A steam iron directs a stream of steam onto fabrics to loosen fibers and remove wrinkles. The steam iron loosens the fibers from the clothes to eliminate wrinkles without coming into direct contact with the item. Instead, these handheld tools release hot steam that users can maneuver along clothing to remove wrinkles.

Because steam irons work without touching the clothing, they are far less likely to burn or damage fabrics. To use a steam iron, hang your clothes, fill the water tank of the steam iron, plug it in, and let it heat up enough to release the steam.

Most steam irons offer heat settings between about 200 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit to suit the needs of different fabric types. Once hot, move the steamer slowly along the garment to loosen the fibers and smooth them out.

Steam irons can be used on a wider range of fabrics. One of the biggest advantages of steam irons is that they can be used on a wider range of fabrics. Hot irons can easily burn or damage more delicate fabrics such as silk, satin, cashmere, and polyester. Because steam irons smooth out wrinkles without coming into direct contact with clothes, they're a safer option for delicate fabrics.

Steam irons also provide a hotter steam setting for heavier fabrics like wool and cotton, so they're not limited to delicate materials. Choosing the correct heat setting for a given fabric type makes a steam iron very versatile.