Steaming a suit with a steamer involves hanging the suit, holding the base, and applying the steamer using a technique that works best for you, taking advantage of the steamer's anti-leak technology.
Here's a breakdown of how to effectively steam a suit:
-
Preparation is Key:
- Fill the Steamer: Fill the steamer with distilled water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Distilled water prevents mineral buildup.
- Warm-Up: Allow the steamer to heat up completely. This usually takes a few minutes.
- Hang the Suit: Hang the suit on a sturdy hanger. A wooden or padded hanger is ideal for maintaining the suit's shape.
- Choose Your Location: Steam in a well-ventilated area. The bathroom can work, but ensure the room doesn't become excessively humid.
-
Steaming Technique:
- Hold the Fabric: Gently hold the base of the blazer or pants to provide some tension. This helps the steam penetrate the fibers effectively.
- Keep Distance: Hold the steamer head a few inches away from the fabric. Direct contact can damage some materials.
- Use Smooth, Vertical Strokes: Move the steamer head in slow, smooth, vertical strokes, working from top to bottom. Overlap each stroke slightly.
- Inside and Out: Steam both the inside and outside of the suit jacket and pants. Pay particular attention to areas prone to wrinkling, like the lapels, pockets, and cuffs.
-
Addressing Specific Areas:
- Lapels: Carefully steam the lapels, paying attention to the crease. You can gently shape the lapels with your hand as you steam.
- Pockets: Steam the pocket flaps and the pocket area itself to remove any creases.
- Sleeves: Steam the sleeves, rotating the arm as you go to ensure even steaming.
- Pants: For pants, hang them by the cuffs and steam from the waistband down. You can also lay them flat and steam them if preferred.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Allow to Dry: After steaming, allow the suit to air dry completely before wearing it. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes.
- Avoid Over-Steaming: Over-steaming can saturate the fabric and potentially damage it. Use a moderate amount of steam and allow the suit to dry thoroughly.
- Check for Stubborn Wrinkles: If some wrinkles persist, repeat the steaming process in those areas.
-
Safety Precautions:
- Never point the steamer at yourself or others. Steam can cause burns.
- Be careful when handling hot water.
- Unplug the steamer when not in use.
By following these steps, you can effectively steam your suit, removing wrinkles and refreshing the fabric. Remember that everyone develops their preferred technique, so experiment to find what works best for you and your steamer.
