Steam Iron price in Nigeria
In the realm of household appliances, the steam iron stands as a true savior, making the arduous task of ironing fabrics a breeze. As fashion trends evolve and clothing materials diversify, having a reliable and efficient tool to remove creases and wrinkles from garments becomes indispensable. The steam iron, a modern-day innovation, revolutionized the way we approach this seemingly mundane chore. This article explores the ins and outs of steam irons, how they work, their advantages over traditional irons, and essential tips for using and maintaining them.
Table of Contents
What is a Steam Iron?
A steam iron is an advanced version of the conventional dry iron, equipped with a water reservoir that produces steam to aid in the ironing process. By converting water into steam and releasing it through tiny holes on the soleplate, steam irons enable the user to tackle stubborn wrinkles and achieve a smoother finish on various types of fabrics. The combination of heat and steam significantly enhances the ironing efficiency, making it an indispensable tool for households, businesses, and even professional garment care services.
Why Choose a Steam Iron over a Traditional Iron?
The benefits of opting for a steam iron over a traditional iron are numerous and compelling:
Efficiency
The primary advantage of steam irons lies in their efficiency. The introduction of steam allows for quicker and more effective ironing. The steam helps to relax the fabric fibers, making it easier to smooth out wrinkles and creases with minimal effort.
Versatility
Steam irons are versatile appliances, suitable for a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, silk, wool, linen, and synthetic materials. With adjustable temperature and steam settings, they offer more control and precision while ironing delicate fabrics without causing damage.
Professional Results
The combination of heat and steam results in a professional-level finish, leaving your clothes looking crisp and polished. The steam helps to achieve smoother results, even on thick and heavy fabrics.
Time-saving
Steam irons are known for their time-saving capabilities. Due to the increased efficiency in removing wrinkles, you can breeze through your ironing tasks, freeing up time for other activities.
Stubborn Wrinkle Removal
For stubborn wrinkles, steam irons provide a burst of steam, enabling you to target specific areas that require more attention.
Convenient Features
Many modern steam irons come with additional features like anti-drip mechanisms, self-cleaning functions, auto-shutoff, and large water tanks, enhancing user convenience and safety.
How Does a Steam Iron Work?
Understanding the inner workings of a steam iron provides insights into its efficiency:
The primary components of a steam iron include:
Water Tank
A reservoir, usually located near the handle of the iron, stores water that is used to produce steam during the ironing process.
Soleplate
The soleplate is the flat, smooth surface at the base of the iron that comes into direct contact with the fabric. It is equipped with small steam holes to release the steam onto the clothes.
Heating Element
The heating element inside the iron heats the water in the tank, converting it into steam.
Control Panel
Modern steam irons come with a control panel that allows users to adjust the temperature, steam level, and other settings.
The working principle is as follows:
The water in the tank is heated by the heating element, converting it into steam.
The steam travels through a series of chambers within the iron before reaching the soleplate.
When the user presses the steam button or activates the steam function, the steam is released through the tiny holes on the soleplate.
The steam helps to relax the fabric fibers, making them easier to iron out.
Types of Steam Irons:
Traditional Steam Irons:
Traditional steam irons are the most common type, found in many households. They are compact, easy to use, and suitable for a wide range of fabrics. These irons use a built-in water reservoir to produce steam, which is then released through the soleplate to smooth out wrinkles.
Steam Generator Irons:
Steam generator irons are more powerful than traditional ones and are often preferred by those who frequently iron large batches of laundry. They have a separate water tank that can hold a larger volume of water, generating more steam and providing a continuous flow for longer ironing sessions.
Vertical Steam Irons:
Vertical steam irons are designed for specialized tasks like steaming hanging clothes, curtains, and upholstery. They can emit powerful bursts of steam vertically, making them ideal for removing wrinkles from clothes while they are still hanging.
Cordless Steam Irons:
Cordless steam irons offer the convenience of freedom of movement without the restrictions of a power cord. These irons come with a charging base, and once fully charged, they can be used without the cord for a limited time, making them perfect for quick touch-ups or small ironing tasks.
Travel Steam Irons:
Travel steam irons are compact and lightweight, specifically designed for people on the go. They are portable, making them an excellent companion for business trips or vacations when you need to keep your clothes wrinkle-free.
Key Features to Consider in a Steam Iron:
Steam Output and Pressure:
The steam output and pressure determine how effective the iron will be at removing wrinkles. Higher steam output and pressure are generally better, as they can penetrate fabrics more effectively.
Soleplate Material and Design:
The soleplate is the bottom surface of the iron that comes into direct contact with the fabric. It should be smooth and glide effortlessly to prevent snags. Common materials include stainless steel, ceramic, and non-stick coatings.
Water Tank Capacity and Filling Mechanism:
A larger water tank capacity means fewer refills during ironing. Additionally, a convenient filling mechanism, such as a wide water inlet or a removable tank, makes refilling easy and mess-free.
Temperature and Fabric Settings:
The ability to adjust the temperature and fabric settings ensures that you can safely iron different types of fabrics without causing damage.
Anti-Drip and Self-Cleaning Functions:
An anti-drip feature prevents water from dripping onto clothes at lower temperatures, while self-cleaning functions help remove mineral deposits and impurities from the steam vents, extending the iron’s lifespan.
Auto Shut-Off Safety Feature:
An essential safety feature, the auto shut-off, turns off the iron automatically when left idle for a certain period, preventing accidents and saving energy.
Cord Length and Storage:
A longer cord provides more flexibility and maneuverability during ironing. Additionally, a cord storage feature keeps the cord neat and organized when not in use.
