A STEAM IRON

DEFINITION :

A steam iron is that the heat comes from water vapor. Steam iron offers the speed
and reduce your operational costs. Steam iron can produce a smooth surface faster
than the electric iron. Electric irons require three times while rubbing enough
steam irons one rub directly seamlessly.

A steam iron uses superheated water to eliminate wrinkles in clothes and fabrics
which may not be suitable for traditional dry ironing. Distilled water is usually
poured into a holding tank and special heating elements convert it to steam. This
hot mist comes out through a number of holes in the soleplate (bottom heating
element) of the iron. As the steam loosens the individual fibers of the clothes, the
steam iron's pressing action smooths out wrinkles.

Many traditional dry irons contain a steam option. Water is poured into a small
reservoir and superheated until it becomes usable steam. A mechanical switch on
the handle of the iron allows the user to select the steam setting. The steam itself
should come out of small holes located near the tip of the pressing plate. For most
conventional ironing needs, this combination of dry and steam settings should
suffice. The steam generated by a traditional dry iron may not be overwhelming,
but it will loosen wrinkled fibers.

Some ironing jobs such as curtains or quilts require a much more generous supply
of steam. This is where a true steam iron can be useful. Distilled water is placed in
a larger reservoir in the iron. Users can push a button to receive a burst of steam
when needed. More holes in the soleplate means a more generous supply of steam
while ironing heavier materials like suits or curtains.

Advanced steam iron systems may also feature handheld wands which can direct
clouds of steam in and around vertically-hung garments or curtains. The steam
itself should eliminate wrinkles without the need for a pressing element. Consumer
rating boards suggest that the ability to generate 'vertical steam' is a major plus for
a steam iron system. Some irons that combine dry and steam functions can only
generate steam when the iron is held horizontally over an ironing board. Good
vertical steaming means the iron can be used to iron curtains and quilts in place.

Another important feature to look for in a steam iron is a means to control the
level of steam. Some models only allow for an on/off situation--either the user has
steam or not. Better models have a dialing mechanism which can adjust the
intensity of the steam produced. Consistency of steam is also a consideration. Once
the water has become superheated, the steam should be steady and have some
power behind it. Effective steaming means penetrating individual fibers, not
merely wetting the surface.
MAIN COMPONENTS :

1. Water Spray Nozzle

2. Water Inlet Cover

3. Steam On/Off Button

4. LCD Display

5. Temperature Control Buttons:

TEMP(not visible, on the
opposite side)TEMP Power
On/Off
6. Burst of Steam Button

7. Spray Button

8. Soft Grip Handle

9. Cord Grommet

10. Heel Rest

11. Self-Clean Button

FUNCTION :

A steam iron has a speed three times faster automatic result of three times
more compared to electric irons. So, time and personnel needed for ironing
using a steam iron less than using electric irons.

Free electricity , steam iron does not need electricity at all. Thus when a power
outage ironing job you do not hampered.

Reduce operating costs, by using steam irons loundry your laundry without any
lubricant you iron results remain slippery. steam irons speed that is three times
faster in the appeal of electric irons capable of effecting the performance of
employees.

Eliminate the possibility of sticky clothes or perforated and is safe for all types
of screen printing. Because of the heat generated from the steam iron is more
stable than the electric iron.

HOW TO OPERATE :

If all those clothes you packed up for your move are emerging from their boxes
with deep wrinkles, a dry iron might not be enough to restore them to their usual
smoothness. Steam irons can handle tough creases in most types of fabric, and
they aren't much harder to use than dry irons. Although most steam irons have the
same basic operation, read the instructions that come with your iron carefully, as
each model has its own features and specifications.

Steps :
1

Fill the water tank according to the product's instructions. Some models have a
removable tank that you can fill separately, while others require you to take the
iron itself to the sink. The iron should be unplugged and cold. Don't fill the tank
any higher than its "max" line.
2

Clip the tank back into the iron according to the product's instructions if you have
a removable tank. Plug in the iron.
3

Check the label on the garment to determine the right fabric setting. Set the iron's
temperature level accordingly, and wait for the soleplate to heat up. Some models
have a light that turns on as the iron heats and turns off when it reaches the
desired temperature. Turn on the steam feature when the iron is hot.
4

Spread the garment on an ironing board and iron as you usually would, moving the
iron with the grain of the fabric. The iron will release steam automatically as you
work. Point the iron away from yourself to avoid burning yourself with the steam.
5

Iron a section of fabric only long enough to smooth it, not long enough to dry it.
The fabric should be slightly damp when you finish ironing. If you're ironing a
piled fabric, such as velvet, hold the iron slightly above the garment instead of
pressing down on the material.
6

Spray particularly deep wrinkles with the iron's spray function if water won't
damage the fabric. Iron over the damp section to relax the wrinkles. Some
materials spot when sprayed, so check the garment's label before using this
function.
7

Set the iron on its heel whenever you want to put it down. When you're finished,
unplug the iron. Empty the water carefully while the iron is hot. Rest the iron on
its heel until it's fully cool, then wrap the cord loosely around it and put it away.
HOW TO THREATH :

1. Damp Cloth: Take a large rag, dip it in plain water, and wring out the excess
water. Wipe the irons sole plate with this rag when it is slightly heated to get
rid of the gunk from the sole plate.

For resistant stains, you may use a small amount of a mild detergent and a nylon
mesh pad.

