Steam instead of ironing

Short answer: Steam smooths the fabric without pressing the fibres flat. It is the gentlest method for bamboo viscose, and it needs neither an ironing board nor much time. You can use a handheld steamer or simply the steam from a hot shower.

How steam works

The moisture in the steam loosens the fibres, so creases from washing or storage can relax. The weight of the fabric does the rest when the garment hangs freely. The fabric is not pressed flat, as it would be with an iron, but falls into place by itself. This works well on women's bamboo joggers.

Why it suits bamboo viscose

Bamboo viscose is a soft fabric with a natural drape. It creases easily after washing, but the creases rarely set. That is why pressure and high heat are not needed to remove them. Steam gives the fibres enough moisture and movement to smooth out, and the soft surface is kept because nothing presses on it.

No iron in the bathroom

The easiest method needs no equipment. Hang the garment on a hanger in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, and close the door so the steam stays in the room. After a quarter of an hour, most creases are gone. This suits a long sleeve bamboo t-shirt well, as the sleeves often crease after washing.

With a handheld steamer

A handheld steamer does a T-shirt in about a minute. Hang the garment on a hanger, pull gently on the hem with one hand and move the steam down the fabric with the other. Keep the steam moving calmly and hold it a little away from the fabric. Work from the shoulders downwards.

No shiny patches

When an iron is pressed onto fabric, the surface can turn smooth and shiny, especially on dark colours. That does not happen with steam, because nothing touches the fabric. This makes steam a good choice for garments like a bamboo sweatshirt for men, where a shiny patch on the chest would be easy to see.

Prevent creases in the wash

The fewer creases that form, the less you need to steam. Use a gentle programme with a low spin speed, and take the laundry out as soon as the machine finishes. Shake out each piece and hang it up straight away. Clothes left in a wet heap in the drum get the deepest creases.

Hang it up properly

How you hang clothes to dry makes a big difference. Pull seams and edges into shape while the fabric is wet, and use a wide hanger for tops. Heavy pieces such as sweats are best laid flat on a drying rack. That way they dry in the right shape, and there is often nothing left to steam.

When the iron is still worth it

Steam handles most everyday creases, but it will not give a sharp edge. If you want a crisp fold, for example on a hem or a collar, you need an iron. Use low heat, turn the garment inside out and place a thin cloth between them. For everyday clothes, steam is usually enough.

Frequently asked questions

Is steam enough for all creases

For most, yes. Sharp pressed folds, for example on a hem, need an iron, but ordinary creases from washing and storage disappear well with steam.

Can steam damage the fabric

No, as long as you keep the steam moving along the fabric. Do not hold it in one spot for long, and keep a little distance so the fabric does not get soaked.

How long does it take

About a minute per T-shirt with a handheld steamer, and around a quarter of an hour in a steamy bathroom. Heavy pieces such as sweats can take a little longer.