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The best handheld clothes steamers for a fresh and fabulous wardrobe
Creases be gone
No gadget has transformed our lives quick like the clothes steamer. Forget lugging out the clunky ironing board before a night out to get that crease out of your top, all you need to do is plug in your steamer and within minutes your top is ready. Plenty more time available for cocktails now.
But when it comes to knowing which steamer is best for you and how much money you should be spending on one, it can be a little tricky. There's a variety of handheld steamers available varying drastically in price and steaming abilities. So we've rounded up our favourite handheld steamers, and some are currently on sale in Amazon's Spring Deal Days.
What can you use a handheld clothes steamer for?
Clothes steamers can be used on all your garms, from cotton t-shirts to linen jackets. Just remember to take the steam down a notch when tackling delicate fabrics like silk, velvet and chiffon. Oh and turn any printed tops inside out, or else the design might melt. Not ideal...
By all means put them through their paces on curtains, sofas, cushions and pet beds, too. They’re versatile little machines.
Which is better, steamer or iron?
We’re obsessed with our clothes steamer. For starters, there’s no need to clutter your flat with an ironing board. Simply find a door frame to hang your dress from and you’re good to go. They’re a portable dream, which is great if you’re a globetrotter too.
Steamers are also lifesavers if, like us, you’re always behind on your washing. The steam kills any gross bacteria, refreshing your clothes when you find yourself with nothing to wear.
Lastly, irons are more likely to burn your clothes with the hot metal plates. Steamers merely relax the material, meaning the creases drop out damage-free. It’s a no-brainer.
How to use a handheld clothes steamer
Fill up the water tank and plug the steamer in. Once steam starts coming out of the nozzle, angle it slightly to avoid droplets falling onto your clothes. Gently pull your outfit tight on its hanger and run the steamer over it, using slow, downward strokes. Leave it to dry for five or so minutes before throwing it on and dashing out the door.
Ready, steady, steam...
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
Millie is our food, wine and spirits writer, with five years’ experience writing product reviews, buying guides, breaking news and about the latest trends.
Millie has also reviewed countless restaurants and written travel features for British GQ, The Telegraph and the Independent, and has interviewed a number of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc.
Founder of creative catering brand @grazeandgorge, Millie also spends her time creating seasonal recipes and tablescape content, as well as planning her next golden retriever-friendly getaway and rearranging her own home bar cart (... again).
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
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