Irons

A steam iron heats a metal soleplate to around 200 degrees Celsius while a small internal reservoir converts water into pressurised vapour. Steam released through soleplate holes penetrates fabric, relaxing fibres so wrinkles smooth flat as the iron glides across. Adjustable temperature dials suit cotton, wool, silk, and synthetics.

Options include lightweight dry irons for occasional touch-ups, mainstream steam models for weekly laundry, powerful pressurised generators with separate boiler tanks for large households, garment steamer wands for delicate fabrics on the hanger, and compact travel irons designed for suitcases and short business trips.

A steam iron heats water inside the base, producing modest bursts of vapour suitable for occasional laundry. Steam generators separate the boiler from the ironing unit, delivering continuous high-pressure output above 5 bar. This handles larger loads, thicker fabrics, and vertical steaming without refilling every few minutes.

Prioritise soleplate material (ceramic or stainless steel), continuous steam output above 30 g per minute, variable temperature control, and anti-drip protection. Useful extras include anti-calc systems, self-cleaning function, cord swivel, auto-shutoff after inactivity, and precision tip design for tricky collar and button areas. Higher wattage speeds heat-up.

Standard steam irons draw between 2,000 and 2,800 watts, with more powerful units approaching 3,100 for faster heat-up. Steam generators typically consume 2,200 to 2,600 watts but deliver higher effective ironing thanks to pressurised boilers. Match wattage to household laundry volume and typical fabric mix for best results.

Most modern irons accept regular tap water, though Cyprus has notably hard supplies in many areas. Mixing distilled or filtered water in a 50/50 ratio extends soleplate life and reduces limescale build-up. Never use pure distilled liquid alone, as it can hinder steam generation on newer sensor-controlled models.

Run the self-clean cycle monthly with the tank half full, holding the iron over a sink while steam and loosened debris exit through the soleplate. Wipe the plate cool with a damp cloth and mild vinegar solution. Avoid metal scourers or abrasive pads that scratch delicate coatings.

For households ironing more than six shirts weekly or handling thick bed linen and heavy cotton, absolutely. A steam station cuts ironing time roughly in half, produces sharper creases, and reduces effort thanks to lighter wands. Smaller households or occasional users may not recover the higher upfront investment fully.

Yes, provided you set the correct temperature (usually the two-dot mark for silk, three dots for wool) and use a pressing cloth between the iron and fabric. Vertical steaming with a garment steamer offers even safer treatment for embellished blouses, cashmere jumpers, and heirloom pieces prone to scorching.