The rise of garment steamers as an alternative method to ironing
With the rise of busy lifestyles, more and more people are opting for alternatives such as garment steamers instead of traditional irons. Find out why this trend is becoming increasingly popular, especially among millennials and Gen Z, and what the benefits of a steamer or garment steamer might be for you.
There is a change going on when it comes to ironing and steaming
Several articles can be found about how the new generation is ironing less and using more alternatives such as clothes steamers. This is mainly because people are increasingly busy and want to spend less time on household chores such as ironing.
There is a trend that the new generation is ironing less than previous generations. Research shows that millennials and Gen Z still value well-kept, ironed clothes, but prefer more comfort, speed and convenience.
According to a survey by Euromonitor International, the number of irons sold worldwide has dropped from 174 million in 2012 to 146 million in 2017. This could indicate a decline in the number of households owning irons. This is only expected to drop more in the coming years. Another Nibud survey in the Netherlands shows that 69% of households have an iron in their home. This is a decrease from previous years.
The popularity of steamers is increasing among all audiences
In general, a clothes steamer is more popular among younger age groups, such as millennials and Gen Z, than among older age groups. This is because younger people often have less time for household chores and value convenience and efficiency more. In addition, clothes steamers are often easier to use and less time-consuming than irons, making them more attractive to people who don't like ironing or have little experience with it.
Who is a clothes steamer ideal for?
The advantages and disadvantages of ironing and steaming at a glance
Benefits of ironing:
- Ironing gives a smooth result, making clothes look neat and professional.
- Ironing can help remove stubborn wrinkles and creases.
Disadvantages of ironing:
- Ironing can be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of garments to iron.
- Using an iron can be dangerous because the hot surface can cause burns.
- Ironing can cause damage to fabric if the iron is too hot or stays on a particular area for too long.
- Using an iron can greatly damage and flatten the fabric's fibers. Ironing frequently will cause the fabric to wear out faster.
- Color may be affected
Benefits of steaming:
- Steaming is quick and easy because all you have to do is hang the clothes and wait for the steam to do its job.
- Steaming is safer than ironing because there is no hot surface to cause burns.
- Steaming is gentler on the fabric than ironing because there is no direct contact with a hot surface.
- The hot steam elevators the fibers of the fabric, making them "full" again. The textile absorbs the steam and small water particles, and this causes the fibers of the fabric to swell a bit. This helps the wrinkles disappear, but also is very good for the strength (long-term) of the textile.
- Color is not affected
Disadvantages of steaming:
- Steaming may not be effective in removing very stubborn wrinkles or creases.
- Dry cleaning cannot make the fabric as smooth as ironing can.
What should you look for when buying a clothes steamer?
When choosing a clothes steamer, there are some important factors to consider. Below we give you some tips to help you make the right choice.
- Power and capacity
When choosing a clothes steamer, it is important to consider the power and capacity of the device. A clothes steamer with high power will work more efficiently and heat it up faster than a model with low power. It is also helpful to look at the capacity of the water tank. A larger water tank means you can steam longer without refilling the device.
- Type of clothes steamer
There are several types of garment steamers on the market, including hand steamers, stand-up steamers and steam generators. Each variant has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a hand steamer is convenient for smaller areas and to take with you when traveling. Standing steamers tend to have more power and capacity, but take up more space. Steam generators are the most powerful, but also the most expensive.
- Additional features
Some garment steamers have additional features, such as a steam blast or a built-in hanger. This can be useful if you often steam different types of clothes.
- Quality and durability
A luxury clothes steamer from STEAMRS is made of high-quality materials and is designed to last. By investing in a quality clothes steamer, you avoid having to buy a new one on a regular basis. Cheaper models often have lower-quality parts and are less durable.
- Price
Finally, price is an important factor when choosing a clothes steamer. A luxury clothes steamer from STEAMRS is obviously more expensive than other cheaper models on the market, but it is also of significantly better quality and lasts many times longer. Consider what your budget is and what features you really need before making your choice. Also consider durability and what materials the steamer is made of.
All in all, it is important to consider power, capacity, type, extra features, quality, durability and price when choosing a clothes steamer. A luxury clothes steamer from STEAMRS has all the benefits you are looking for in a clothes steamer and will smooth your clothes in no time. Invest in a clothes steamer from STEAMRS and enjoy wrinkle-free clothes without the hassle of an iron and ironing board.
In short, if you are not an ironing fan either, try out a clothes steamer! Should you want a clothes steamer that is made of high quality, luxurious quality, and also looks stylish in your home? Then the STEANRS clothes steamer might be the ideal match for you.The STEAMRS clothes steamer offers powerful steam technology, versatility, ease of use and durability, making it a good choice over other models and competitors.
