TL;DR — Ironing is best for crisp fabrics like cotton or linen that need sharp creases and a polished finish. Steaming is ideal for delicate fabrics like silk or synthetics and is great for quickly refreshing clothes without direct contact.
Let’s be honest—nobody wakes up excited to tackle a pile of wrinkled clothes. But when you're staring down a shirt that looks like it's been balled up in a corner for a week, you've got two options: ironing or steaming.
Both will get rid of those pesky creases, but the approach is where they differ. One takes a bit more elbow grease and patience (we’re looking at you, ironing), while the other seems like a quicker, sleeker fix (hello, steamer). So, which one’s really worth your time?
Before you commit to either, let’s break down the pros and cons of both and see which method fits your routine—and your tolerance for household chores.
Steamer vs. Iron: Which Should You Use to Remove Wrinkles?
Deciding whether to steam or iron your clothes depends on the type of fabric you’re caring for and the finish you’re looking for. Ironing is ideal for structured fabrics like cotton and linen that need crisp, sharp lines. Steaming, on the other hand, works best on delicate or flowy fabrics like silk or polyester, quickly smoothing out wrinkles without the risk of scorching.
Let’s break down the benefits of each technique and which to choose depending on the type of garment you need to un-wrinkle.
Steaming Your Clothes
Benefits:
- Takes less time than ironing, making it a great option for last-minute touch-ups
- Less likely to damage delicate materials
- No risk of burning or creating shiny spots
Ideal For:
- Delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and polyester
- Flowy garments like dresses, blouses, and scarves
- On-the-go wrinkle removal
How to Steam Your Clothes:
- 1. Fill the reservoir with water, plug it in, and wait for it to heat up
- 2. Place your garment on a hanger to ensure it's fully accessible for steaming
- 3. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric to avoid direct contact
- 4. Gently move the steamer up and down, allowing the steam to penetrate the fabric
- 5. Allow the garment to hang for a few minutes after steaming to let any remaining moisture evaporate
Ironing Your Clothes
Benefits:
- Provides sharp, defined lines and a polished look
- Ideal for heavy, structured fabrics where a steamer might not fully smooth out creases
- Allows you to adjust the temperature for different fabrics, offering precise control
Ideal For:
- Structured items like dress shirts, trousers, and blazers that need a crisp, pressed appearance
- Garments with deep or stubborn creases
- Professional and formal wear
How to Steam Your Clothes:
- 1. Fill the reservoir with water, plug it in, and set it to the appropriate temperature for the fabric you’re ironing
- 2. Set up your ironing board in a well-lit, spacious area
- 3. Start with one section of the garment, using smooth, even strokes to press out wrinkles
- 4. For stubborn wrinkles, use the steam function to help relax the fabric fibers
- 5. Once finished, hang the garment immediately to let it cool
3 Reasons to Use Fabric Spray Instead of Steaming or Ironing
Sometimes you need a quick fix for those annoying wrinkles, but dragging out the iron or steamer isn’t always practical. Enter fabric refresher spray (AKA wrinkle releaser). This is your go-to for effortless wrinkle removal. Here are three reasons to reach for the spray bottle instead of the heavy-duty gear.
1. Convenience and Speed
Fabric spray is the ultimate shortcut to wrinkle-free clothes. Just spritz, smooth with your hands, and you’re out the door—no need to wrestle with an iron or wait for a steamer to heat up. Not to mention it fights static cling in the process.
2. Portability
Unlike a bulky iron or steamer, fabric spray is compact and travel-friendly. It’s perfect for last-minute touch-ups in the office, at a hotel, or on the go when you don’t have the time (or patience) for a full ironing session.
3. Fragrance
Beyond just getting rid of wrinkles, fabric sprays infuse your clothes with pleasant scents so you smell as good as you look. Don’t settle for some boring scent, though. Treat your wardrobe to pure luxury with Laundry Sauce.
This premium fabric refresher spray comes in sophisticated fragrances like Australian Sandalwood, French Saffron, and Italian Bergamot, leaving your clothes looking smooth and smelling seductive.
Laundry Sauce Fabric Refresher Spray: Quick Fix Meets Luxurious Fragrance
When it comes to keeping your clothes wrinkle-free, steaming and ironing are both solid options. Steaming offers a quick, gentle touch while ironing delivers that classic crisp finish. But if you’re looking for ultimate convenience while smelling absolutely irresistible, snag a bottle of Laundry Sauce Fabric Refresher Spray.
Whether you need to remove wrinkles in a hurry, stop static ASAP, or eliminate a stubborn odor, this is your new favorite sidekick.
