Clean your iron regularly so that the steam vents don't become clogged and the metal plate doesn't get sticky. These irons do not create any steam (which is important to get out the wrinkles) and you’ll either need a dampened pressing cloth in between the iron and the item you want to iron, use a spray bottle, or make sure the garment is a little damp. If your steam iron has a steam shut-off switch, turn or slide the dial to the "OFF" position. The steam function on a steam iron provides the key to ridding your clothes of wrinkles easily, without burning the fabric. Then, lay the garment out perfectly flat on the ironing board. Steam irons come with fantastic technology and are really easy to use if you know how, so this guide will talk you […] How to Clean an Iron with Vinegar. Dry irons are hard to find now-a-days. Steamers work by heating water until it becomes steam. But for the sole question, “How to steam iron curtains safely and effectively? A soft, damp to wet cloth works well to clean dried starch from the ironing plate that accumulated from the previous ironing session. Any tool is only as good as the person using it, so these tips on how to use a steam iron to iron clothes are essential if you want to get it right. Once the iron is heated it can be used like any other iron. Some irons that combine dry and steam functions can only generate steam when the iron is held horizontally over an ironing board. Distilled water is best because it leaves no mineral residue. Clean your iron regularly so that the steam vents don't become clogged and the metal plate doesn't get sticky. "Once the red light is off, the iron should be ready to use," Barodawala says. HOW TO USE THE STEAM FUNCTION. After filling your iron's water compartment, be sure to give the iron enough time to heat up. "Once the red light is off, the iron should be ready to use," Barodawala says. The steam function on a steam iron provides the key to ridding your clothes of wrinkles easily, without burning the fabric. Over time, steam generators can build up scale.The harder the water in your area, the faster scale impurities develop and solidify. If you want to use your steam iron as a dry iron, simply empty the water from the iron or set the iron to its dry heat setting. Consumer rating boards suggest that the ability to generate 'vertical steam' is a major plus for a steam iron system. A wet cotton swab can be used to clean out the steam vents. The steam cycle is automatic and will steam clothing without any drips or leaks. Many people use a steam iron to press fabrics because steam heat changes the shape of the fabric threads faster than dry heat. As an overview, a steam generating iron looks just like a traditional iron but has a water tank or compartment. How to Use a Clothes Steamer. Fill the reservoir of the iron with water.