The Difference Between a Steam Iron And a Traditional Iron

The difference between a steam hanging iron and a traditional iron

In the field of clothing care, steam hanging irons and traditional irons are both commonly used tools. There are many differences between them in terms of working principles, usage methods, and applicable scenarios.

Working principle

Steam hanging iron: It mainly heats the water in the water tank into steam through the internal heating device, and then sprays the steam onto the clothes through the nozzle. Steam has a certain temperature and humidity, which can soften the fibers of clothing, thereby achieving the purpose of removing wrinkles. At the same time, a large amount of steam can also have a certain sterilization and disinfection effect on clothing.

Traditional iron: It uses a heating element to heat the metal base plate at the bottom of the iron. When the base plate reaches a certain temperature, it contacts the clothes and applies a certain pressure to make the clothing fibers deform due to heat, thereby smoothing the wrinkles.

Usage

Steam hanging iron: The operation is relatively simple. Generally, the clothes are hung on a hanger or a hanging rod, and the hanging iron nozzle is held and sprayed with steam on the clothes at an appropriate distance. During use, it is not necessary to apply great pressure to the clothes like a traditional iron, and the nozzle can be moved flexibly to iron various parts of the clothes. It is especially suitable for long clothes in a hanging state, such as dresses and coats.

Traditional iron: The clothes need to be laid flat on the ironing board, and the user moves the iron back and forth on the clothes and applies appropriate pressure. During the ironing process, the position of the clothes needs to be adjusted frequently. For some large and long clothes, the operation may be relatively troublesome, and if the operation is improper, it is easy to leave iron marks on the clothes.

Applicable scenarios and effects

Steam hanging iron: For some thin and wrinkle-prone clothes, such as silk and chiffon, the steam hanging iron can quickly remove wrinkles without damaging the clothes, and maintain the softness and luster of the clothes. At the same time, it has a good overall wrinkle removal effect on the clothes, and can make the whole piece of clothing flat in a short time. In addition, because it is wrinkle-removing by steam, even clothes with complex decorations and multi-layer structures can be easily dealt with.

Traditional irons: more suitable for ironing clothes that need obvious fold lines, such as the collar, cuffs, and trouser seams of shirts. Straight lines can be shaped by the pressure and high temperature of the iron. For some thick and tightly textured clothes, such as denim and thick cotton jackets, the high temperature and pressure of traditional irons can better penetrate into the fibers and remove wrinkles.

Safety and convenience

Steam hanging irons: usually have safety functions such as anti-dry burning and automatic power off, which are safer to use. Moreover, its water tank is detachable, which is convenient for adding water, and the body is generally light, easy to store and carry.

Traditional irons: If some traditional irons are plugged in for a long time and unattended, there may be safety hazards, such as overheating and causing fire. At the same time, traditional irons need to be used with ironing boards, and the overall volume is large, which is not very convenient to store.

In summary, steam hanging irons and traditional irons have their own characteristics. Consumers can choose suitable clothing care tools according to their own needs and usage habits.