Steam vs. Dry Ironing Techniques
Steam Ironing:
Steam irons employ the power of water vapor to aid in the ironing process. As the iron’s soleplate glides over the fabric, it releases bursts of steam that penetrate deep into the fibers, relaxing them and making it easier to smooth out wrinkles. Steam ironing is particularly effective on delicate fabrics, such as silk and linen, as it reduces the risk of scorching the material.
Dry Ironing:
Dry ironing, on the other hand, does not use any steam. The iron’s soleplate is heated to the desired temperature, and the heat alone is used to flatten out wrinkles. While dry ironing is suitable for some fabrics like cotton and denim, it may not be as effective in removing tough creases compared to steam ironing.
Tips for Removing Stubborn Wrinkles
Regardless of whether you’re using a steam or dry iron, removing stubborn wrinkles can sometimes be challenging. Here are some valuable tips to tackle those pesky creases effectively:
a. Use Proper Water:
When using a steam iron, always ensure to use distilled or demineralized water. Tap water contains minerals that can build up over time and clog the iron’s steam vents. Regularly checking and refilling the water reservoir will guarantee a steady supply of steam during the ironing process.
b. Sort Clothing by Fabric Type:
Group your garments according to fabric type and iron them at the appropriate temperature settings. Delicate fabrics like silk and wool require lower heat settings, while sturdy materials like cotton and linen can withstand higher temperatures.
c. Iron Inside Out:
For sensitive fabrics or dark-colored clothing, ironing them inside out will prevent any potential damage to the fabric’s surface or color fading.
d. Steam Boost:
Many modern steam irons come equipped with a steam boost feature. This function delivers an extra burst of steam to tackle particularly stubborn wrinkles. Utilize this feature sparingly to avoid over-saturating the fabric.
e. Use an Ironing Board:
Always iron clothes on an ironing board to ensure even pressure and better results. Avoid using uneven surfaces like beds or countertops, as they can lead to uneven ironing.
f. Keep Iron Clean:
Regularly clean the soleplate of your iron to prevent dirt, grime, and mineral deposits from affecting the ironing process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
a. Iron Not Producing Steam:
If your steam iron fails to produce steam, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
Check the water reservoir: Ensure there is sufficient water in the iron’s reservoir. Refill if necessary, using only distilled or demineralized water.
Unblock steam vents: Mineral deposits and limescale can clog the steam vents over time. Clean the vents gently using a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, then rinse thoroughly.
Check the temperature setting: Make sure the iron is set to the appropriate temperature for steam generation.
b. Water Leakage and Dripping:
Water leakage and dripping from the iron can be frustrating, but you can try the following:
Avoid overfilling: Do not exceed the maximum fill line on the water reservoir to prevent leakage during ironing.
Check the steam controls: Make sure the steam controls and buttons are not stuck or damaged.
Iron in the upright position: Avoid storing the iron horizontally, as this can lead to leaks. Always store it in an upright position when not in use.
c. Uneven Heating or Temperature Fluctuations:
If your iron is experiencing temperature issues, consider the following:
Clean the soleplate: Mineral buildup on the soleplate can lead to uneven heating. Clean it following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Verify power source: Ensure the iron is plugged into a functioning power outlet.
Check temperature settings: Make sure the temperature dial is correctly set for the fabric you are ironing.
Price of steam iron in Nigeria
Philips Steam Iron GC1430/26: ₦13,600
Scanfrost Steam Iron SFSI-2302: ₦13,500
Scanfrost Dry Iron SFDI-1400: ₦7,700
Scanfrost Steam Iron SFSI-2304: ₦9,500
Philips PowerLife Steam Iron GC2994/26: ₦38,100
Qasa Dry Iron DL2288C: ₦7,000
Scanfrost Steam Pressing Iron – SFSI 2303: ₦15,600
Panasonic E510 Electric Iron: ₦21,000
Panasonic E410 Electric Iron: ₦18,000
Frequently Asked Questions about steam iron
How often should I clean my steam iron?
It’s essential to clean your steam iron regularly to maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan. The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use the iron and the hardness of your water. As a general guideline, you should clean your steam iron every 1 to 2 months. If you notice a decline in steam production or visible buildup on the soleplate, it’s a clear indication that it’s time for cleaning.
Can I use tap water in my steam iron?
Using tap water in your steam iron is generally acceptable in most cases. However, it’s crucial to consider the water hardness in your area. If your tap water is particularly hard, it may contain minerals that can accumulate and clog the iron’s steam vents over time. In such cases, using distilled or demineralized water is recommended to prevent mineral deposits and extend the life of your steam iron.
Why is my steam iron not steaming properly?
Several reasons can cause a steam iron to not steam properly:
a. Water level: Ensure that there is enough water in the reservoir, as low water levels can hinder steam production.
b. Temperature: Make sure the iron is set to the appropriate temperature for the fabric you’re ironing. Too low a temperature can result in weak steam, while too high a setting can lead to water leakage.
c. Clogging: Mineral deposits or other debris can clog the steam vents. Clean the iron as instructed in the user manual to remove any blockages.
d. Faulty components: If none of the above seem to be the issue, there might be a problem with the heating element or other internal components. In such cases, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or a professional for repair.
How long does a steam iron take to heat up?
The time it takes for a steam iron to heat up can vary depending on the model and its wattage. Generally, most steam irons take around 1 to 3 minutes to reach their operating temperature. However, some high-end models equipped with advanced heating elements may heat up even faster. Always refer to the user manual for specific information about your steam iron’s heating time.
