Steamer vs. Iron: Which One Is More Effective for Wrinkle-Free Clothes?

Clothes inevitably wrinkle—especially if you leave your clean laundry sitting in the dryer or basket for hours, days, or (yikes!) even weeks. This might leave you wondering which method is best for smoothing out those creases: steamer or iron?

Though opinions may differ, both tools can help you achieve a crisp, polished look—each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

What is a clothes steamer best used for?

"I encourage everyone to use a steamer," says Lauren A. Rothman, the founder of Style Auteur, a fashion consulting firm located in Washington, D.C. "Using a steamer is simple—just hang your clothing, place it on a hook, and turn it on. There's less room for error compared to other methods."

They’re compact and perfect for packing, making it easy to toss one into your luggage to smooth out wrinkles while traveling. Rothman recommends the HiLife steamer as an excellent choice, and it requires no complicated setup or adjusting of settings.

Steamers are ideal for most types of clothing and fabrics, including delicate materials like silk, cashmere, and wool, offering an easy solution for various fabrics.

They really excel with tricky items, such as pleated skirts. "An accordion skirt, for example, is impossible to iron—no dry cleaner can handle it," Rothman shares. This is when a steamer truly proves its worth.

What an Iron Excels At

Irons are perfect for creating sharp creases and achieving that polished, crisp look, making them ideal when you need to make a lasting impression. If you're wearing a uniform or preparing for an important interview, the iron is your best choice.

With the right settings, you can even use an iron on delicate fabrics. Just be sure to adjust the heat accordingly before applying it to your clothes.

Irons also excel at smoothing napkins and table linens, giving them that crisp, flawless fold. "An iron is designed for achieving that perfect crispness," says Rothman.

How to Use a Steamer vs. an Iron

Each wrinkle-removal tool has its own unique method, so it’s essential to use the correct technique for your specific device (and the type of clothing you’re treating!).

To operate a clothes steamer, start by filling it with water and waiting for a minute or two until steam starts to emerge. Keep the steamer about one to two inches away from your garment—never let it touch the fabric. Move the steamer up and down over each section while gently smoothing the fabric.

Irons also require a water refill and a brief warm-up time before they’re ready. Set it to the appropriate temperature for your fabric, and while waiting, consider using a wrinkle-release spray or fabric starch for an added boost.

While an iron can be used on a table, floor (with proper padding), or a small board, Rothman recommends investing in a full-sized ironing board and setting up your workspace where you can easily move around the entire board as you iron.

Alternative Methods for Getting Rid of Wrinkles

Although steamers and irons are often the most effective tools for smoothing out wrinkles, there are other methods you can try to freshen up your clothes and reduce their crumpled appearance. Here’s a look at a few alternative solutions.

Wrinkle Release Sprays

These sprays are widely available in a variety of formulas designed to help relax fabric fibers and sometimes even leave a pleasant scent, thanks to fabric softeners, alcohol, or other chemicals. Simply spray them on your clothes and gently pull on the fabric to smooth out the wrinkles.

Wrinkle-free dryer settings

If your dryer has this feature, toss the clothes back in for a quick spin. A wrinkle-free setting typically adds a bit of moisture and tumbles the garments to smooth out the creases. Just make sure not to leave them in too long, as they could get wrinkled again!

Hanging in a steamy bathroom

Hanging clothes in the bathroom while you take a steamy shower is a well-known trick. However, Rothman warns that it's easy to soak the clothes too much in the process. 'A lot of people end up getting their clothes too wet,' she says.

Professional pressing at the dry cleaners

You don't have to go through the full dry cleaning process to get your clothes professionally pressed. It's much more affordable than a complete dry clean, according to Rothman.

Hair straightener

If you only need to smooth out a few areas—like a crumpled collar or cuffs—Rothman suggests using a hair straightener to get the job done perfectly.