STACK #256 February 2026

TECH FEATURE

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Ironing is a household chore that nobody really likes doing, and the good news is there’s now a fast and fuss-free alternative. Garment steamers provide the flexibility to quickly banish creases and wrinkles at home or on the go. Here’s what you need to know about these handy appliances. Words Bec Summer

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G arment steamers are a fast, fuss-free way to remove wrinkles and refresh clothes using steam instead of direct heat. Rather than pressing fabric flat like an iron, steamers relax fibres enabling creases to naturally fall out. Designed for speed, simplicity, and convenience, garment steamers are great for

busy households, small apartments, student dorms, and shared spaces where dragging out the ironing board isn’t always an option. Portable models make it even easier to spruce clothes in a hotel room or when out and about; they’re one of those handy appliances that you didn’t know you needed – until you use one.

What are the main benefits?

The biggest benefit of a garment steamer is convenience. There’s no ironing board, no setup, and no temperature guesswork. Steamers are also gentler on clothes, making them ideal for delicate fabrics, structured garments, and items that don’t sit well on an ironing board. They’re also a great way to refresh clothes between washes, helping to reduce odours and bacteria while extending time between laundry days.

How do garment steamers work?

Garment steamers have a small water tank and heating element. When

powered, the water heats up and turns into steam, which is released via a nozzle or steam plate. When that hot steam hits fabric, it loosens the fibres that hold wrinkles in place. Gravity does the rest as the garment hangs, smoothing itself out with minimal effort. There’s no heavy metal soleplate pressing down, so the risk of scorching or flattening delicate fabrics is a lot lower compared to traditional ironing.

The different types of garment steamers Handheld steamers are compact, lightweight and quick to heat up. They’re ideal for small laundry loads, quick touch-ups or travel, and are easy to store.

Standing steamers are larger with a floor base, telescopic pole, and hanging hook. These suit larger households, and steaming several garments at once. Combo or hybrid models combine steaming and ironing into a single appliance, providing flexibility, and saving space if you don’t want to clutter the laundry.

Hybrid steamer

Standing steamer

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36 FEBRUARY 2026