Is Ironing or Steaming Better for Your Clothes? A Fabric Expert Settles the Debate

The thought of dragging out and setting up an ironing board is enough to make most people either choose another outfit, or live with the consequences of walking around in wrinkly clothing. Ironing is a tedious task—even ranking in the top 6 of our readers' most dreaded chores. Fortunately, clothes steamers take up less space and (usually) require less laborious work to achieve wrinkle-free results. But they’re not always the most effective choice depending on the fabric. In fact, steaming certain materials can actually have an adverse effect on them.

We asked a textile scientist and fabric expert to advise on which articles of clothing respond best to steam and which require rolling up your sleeves and grabbing the iron. Consider this your guide to knowing which method to use the next time you’re faced with a crumpled-up camisole or pair of creased chinos.

The Difference Between Ironing and Steaming

According to textile scientist Vianna Chan, there’s a subtle, yet important, difference between the two techniques. “Steaming is a gentler way to release wrinkles than ironing,” she says. “The combination of heat and moisture from the steamer relaxes fibers, which helps to reduce wrinkles and works well on more delicate pieces.” One of the reasons some garments fare better with this method is that the steamer doesn’t come in direct contact with the fabric. Steaming can also help to refresh items without needing to run them through the washer and, as Chan adds, works as a mild disinfectant.

Then, there is ironing, which, according to Chan, “is more intense as you also apply pressure to the fabric to smooth it out.” The direct heat from the iron’s metal plate can be too aggressive on delicates but necessary for more structured or heavy-duty materials. While steaming might be quicker and more convenient, ironing will provide a crisp, polished appearance to clothing that needs it.

Overall, Chan believes that ironing is more effective than steaming when it comes to wrinkle removal. But there is some good news for those who don’t like the hassle of ironing. She also explains that “it is meant to handle heavier duty materials that generally wrinkle less easily anyways.” Translation: You shouldn’t have to iron all that often. Keep reading as she walks us through when and how you should use one method or the other.

When to Use the Iron

The rule of thumb is pretty simple: “If you need a crisp edge or clean lines, and it is a hardy or thick fabric—like denim or a button-down shirt—an iron works fine,” Chan says. If you’re in the habit of air-drying your jeans, you likely find that they end up feeling extra wrinkly and stiff. An iron can easily help bring them back to life. Natural fibers, like cotton (which traditional denim is made from) and linen, equally hold up well when ironed. Ironing is also ideal for creating pleats in dress pants.

You can use an iron for some synthetic fabrics, like polyester, but with caution. Make sure it’s on a lower heat setting and place a cloth as a barrier between the material and the metal plate to protect the fibers. Then, there are things you should abstain from ironing altogether. “Avoid pile fabrics (in other words, anything with a raised surface like corduroy or velvet) as it will crush the surface,” explains Chan. She also advises to steer clear of ironing delicates, such as items made of silk, cashmere, or wool, as doing so can crush, burn, or discolor the material.

When to Use the Steamer

Most materials can be steamed, but there are some things to bear in mind. “Avoid any bonded materials (things with a coating or laminate) as they may melt, as well as specialty textured materials (like leather and suede),” she says. For other unique materials, such as velvet, or embellished items, like a shirt with sequins, Chan recommends turning the garment inside out, using the lowest temperature setting, and keeping the steamer at least a half inch away from the fabric. In general, steaming is gentler on your clothes, meaning it will reduce the amount of wear and tear over time.

More Wrinkle Removal Tips

Chan leaves us with some more suggestions for releasing those wrinkles and protecting your clothing in the process.

First, if you don’t have a steamer on hand (or have access to one, such as during a hotel stay), Chan proposes hanging wrinkled items in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. Note that if you have a steam shower at home, the hot steam likely won’t reach the items if they’re hung outside as they’re designed to keep it inside the enclosed space.

She also recommends testing on inconspicuous areas if you’re unsure about using an iron or steamer on a new item. Steamers, for example, can create water stains if you fill them with your home’s hard water and mineral deposits are left behind. In that case, Chan suggests steaming the item inside out. “Even better,” she adds, “you can put a pantyhose over the nozzle to prevent water from spraying everywhere.”

Lastly, using distilled water and descaling your steamer, as well as routinely cleaning your iron, will help prevent unsightly stains on your clothes and keep them in good, working condition.