Steamer vs. Iron: Which Is Better for Removing Wrinkles from Your Clothes?

I really hate ironing. But unfortunately, my dryer doesn’t always get all the wrinkles out and it's a necessity for certain clothing items. There’s nothing worse than wrinkled clothes when I want to look professional or pulled together. Over the years, I’ve tried many methods of removing wrinkles without breaking out my iron, with varying degrees of success.

Removing wrinkles requires a garment steamer or an iron, but knowing which one to choose can be challenging. When deciding between a steamer vs. iron, it comes down to the type of fabric, the results I want, and how much time I have. Here’s everything that I’ve learned about choosing the right wrinkle-removing tool to freshen my clothes quickly and easily without causing damage.

What Is a Clothes Steamer?

Growing up, my home was an iron-only household. It was a game changer when I discovered steamers! A steamer heats the water in an attached reservoir to create steam that relaxes fabric fibers. Depending on what kind of steamer you use, it could come with multiple settings to achieve your desired results. 

I personally think that the best clothes steamers are the ones that release continuous steam, while others require pressing a button or trigger to release steam. Each style has its own benefits, though!

Clothes steamers are portable and ideal for removing wrinkles on the go or while traveling. They are also less likely to damage heat-sensitive materials and delicate fabrics. 

What Is an Iron?

We all know what an iron is, right? Irons use heat and direct pressure to flatten out wrinkles. Many models also have a steam function to help remove wrinkles alongside heat and pressure. Ironing creates precise, crisp lines in clothing, making them the preferred wrinkle removers for many. Irons require an ironing board and take more time and effort, but can offer a more precise result.

Many of the best irons for clothes offer steam bursts and varying temperature controls, so you can adjust the settings to suit the fabric you’re ironing. However, irons can cause damage to some more delicate materials and aren’t suitable for all clothing items.

When to Use a Steamer

Best Fabrics for Steamers

You can use a steamer on any fabric, but they’re better suited for more delicate fabrics. I commonly use my clothes steamer on the following materials:

• Silk
• Satin
• Wool
• Velvet
• Polyester

Direct contact with a clothes iron can cause permanent damage to these fabrics, especially if you use a high-heat setting. A steamer gently removes wrinkles on these fabrics, leaving them refreshed without risking damage. However, steamers may not be powerful enough to remove tough wrinkles from hardy fabrics like linen.

Pros and Cons of Using a Steamer

Steamers are gentle on delicate fabrics like silk or satin and won’t burn materials like an iron can. They heat quickly and are often portable, which makes them a great choice for frequent business travelers. Steamers are great for freshening larger items, like drapes, without removing them.

But while steamers have lots of pros, they also have several cons to keep in mind. They aren’t as effective on stubborn wrinkles as traditional irons and will not create sharp creases in clothes like an iron can. Depending on the size of the steamer’s water tank, it may need filling frequently, which can make the steaming process take longer. 

Ideal Situations for Steamers

A steamer’s portable size makes it ideal for on-the-go wrinkle removal. If I’m traveling, I call my hotel to see if they have a steamer. If they don’t, I’ll throw mine in the suitcase so I can refresh my clothes before I head out. Steamers are also great for freshening everyday clothing items before leaving the house to ensure wrinkle-free outfits. And they’re ideal for clothing items that require gentle care.

How to Use a Steamer the Right Way

It’s important to learn how to use a steamer correctly so you don’t damage your clothes.. Learning to use steamers ensures you remove wrinkles quickly and efficiently without damaging yourself or the garment. Here are some best practices.

1. Fill the reservoir with water to the fill line.
2. Allow the steamer to heat up for a few minutes before using.
3. Hang the clothing piece somewhere that allows for easy access to every part of the garment without having to fold or crease it.
4. Simply move the steamer over the fabric while pulling the material taut in the area that you are working on.
5. Once the wrinkles are gone, let the garment hang until it’s fully dry.

It’s best to hold the clothes steamer approximately one inch from the fabric. This ensures the steam will reach the wrinkles without getting the garment wet. It’s also essential to keep your hands away from the jet of steam while you’re steaming clothing to prevent burns.

When to Use an Iron

Irons work best on stubborn wrinkles and heavy fabrics. They’re best for anyone ironing napkins and tablecloths and are great for crafters, like sewers or quilters, who need to iron hems or pleats into fabrics or press them flat to ensure even seams.

