additionally, the water spray speed is 30-40% higher than conventional irons, allowing for faster and more time-efficient ironing.

Explore some of the best-selling Philips steam irons at Mytour today:

• Philips DST3030/70 2400W Steam Iron

• Handheld Philips STH3010/70 1000W Steam Iron

The Philips DST1040/30 Steam Iron features enhanced steam spray of 90g and continuous steam capability, making ironing faster and simultaneously softening clothes after ironing. 

Panasonic, a renowned brand from Japan, specializes in manufacturing and providing users with durable, high-quality products such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwaves, rice cookers, and steam irons. Among them, Panasonic steam irons receive high praise for their outstanding features:

- Powerful operating capacity, enabling quick and efficient ironing. 

- The 360-degree multidirectional soleplate, along with the added non-stick layer, ensures smooth ironing on all fabric materials and easy cleaning. - 

- Equipped with an anti-drip function to limit water leakage onto clothes. 

- Features antibacterial function to eliminate germs, ensuring user health and safety.

- The self-cleaning function minimizes steam nozzle blockage, ensuring clothes remain stain-free after ironing. 

- The 360-degree swivel cord prevents inconvenience for users by avoiding tangles during ironing. 

Explore some of the best-selling Panasonic steam irons on Mytour today:

• Panasonic Steam Iron NI-S430GRA 2300W

• Panasonic Steam Iron NI-S530ARA 2300W

PANASONIC NI-GT200ARA Steam Iron scores with its compact design, trendy colors, and an additional antibacterial feature on clothes, helping protect the health of the whole family. 

Sunhouse, belonging to SUNHOUSE Vietnam Co., Ltd., established in 2004, primarily provides household items such as air fryers, induction cookers, water purifiers, and irons with good quality and affordable prices. Especially for steam irons, Sunhouse distinguishes its product line in the market with the following notable advantages:

- Compact design and lightweight, making it easy to handle and move while ironing clothes. 

- The iron tip is designed to be sharp, allowing it to reach small, narrow areas like shirt collars and buttons for a smooth finish. 

- Equipped with a control dial, enabling users to adjust the temperature suitable for each fabric type. 

- Features intelligent descaling to limit scale buildup in the steam vent, thereby extending the iron's lifespan. 

- Automatically shuts off when overheated or reaches the ideal temperature to ensure user safety. 

Explore some of the best-selling Sunhouse steam irons on Mytour today:

• Sunhouse SHD2067 Steam Iron

• Sunhouse SHD2066 Steam Iron

Sunhouse SHD2065 Steam Iron features an attractive design, compact size, and trendy colors, adding elegance to your living space. 

A renowned brand under the SEB Group from France, Tefal, established in 1956, brings premium steam irons to Vietnamese consumers. These irons boast a perfect balance of high-end features and affordability, including:

- The pointed design allows for ironing intricate details on clothes such as collars, underarms, and buttons. 

- The iron's soleplate is equipped with a non-stick layer, ensuring smooth ironing on various fabric materials. 

- High operational power ensures users can iron clothes quickly, saving time. 

- Integrated ECO feature minimizes power consumption during usage. 

- Anti-clog function reduces blockages in the steam vents, maintaining durability for the device. 

Explore some of the best-selling Tefal steam irons on Mytour currently:

• Handheld Steam Iron TEFAL DT8100E0

• Standing Steam Iron Tefal QT1510E0

The surface of Standing Steam Iron TEFAL IT2460E0 is made from premium heat-resistant metal, with a non-stick layer for smooth ironing on all fabric materials. 

Bluestone is a premium household brand from Singapore known for its quality, introduced to Vietnam since 2011. Bluestone's steam iron products are highly praised, featuring a compact cordless design with elegant colors and integrating many convenient features such as:

- The pointed iron head allows you to iron intricate details on clothes.

- The non-stick coated soleplate ensures smooth ironing on all types of fabric.

- Powerful operation for quick and efficient ironing, significantly saving time for users.

- The tight-sealing lid prevents dust and deposits from clinging to the water in the tank.

- Equipped with an automatic shut-off feature when overheated, contributing to user safety and prolonging the device's lifespan.

Check out some of the best-selling Tefal steam irons on Mytour currently:

• Tefal Steam Iron Bluestone SIB-3819

• Bluestone SIB-3831 Steam Iron

Bluestone SIB-3806 Steam Iron offers a variety of ironing functions, ensuring users can easily smooth clothes of different materials. 

This article provides a comprehensive guide on using a steam iron correctly. Users should refer to this guide to use the product efficiently and ensure personal safety. Wishing you successful ironing!