Daisy Lester at The Independent once asked our founder, Ben Fridja, to help with an article on the difference between clothes steamers and irons. We enjoyed answering so much that we turned it into this guide, now updated for life in the UAE, where light fabrics, air conditioning and busy mornings all change how you look after your clothes.

How a clothes steamer differs from an iron

An iron presses fabric flat between a hot plate and an ironing board. It relies on heat and pressure, which is why it gives such a sharp crease, and also why it can leave shiny marks or scorch a delicate fabric.

A clothes steamer works the other way round. The garment hangs as you would wear it, and hot steam relaxes the fibres so the creases drop out. Nothing heavy presses on the fabric. Fashion shows and clothes shops around the world use steamers for exactly this reason: they are quick, flexible and very gentle.

Ben first used a steamer as a student working in a large clothes shop on Oxford Circus. "The first time I saw a clothes steamer in action, it felt like magic," he says. "Ironing was something much more domestic, and perhaps boring." Even Peter Jones asked him on Dragons' Den why someone wouldn't just use an iron, so it is a fair question.

Which is better for UAE wardrobes?

Both have their place. An iron still gives the crispest finish on shirt collars, cuffs and trouser creases. For almost everything else, a steamer is easier and safer, and that matters with the fabrics many of us wear here.

• Abayas and shaylas: chiffon, crepe and georgette are easy to scorch with an iron. A steamer smooths them while they hang, with no shine.
• Kanduras: long panels are awkward on an ironing board. Hang the kandura and steam from top to bottom in long strokes.
• Silk, satin and sheer fabrics: steam from a short distance and they relax quickly.
• Suits and office wear: steaming refreshes a jacket between dry cleans and helps it look and smell fresher.
• Curtains: steam them while they are still on the rail, which is far easier than taking them down.

For more detail fabric by fabric, see our guide to what fabrics can be steamed.

Which is faster, a steamer or an iron?

For most people, the steamer. By the time you have set up an ironing board and waited for the iron to heat, you could have steamed your outfit and left the house. Because the garment hangs as you wear it, you are also less likely to press new creases in by accident. Ben puts it simply: he has used an iron a handful of times in the last decade, and a steamer almost every day.

Steaming suits apartment living too. There is no board to store, and an upright steamer can stand in a bedroom corner, ready for the school run, the office or a last check before an evening out.

What to look for when buying a clothes steamer

Steam output and build

Strong, steady steam is what removes creases from heavier fabrics. On an upright steamer, look for a sturdy pole, a built-in hanger and a large water tank, so you are not refilling halfway through a week of work shirts.

Easy descaling

UAE tap water, much of it desalinated, can leave limescale inside a steamer over time, and scale reduces the steam. Choose a steamer that is simple to clean, and descale it regularly. Our Clothes Steamer Descaling Crystals are made for the job: use a quarter packet in the f1200.

A brand that stands behind its product

As Vivienne Westwood said, "Buy less, choose well, make it last." A well-built steamer from a brand that offers proper support will see you through years of daily use.

Our f1200 Clothes Steamer Pro is an upright steamer built for this kind of everyday use, from work shirts and suits to abayas, saris, wedding dresses and curtains. Add the f40 Fabric Shaver to remove bobbles from knitwear, and most of your garment care is covered.

FAQs

Can a clothes steamer replace an iron?

For most everyday clothes, yes. Keep an iron if you want very sharp creases on formal shirts or trousers, but a steamer handles dresses, suits, abayas, kanduras and delicates more gently.

Is steaming safe for delicate fabrics?

Steaming is generally kinder than ironing because nothing hot presses on the fabric. Check the care label, test a hidden area first and keep the steamer head moving.

What water should I use in a clothes steamer in the UAE?

Follow your steamer's instructions. Tap water builds up scale over time, so descale regularly to keep the steam strong.

Can I steam curtains?

Yes. Steam them while they hang on the rail, working from top to bottom in slow strokes.

Ready to put the ironing board away? Browse our garment care range, with free UAE delivery, fast local dispatch and Tabby instalments. For more tips, our YouTube channel has step-by-step steaming videos.