The best steam cleaner for clothes to leave garments crease-free

Nobody wants to spend hours at the ironing board, which is why many people favour steam cleaners for clothes. Let's be honest, ironing is always one of those dreaded household jobs. So, a steam cleaner feels like a great solution as it's a simpler and less time-consuming way to get out those annoying creases.

A steam cleaner offers a great alternative to cleaning, ironing and beyond. For example, you can get a tile steam cleaner, which will leave your kitchen walls and flooring fresh. As for clothes, it does the job of smoothing without needing to get out the ironing board. The home gadget is also handy for refreshing clothes while you're travelling, so you'll be able to get a second wear out of your favourite dress or shirt if you're unable to wash them in between.

But how does a steam cleaner work? Well, steam cleaners work by heating water until it becomes steam. You can get window steam cleaners, too, which saves us getting a bucket and mopping out ourselves. Often, you will need to pour water into the tank of your chosen steam cleaner and let it heat to the optimum temperature. Once heated, dry steam will be produced, which will then relax the fibres of the fabric as you move up and down the garment to help remove wrinkles. Simply hang your garment and then gently run the head of the steamer against the fabric.

Best steam cleaner for clothes at a glance:

• Best compact steam cleaner for clothes: Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series - view on Amazon UK
• Best quick steam cleaner for clothes: TICWELL Professional Steamer for Clothes -view on Amazon UK
• Best comfortable steam cleaner for clothes: Beldray Portable Handheld Garment Steamer - view on Amazon UK
• Best 2-in-1 steam cleaner for clothes: Russell Hobbs Steam Genie 2-in-1 Garment Steamer - view on Argos

If you are looking to ditch the iron, there is an option to suit every need and budget - even handheld steam cleaners. To help, we have put together some of our favourites so you can have the best steam cleaner for clothes to leave garments crease-free.

Best steam cleaner for clothes

FAQs

Does steam cleaning clean clothes?

While steaming isn't an alternative to washing clothes in a washing machine. It's a great way to get more wear out of your clothes in between washes. You will need to ensure the steamer is hot enough to kill bacteria to ensure ultimate freshness.

Does steam cleaning clothes remove odours?

Just like steam cleaning an oven, this method does eliminate odours. You might, however, find it difficult to remove smells from particularly sweaty areas, such as armpits. The high heat of the steam kills most germs and odour-causing bacteria, making a garment steamer ideal for freshening up garments in between washes.

What clothes can you steam clean?

A steam cleaner can be used on most fabrics, apart from materials such as leather and suede.

Silks and delicate synthetics that cannot take high or direct heat from an iron. Therefore, we would recommend using a steamer instead. Plus, it is good for linens and cotton too. You can also use a steam cleaner on woollen items, like jumpers; however, we would suggest using a fabric guard to stop heat from being applied directly.

If you are unsure whether you can use a steam cleaner on your clothes, be sure to check the care label on your chosen item for the laundry instructions.

Rosie Floyd is a Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as pets. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.