The garment steamer, also known as a clothes steamer or fabric steamer, is a device used to remove wrinkles and freshen up clothing and other fabrics. The origins of the garment steamer can be traced back to the 19th century, when inventors began experimenting with steam as a method of removing wrinkles from fabrics.
One of the earliest steamers was the "Victoria Steamer," patented in 1880 by the American inventor George W. Way. The Victoria Steamer was a large, cumbersome machine that used a boiler to generate steam, which was then piped through a hose and directed onto the fabric.
Over the years, improvements were made to the design of the garment steamer, making it smaller, more portable, and easier to use. In the 1920s, the first portable steamers were developed, which were used primarily by tailors and seamstresses to remove wrinkles from clothing.
In the 1950s, Jiffy Steamer Company, a company still in operation today, introduced a handheld steamer that was more convenient for home use. This device featured a water reservoir and a nozzle that emitted steam when pressed against fabric.
Today, garment steamers come in a variety of sizes and styles, from handheld models to larger, industrial-grade units used in commercial settings. They have become a popular alternative to traditional ironing, as they are often faster and easier to use, and can be gentler on delicate fabrics.
Besides,a garment steamer is a device that uses hot steam to remove wrinkles and freshen up clothes, curtains, and other fabrics. The working principle of a garment steamer is relatively simple.
When the device is turned on, water is heated to produce steam, which is then released through a nozzle. The nozzle directs the steam onto the fabric, relaxing the fibers and removing wrinkles.
Here are the basic steps involved in the working of a garment steamer:
Filling the water tank: The garment steamer has a water tank that needs to be filled with water. Once the device is plugged in and turned on, the water in the tank is heated to produce steam.
Producing steam: As the water is heated, it starts to boil, producing steam. The steam is then forced out of the nozzle by the device's internal pressure.
Directing the steam: The nozzle of the garment steamer is used to direct the steam onto the fabric. The steam relaxes the fibers, making them pliable and easier to work with. The heat from the steam also kills bacteria and removes unpleasant odors from the fabric.
Removing wrinkles: As the steam is directed onto the fabric, wrinkles start to disappear. The garment steamer is moved back and forth over the fabric, ensuring that all areas are treated with steam.
Overall, the garment steamer is an efficient and convenient way to remove wrinkles and freshen up clothes and other fabrics. It works by using hot steam to relax the fibers of the fabric and remove wrinkles, making the process quicker and easier than using an iron.