2. Dryer Sheets: Turn the setting of the iron on low and rub a few dryer sheets
over the bottom of your iron until you remove the accumulated dirt and grime.

Finally, iron on a clean rag to remove any traces of residue from the dryer sheets.

3. White Vinegar: Clean the inside of a steam iron by pouring white vinegar, or
equal parts of vinegar and water in the water reservoir until it is one-third full.
Turn it on (medium-high heat setting) and let it steam for about 5-10 minutes
so that all the vinegar evaporates.

Next, fill the chamber with plain water and turn on the iron again to help remove
the remaining mineral deposits and traces of vinegar. Finally, wipe the bottom of
the iron and the steam vents with a paper towel or a clean rag. It shall also help
you get rid of rust collected in the steam vents.
You may not need to follow this procedure if your steam iron uses a replaceable
filter to descale water automatically. In such cases, make sure you replace the filter
as recommended in the user manual.

You can also create a homemade cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of white
vinegar and water, dip a rag in it, and wipe the sole plate with it. In addition, clean
the steam vents clogged with starch buildup with the help of a cotton swab dipped
in this solution.

4. Baking Soda: When dealing with stubborn stains and rust at the irons plate,
rub a paste of two teaspoons of baking soda and a little water on the affected
area.

For best results, apply the paste on a soft cloth, rub it on the plate, and then wipe it
off with a damp cloth. Instead of water, you may mix baking soda with white
vinegar as well.

5. Toothpaste: Scrub off the gunk from the irons sole plate with a little white
toothpaste (not gel).

Finally, wipe it off with a damp cloth to remove the buildup of grime and mineral
deposits.

6. Salt: To clean dirt off the irons plate, put some salt on a paper towel or a
cotton towel and run the iron over it while it is on the highest setting with
steam turned off. The dirt shall stick to the salt, thereby leaving your iron
sparkling clean.
In case there is molten plastic stuck on the sole plate, sprinkle some salt on a piece
of aluminum foil and iron it. This shall help loosen the plastic from the bottom.

If it is something waxy that you need to get rid of, then turn the iron to the highest
setting and run it over a newspaper. To remove oily substances, soak a small
amount of ammonia on a clean rag and wipe the plate with it, followed by a wipe
down with a damp cloth.

Needless to say, you can also use commercially available iron cleaners. The ones
mentioned above, however, are inexpensive, natural, easily accessible and safe to
use.

Additional Tips

Before cleaning the iron, make sure it is cold and unplugged.

In case you have burnt fabric while ironing, then immediately place a wet
sponge on the affected area. Due to the sudden change in temperature, it
shall help peel off the remnant burnt fabric from the sole plate.

Do not clean the sole plate of your iron with a metal scouring pad or steel
wool as it shall damage the iron by causing scratches. Avoid using abrasive
cleaners, too, as they are likely to wear away the coating on the sole plate.

After ironing, remove excess water from the water chamber of a steam iron
while it is still hot to keep it dry and prevent a buildup of mineral deposits.
Thus, empty the reservoir after each use.

To make your clothes iron work smoothly and glide better, you may run it
over a piece of wax paper when the iron is hot. Besides, you can also clean
the iron by running it over wax paper sprinkled with salt.

Read your irons user manual to learn how to clean and maintain the iron to
ensure its efficiency and longevity.

HOW TO REPAIR :

Steam irons do not have many moving parts, so when something goes wrong it
usually stems from poor maintenance and failure to use the proper setting. Since
you rely on a steam iron to remove the wrinkles from your clothes, it's frustrating
when the iron stops working properly, especially when it begins to damage fabrics.
Performing some minor maintenance repairs on the steam iron allows it to return
to normal operation. Using tap water and the correct temperature setting avoids
damage in the future.
Steps :

Check the temperature dial on your steam iron if water drips from the steam
openings along the irons bottom. Increase the iron's temperature to ensure it
produces enough heat to create steam. Attempting to use the iron before it reaches
the desired temperature can also cause water to drip from the iron. Pressing the
steam button on the irons handle repeatedly can also cause water to drip from the
iron. Wait a few seconds between each press of the steam button to ensure each
steam request produces steam. The time can vary based on the irons heat setting.
2

Empty the water from the steam irons water reservoir if the iron leaves brown
streaks on your clothes. Use the steam irons self-cleaning feature if your iron is
equipped with this feature. If your iron does not have a self-cleaning feature, allow
the iron to cool before using a soft cloth to clean irons bottom. Focus on the steam
opening when cleaning the bottom of the iron. Refill the reservoir with tap water.
Do not use bottled drinking water, filtered tap water or soften water as these
waters can cause the brown streaks.
3

Clean the bottom of the hot steam iron with a damp sponge if the bottom of the
iron turns brown. This could be caused by spraying starch on your fabric and
setting the iron at too high a temperature. Once you clean the bottom of the iron,
lower the temperature slightly to avoid scorching the starch.
4

Keep the steam irons water reservoir filled with the appropriate water. Your iron
cannot produce steam without water in the reservoir.
5

Shake the iron slightly if the iron fails to heat once you rotate the dial to your
desired temperature. The safety feature on some irons turns the iron off after it sits
idle for a few minutes. Shaking the iron automatically turns the feature off and
allows the iron to heat.
 A STEAM IRON

By :
Name : Satuniah
Class : XII Akomodasi Perhotelan

ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL

SMK IKPI LABUAN
2016