Why steaming is becoming more popular than ironing

The Rise of Garment Steamers as an Alternative to Ironing

With increasingly busy lifestyles, more people are turning to garment steamers instead of traditional irons. Discover why this trend is growing in popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z, and what benefits a garment steamer might offer you.

A Shift in How We De-Wrinkle Clothes

Numerous articles point to a shift: younger generations are ironing less and opting for alternatives like garment steamers. This change is mainly due to the desire to spend less time on household chores like ironing.

There is a clear trend showing that millennials and Gen Z iron less frequently than previous generations. Research indicates that while they still value neat, wrinkle-free clothing, they prefer solutions that prioritize comfort, speed, and ease.

According to research by Euromonitor International, the number of irons sold worldwide dropped from 174 million in 2012 to 146 million in 2017. This suggests that fewer households own an iron, and this number is expected to decline even further. A separate study by Nibud in the Netherlands shows that only 69% of households still own an iron—a decrease from previous years.

Steamer Popularity Across All Age Groups

While garment steamers are particularly popular among younger generations, their convenience is being appreciated by people of all ages. Younger people often have less time and value efficiency and ease of use. Steamers are generally easier to use and less time-consuming than irons, making them attractive to those with little experience or interest in ironing.

Who Benefits Most from a Garment Steamer?

A garment steamer is ideal for anyone looking for a quick and simple way to de-wrinkle clothing. It's especially useful for busy professionals who want to look their best but don't have time to iron. It's also great for travelers who want to keep their clothes wrinkle-free on the go. Additionally, steamers are perfect for delicate fabrics that can be damaged by a hot iron or for people with sensitivities to dry-cleaning chemicals.

Pros and Cons of Ironing vs. Steaming

Benefits of Ironing:

• Provides a crisp, smooth finish for a professional look

• Effective at removing deep wrinkles and creases

Drawbacks of Ironing:

• Time-consuming, especially with multiple garments

• Risk of burns from the hot surface

• Can damage fabrics if too hot or left in place too long

• Frequent ironing can break down fabric fibers

• Can dull fabric color over time

Benefits of Steaming:

• Fast and easy to use; simply hang the garment and let the steam do the work

• Safer than ironing with no direct hot surface

• Gentle on fabric; steam lifts and revitalizes fibers

• Helps maintain fabric strength and longevity

• Preserves fabric color

Drawbacks of Steaming:

• May not fully remove deep, stubborn wrinkles

• Does not provide the crisp finish that ironing can achieve

What to Consider When Buying a Garment Steamer

Power and Capacity: Look for a steamer with strong wattage and a large water tank for better performance and longer use between refills.

Steamer Type: Choose between handheld steamers, upright models, and steam generators. Handheld models are ideal for travel; upright ones offer more power and capacity; steam generators are the most powerful but also the most expensive.

Extra Features: Some steamers come with extras like steam bursts, built-in hangers, or fabric brushes. Consider these if you steam a variety of clothing types.

Quality and Durability: A luxury garment steamer from STEAMRS is made from high-quality materials and designed to last. Investing in quality means fewer replacements and more reliable performance.

Price: While STEAMRS steamers are priced higher than budget models, they offer significantly better quality and durability. Think about your budget, your needs, and the materials used in the product when making a decision.

Overall, when choosing a garment steamer, consider power, tank size, type, features, quality, durability, and price. A luxury steamer from STEAMRS offers all these benefits and quickly gets your clothes wrinkle-free. Invest in a STEAMRS garment steamer and enjoy smooth clothing without the hassle of an iron and ironing board.

In short, if you're not a fan of ironing, try a garment steamer! Looking for one that’s stylish, high-quality, and fits beautifully into your interior? Then the STEAMRS garment steamer might be your perfect match. It combines powerful steam technology, versatility, ease of use, and long-lasting quality—making it a smart choice over other models and brands.