Which fabrics can you steam safely?

Steaming is an effective way to clean and refresh clothes and other fabrics. But not all materials are suitable for steaming. In this blog, we discuss which fabrics you can safely steam and share tips for using a garment steamer.

Fabrics and materials you can steam

Several fabrics respond well to steaming. Here is a list of materials that can be steamed safely:

• Cotton: Cotton is a natural material that can withstand high temperatures. Steaming cotton clothes helps remove wrinkles and refresh the fabric.   
• Linen: Linen is also a natural material that can be steamed safely. It can even be better to steam it than to wash it, as steaming puts less strain on the fabric.
  
• Wool: Wool can be steamed safely, but make sure you don't let the fabric get too wet from the steam.
  
• Tencel and Bamboo: can be steamed safely
• Flannel: can be steamed safely
• Polyester: Polyester and other synthetic fabrics can also be steamed safely. Always check the label for specific instructions.
  
• Acetate: Acetate can be steamed, but it's also important to keep an eye on the temperature.

Fabrics you should avoid steaming

Some fabrics are best not steamed, as they may get damaged or shrink. Avoid steaming:

• Leather: Leather does not tolerate moisture and heat well, which can lead to damage.
• Suede: Suede can stain and get damaged by steam.   
• Velour: Velour does not tolerate heat or water well.

Tips for steaming clothes

Here are some handy tips to get the most out of your garment steamer:

1. Always check the care label on your clothes before steaming.
   
2. When steaming delicate fabrics, keep the steamer a safe distance from the fabric to avoid scorching it.
3. Steam in vertical movements to treat the fabric evenly.
4. After steaming, hang the clothes up for a while to let them dry completely.

Steaming is a great way to keep your clothes looking fresh and well cared for. By choosing the right fabrics and using the right techniques, you can get the best results. Remember to always be careful with the materials you steam!