Best Fabrics for Irons

Irons work well on heavier fabrics like cotton, denim, linen, or canvas. They’re also ideal for fabrics that require sharp creases, like dress shirts, pants, and linens. Here’s a list of fabrics that are best suited to ironing:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Denim
• Canvas
• Wool blends
• Fabrics that require sharp creases

Pros and Cons of Using an Iron

Ironing has a lot of benefits—especially for sturdier fabrics or creased items that won’t come out with steam alone. An iron creates sharp creases in clothing and freshens pleats, shirt collars, cuffs, and hems. Irons give you more control over wrinkles, and many have a built-in steam feature that lets you remove wrinkles with a combination of heat and steam.

But, ironing is time-consuming (and, for me, frustrating), particularly for dress shirts with collars, shoulders, and cuffs. These dress shirt parts are trickier to iron than they are to steam. Irons can also burn delicate fabrics if your heat is too hot. And you’ll need an ironing board to iron clothes. Finally, irons have lengthy cooling times and need to be left out to cool, which can increase the risk of burns.

Ideal Situations for Irons

An iron is the perfect tool for removing wrinkles from formal attire and office wear because it leaves a smooth and pressed finish you can’t achieve with a steamer. Irons are also ideal for garments that need sharp creases and for heavily wrinkled clothing or linens after they’ve been laundered. If I want to remove wrinkles from a dress shirt or blouse, I break out the iron rather than wasting time with the steamer.

How to Use an Iron Effectively

You’re probably familiar with how to use an iron, but I recommend looking at the directions for your specific model before ironing your favorite shirt. I like to follow these directions to iron my clothes effectively.

1. Prepare your ironing station by laying out your ironing board and filling the iron with water.
2. Set the iron to the appropriate temperature for the item you're working on.
3. Lay the garment flat on the ironing board and gently press the iron against it.
4. If ironing a delicate or patterned fabric, turn the item inside out before ironing.
5. Move the iron across the garment in sweeping passes to smooth out the wrinkles.
6. Use the steam function to moisten stubborn wrinkles, then pass the iron over them.
7. Hang the item on a drying rack or clothes hanger until fully dry.

Before you start ironing, check the care instructions on the clothing item you want to iron. You can iron the item if you see an iron symbol that’s not crossed out. The number of dots within the iron symbol determines the temperature at which you can iron the garment—one for low temperature, two for medium, and three for high.  

Comparison Chart: Steamer vs. Iron

How to Choose Between a Steamer and an Iron

There are several things to consider when choosing between a steamer or an iron for your clothes. If you’re deciding which one to buy, think about how you’ll use it:

• What types of fabrics do you commonly wear? If your wardrobe mainly consists of casual items or you have a lot of silky fabrics, you’ll get more use out of a steamer. But if you regularly wear business or formal attire, an iron is the better option. Check the laundry symbols on your clothing to see whether or not ironing is recommended.
• How precise do you need to be? A steamer is convenient and can quickly remove wrinkles, but it isn’t as precise as an iron at eliminating stubborn wrinkles.
• Do you travel frequently? Steamers are portable, and you can take them when traveling. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to use a hotel iron on your clothes, which could damage them (again, ask me how I know).

While you may be debating between owning one over the other, having both options available is ideal to meet any potential wrinkle need! 

FAQs About Steamers and Irons

Should I use distilled water in my steamer or iron?

You can use regular tap water in most clothes steamers and irons, but some manufacturers recommend using distilled water. Check the directions on your steamer or iron to be sure.

Can I steam garments that are dry clean only?

Items labeled “dry-clean only” can often be steamed to refresh the fabric without going to the dry cleaner. However, steaming only removes wrinkles and odors and does not actually clean the item.

What’s the best way to prevent wrinkles in clothes?

Using the correct washing and drying cycle can help prevent clothes from wrinkling. You can also reduce wrinkles by removing clothing from the dryer when it’s still slightly damp and hanging it to dry. 

How do I clean a steamer or iron?

To clean a clothes steamer, empty the water tank and fill it with distilled white vinegar. Turn it on and let the liquid heat up, then expel it as steam until the reservoir is almost empty. Refill the tank with water and follow the same process to remove traces of vinegar. Then, take the steamer apart and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

You can use the same process to clean a steam iron. If the plate has any stains, remove them by sprinkling salt onto a dry cotton towel or paper town and running the iron over it. 

Steamer vs. Iron: Which Is Right for You?

I like using a steamer and an iron on hand to help me to remove wrinkles. I save my steamer for delicate fabrics and eliminating wrinkles on the go, while I use my iron for sturdy fabrics or stubborn wrinkles. Neither tool is better, it’s really your choice based on your specific needs.

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