Your Most Frequently Asked Steam Iron Questions - Answered!
Let's be honest: nobody likes ironing. Whether you're the type who puts in a shift on a Sunday night sorting through a family-sized pile or you're more of an on-the-fly ironer, keeping your clothes crease-free can be a bit of a task.
With that said, by equipping yourself with the answers to the most frequently asked steam iron questions, you can make things go that little bit smoother, both literally and figuratively, however often you iron.
To help you out, we've answered the most common steam iron queries below. Don't forget to check out the full Breville range of steam irons here too!
Can steam irons burn clothes?
Providing you’ve selected the appropriate temperature setting indicated by the clothing care label on your garment and use a continuous gliding motion with little pressure when ironing your clothes, a steam iron won't burn your clothes. However, if the appliance comes into direct contact with the garment for a prolonged period of time, it could burn it. If the iron was only exposed to the clothing for a short period of time, the scorched part of won't be as severe as the one produced by a dry iron, while the burnt area may still be able to be removed by rubbing it with distilled vinegar and other similar methods.
Tips to avoid burning clothes
- Start by ironing items of laundry that require the lowest temperature (e.g. synthetics). Finish by ironing fabrics which respond best to higher temperatures and steam—such as cotton and linen.
- If you iron a fabric made of a blend of fibres, set the temperature of your iron to the most delicate fibre.
- Never use the shot of steam on silks or synthetics.
- Always wait for your iron to cool down if you change the temperature to a lower setting before ironing your clothes.
Can steam irons be used without water?
Yes. Simply remove the water from your steam iron by unplugging the iron, letting it cool and then emptying the water tank. If your iron has a dry/steam setting or something similar, turn the dial to this setting; if it lacks a dry setting then select the "MIN" setting. Choose the desired temperature, pre-heat the iron and iron as normal.
What is the difference between a steam generator and a steam iron?
A steam generator differs from a steam iron due to the former's large, separate water tank which also doubles up as the iron's base, with a hose connecting the two together. A steam iron has its water tank built into the iron itself. This means more ironing between refills!
What is the difference between a steam iron and a dry iron?
A steam iron features steam holes and outputs on its underside that emit steam, so it's great for getting out stubborn wrinkles in a faster, easier manner. A dry iron, meanwhile, has a flat, smooth soleplate without holes. Steam irons also differ due to the inclusion of a steam tank; since dry irons don't produce steam, they lack this feature.
Can a steam iron kill dust mites and germs?
Steam ironing can help get rid of odour-causing bacteria lurking on the surfaces of your clothing's fabric virtually upon contact, but it can also remove all of the allergens that attract dust mites which may be present too. This can help to alleviate allergies in any of your family members, and keeps your household safe from the usual everyday nasties.
How do I use a steam iron on clothes?
Fill your water tank according to the product's instructions. Some models have a removable tank that you can fill separately, but if not, fill your iron with a receptacle while it's unplugged and cold. Take care not to fill the tank any higher than its "max" line.
Clip the tank to the iron if necessary and plug in the iron. Then, check the label on the garment, setting the iron's temperature level accordingly, and wait for it to heat up. Certain models feature a light that turns on/off as the iron heats, turning on/off once it reaches the desired temperature. Activate the steam feature once the iron has heated up.
When ironing, move the iron with the grain of the fabric. The iron releases steam automatically as you do so from a minimum setting of silk/wool; just be sure to point the iron away from yourself to avoid steam burns.
Iron a section of fabric only long enough to smooth it, not to dry it; you'll feel a slight dampness once you lift up the iron from the fabric. When ironing piled fabric like velvet, for instance, hold the iron slightly above the fabric rather than pressing down on the material.
If there are large creases or deep wrinkles, spray them with the iron's spray function if you're sure that water won't damage the fabric. Iron over the damp section to smooth out the relaxed wrinkles.
Whenever you want to put the iron down, set it on its heel. Once you're done, unplug the iron, let it cool and then empty the water. Wrap the cord loosely around the heel and put it away.
How do steam irons work?
Steam irons work on the principle of converting electrical energy into heat energy which is then used for the purposes of ironing. Electric current passes through the coil or other heating material present in the iron. This coil generates heat, transferring it to the iron's flat bottom.
When water is added to the tank, it falls drop by drop onto the coil, producing steam which then exits from the iron's steam vents, allowing wrinkles on the clothes to be ironed out.
What else can you use a steam iron for?
There are many other things a steam iron can be used for. Some of our favourites include:
- Using it to cook bacon. No, really! If you've not got a pan or an oven to cook your rashers with, turn to the trusty iron. Wrap the bacon in foil and use the iron to heat up the bacon inside.
- Similarly, if you're staying in a hotel and don't have access to a sandwich press but do have access to a delicious panini, then wrap it in foil and give it a good old iron to heat up the delicious filling inside.
- If you've accidentally spilled candle wax on your clothes, then put paper towels over the wax and gently apply the iron; the wax should transfer to the iron as it melts.
- Likewise, getting gum on your clothing can be a particular inconvenience. Not to worry, simply take a piece of cardboard, lay it down on a flat surface, and place the clothing gum-side down on the cardboard. Set the iron to medium and iron the back of the garment, as the gum becomes softer it should stick to the cardboard.
We hope you've found these answers helpful! Whether it's a steam iron or a new blender you're looking for, you’ll find the full range of Breville products, whatever you’re in need of, on our homepage.