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Hand held steamer. Would it replace an iron?

(13 Posts)
Nagmad2016 Sun 05-Apr-26 15:25:17

I have arthritic hands and struggle to do my ironing due to the weight of the iron and repetitive use. I have been considering buying a hand held steamer to avoid having to iron. Has anyone used one of these and do you think it would benefit me for reasons given? Can it replace the iron, or is it just for particular type garments and items? It would be nice to hear from someone who has used one successfully.

Doodledog Sun 05-Apr-26 15:37:30

I have one and use it for things like coats that have creased where they've been sat on, and for steam blocking knitting.

Steamers do work, but I don't think would totally replace an iron. Fiddlier bits like facings and shoulders really need more 'hands on' attention, IMO.

JTH65 Sun 05-Apr-26 15:37:37

I have just come in here for the first time in a long while and seen your question. Unfortunately I don’t have an answer and wait for any to you but having had a steamer I would
Think not. I think it would depend on what you like to iron. Many years ago I went to the Ideal Home Exhibition where there was on display a clothes press type thing which was table top. Years later I met someone who had one and swore by it. A bit like a very small board used on a table top that you placed the garment in pulled the top down and hey presto all done in seconds. Not cheap but worth every penny she reckoned. smile.

BlueBelle Sun 05-Apr-26 15:57:48

I only use a very cheap steamer if needed now, I don’t own a iron but then I never ironed much anyway

Casdon Sun 05-Apr-26 16:07:01

No, it wouldn’t if you like your clothes ironed, particularly if you like linen. I’ve got both, but I’m not a fan of the steamer except for bedding.

Nagmad2016 Sun 05-Apr-26 16:50:13

Thanks for your replies. I suspect that if it was used in place of an iron it may still cause problems with my hands and wrists. I do like linen and ironed clothing, I just thought it may help. I may buy a cheap version for sorting out packaged clothing I have bought on line, but I don't think I could manage really without an iron. Thanks everyone for your help.

Whingey Sun 05-Apr-26 18:56:07

Saw one from JML.sounds good 😊

Rocketstop2 Sun 05-Apr-26 19:01:14

I think you can buy really lightweight irons that may be better than the one you currently have ?

Retread Sun 05-Apr-26 20:14:49

There was a discussion on this topic a few months ago, hope this helps:

www.gransnet.com/forums/house_and_home/1355793-Clothes-steamers

Tenko Sun 05-Apr-26 20:38:56

I’ve got a hand held steamer and it’s no replacement for an iron imo.

Nagmad2016 Sun 05-Apr-26 20:48:41

Thanks Retread, I will take a look.

MT62 Sun 05-Apr-26 22:36:22

I bought mine in the charity shop- wanted it to steam my new curtains, whilst hung up. Worked a treat.
No I still iron jeans & tops with a regular iron.
This is ok for delicate blouses, & cashmere jumpers etc.
I also steamed my headboard, steamed the carpet under the bedside drawers (as I spotted a carpet beetle) & used it to clean my suede trainers.
It’s going on Holiday with me instead of my travel iron which is useless.
I think I’ve had my ‘tenners’worth out of it 😊

Nagmad2016 Mon 06-Apr-26 07:38:34

Thank you. Does yours have a brush head or just flat steam head? I suppose the brush would be useful for cleaning trainers and carpet etc.. I think I will buy a cheap one just to get it out of my system.