Clothes steamer

Gremlin · 08-07-2013, 10:33

I wonder if anybody has ever used a clothes steamer to get creases out of clothes.
I get all my shirts ironed by a local lady but would like to be able to get the creases out of the back of jackets after sitting in the car for a while.
I have some lightweight jackets and trousers which seem to crumple easily.
I know I can take the jacket off when I am driving but they still get crumpled sitting in a pub or similar establishments.

Are they worth buying and how easy are they to use?

MargaretR · 08-07-2013, 10:46

I once had a floor model steam cleaner that said it could also be used for that - it didn't.

When that steam cleaner died (from overwork as I cleaned this flat before occupation), I got myself a hand held model, for kitchen surfaces - never tried it on clothes.

I developed a policy of not buying clothes that need ironing. If you put them on hangers whilst still fairly damp, the weight of the water straightens out the creases - that even works with velvet curtains.

I appreciate that you are a gent who likes crisp ironed shirts, but consider the enviro damage -

(Removed dead link - Neil)

MargaretR · 08-07-2013, 10:52

PS
How to Avoid or Lessen Your Ironing: 12 Steps - wikiHow

Gremlin · 08-07-2013, 11:05

My way to avoid ironing is to have the shirts picked up at 6PM and returned all nice and crease free at 6PM the day after, in fact there are 8 hanging in the shower now drying ready for today's pick-up.
I only want one really for the jackets and light weight gillets.

My little bit to protect the environment is by having a smoke free house, no dehumidifiers or air con machines running, doing very little cooking and this weather using solar power heated water.
I also stopped driving smelly smoke emitting diesel engined vehicles when I retired in 1997, that alone will help save the world, hopefully before the Middle East decides it time to end it all.

Now has anybody ever used a steam machine for getting creases out of the back of jackets.

Bob Dobson · 08-07-2013, 11:11

Gremlin - ask the staff in charity shops. I've seen them steamcleaning clothes in the 'back room'

MargaretR · 08-07-2013, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

Gremlin - ask the staff in charity shops. I've seen them steamcleaning clothes in the 'back room'

The steam kills bedbugs, fleas and lice, which is a more likely reason they do it.

Gremlin · 08-07-2013, 11:22

Thanks Bob,
A good idea, it never crossed my mind.
I seem to remember a man using one in the market. He was using it on the jeans he had hanging up.
He had a clothes shop, first left as you enter from Wilkinsons side.
He has been left a long time. There is a tobacconist there now.

I had been looking on a web site for one but there were so many conflicting reports I thought I would make a few enquiries before I splashed out and bought one.

flashy · 08-07-2013, 11:29

I have worked in several charity shops over the years, and yes they do work, its not very often you see creased clothes in a charity shop is it?

Gremlin · 08-07-2013, 11:40

Thanks Flashy

I have donated a lot of clothes to charity shops over the years and I usually just stick them in a bin liner.
I suppose they must have been tidied up before they sell them, I had never really thought it through.
Maybe I should put the jacket on, call at the charity shop with a few old clothes and ask them to run the steamer over it while I am there.
Do you think it would work twice a week?

shillelagh · 08-07-2013, 12:44

try hanging the jacket/gillet up in the bathroom when you having a shower or bath .. that might work ..

Less · 08-07-2013, 12:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Thanks Flashy

I have donated a lot of clothes to charity shops over the years and I usually just stick them in a bin liner.
I suppose they must have been tidied up before they sell them, I had never really thought it through.
Maybe I should put the jacket on, call at the charity shop with a few old clothes and ask them to run the steamer over it while I am there.
Do you think it would work twice a week?

I can't find it, but there was a blog were the guy said he would wear his shirts Monday through to Friday, take them to a charity shop on a Saturday and buy them back clean and ironed on a Monday at a pound a shirt!

He reckoned it was the cheapest laundry around.

Gremlin · 08-07-2013, 13:28

That would work fine Less, unless someone gets in and buys them before you and you have to buy someone else's clothes.
I couldn't bear to wear clothes others have worn.
I have sometime called into charity shops to have a look through the books, I even saw used ladies underwear for sale, women must be desperate to buy those things.
Unless of course it is some kinky man. Certainly not me, before you start.

Less · 08-07-2013, 13:35

Why on earth couldn't you? If its washed and ironed whatever it is that makes you or they unique has been removed and can no longer be catching?
(Though you don't seem to have any objection to someone, actually using your cast offs, if you really feel that way, maybe you should only be donating new clothes to those less well off than yourself???).

Gremlin · 08-07-2013, 13:48

The clothes which I donated were unused and most still had the price on, the underwear was still sealed.
They were clothes my late wife had bought, intending to use when she got better, unfortunately she didn't get chance to wear them.

As for wearing second hand clothes myself if the day comes I have to do I won't have a choice, until then I will stick to buying new.

Less · 08-07-2013, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gremlin

The clothes which I donated were unused and most still had the price on, the underwear was still sealed.
They were clothes my late wife had bought, intending to use when she got better, unfortunately she didn't get chance to wear them.

As for wearing second hand clothes myself if the day comes I have to do I won't have a choice, until then I will stick to buying new.

Well with information, we gain the truth, good on yer' for being so generous.