Steam on the move: more than ironing?

When a newborn arrives at home, or even earlier - when we are expecting it, taking care of its health and safety becomes a priority. This is related to greater hygiene requirements, and therefore we generally have more and more duties related to cleaning, especially washing and ironing.

Washing is not enough

All textiles that a newborn and infant come into contact with should be washed at the highest possible temperature, i.e. at least 60 degrees C. This also applies to new things, e.g. clothes bought for our child (we write more about preparing clothes for the arrival of a child) here).

Washing alone is not enough, because neither the mentioned temperature nor detergents intended for washing children's textiles are able to completely eliminate the ubiquitous pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) or allergens (the source of which are, among others, house dust mites). Because subsequent thermal disinfection, i.e. ironing, is necessary.

Steam washing: reviews

However, before we move on to the topic of ironing, it is worth mentioning the steam wash option. Reviews of this washing method focus on the pluses of no need to use steam detergents. This option will certainly work for allergy sufferers and babies.

Parents, on the other hand, will like the fact that they will not have to look for hypoallergenic products specially designed for washing children's things. According to the opinions, steam washing will successfully disinfect, for example, reusable diapers, depriving them of odors and bacteria. What's more, clothes and bedding will be washed without the use of detergents neutral smell.

Ironing and more

Steam irons (with steam function) are now standard. Products without the steam ironing function are practically no longer available. There are, however, more and more devices on the market that make it possible thanks to better use of hot steam not only classic horizontal ironing, but also vertical steam ironing, freshening and disinfecting various textiles. And without having to take them off and unfold them, for example on an ironing board. We are talking about steam stations, also called steam generators.

Reading the above, you are probably wondering what is steam ironing and how to iron vertically. In the case of steam generators, it's easy. In fact, all you need to do is hang the clothes evenly in a safe and stable place. Then, intuitively, start moving the nozzle of the iron across the fabric. If you haven't really liked ironing by now, you should feel that a vertical steam iron will change your opinion about ironing.

Steam disinfecting action

Opinions, home test results and micrological tests show that devices of this type do properties enable the disinfection of textiles and eliminate up to 99,9% of bacteria and other non-indifferent and sometimes health-hazardous microorganisms. Examples include colon bacilli or golden staph. Although these bacteria are rare in a home environment, ironing with the right devices (e.g. vertical steam iron) can prevent possible contamination. Disinfection with steam can be recommended especially in high-risk groups, including sick children, returning from hospital treatment, with allergies, immunosuppressed or having frequent contact with risk groups in their environment.

Less detergents

Steam ejection via generator it is strong enough and its temperature so high that we are able to provide refreshment and hygiene even to textiles that are not recommended to be washed at high temperatures or which cannot be washed at all. It also makes it possible to use less detergent, which - even the most delicate - can irritate the baby's skin, even if we remember to rinse several times.

Faster and more convenient

High steam pressure and its high temperature significantly reduce the ironing time. This is an invaluable advantage when household chores must be reconciled with taking care of young children. Even thicker fabrics, such as bed linen or sheets, can be folded in many layers and ironed with a few irons.

Steam ironing: reviews

In steam stations, thanks to the external steam tank, the soleplate is lighter and easier to operate, thanks to which the iron is also suitable for vertical ironing, without touching the fabric surface. According to the opinions, you can also successfully use the generator, e.g. to refresh a mattress or children's plush toys.