The application of steam is a great way to get wrinkles out of delicate fabrics. Most travel steamers have smaller water reservoirs than their full-sized counterparts, so if you have a lot of work to do, you may need to refill yours more often. Some travel steamers may also produce less steam than traditional models. Nevertheless, many people agree that a steamer is a more convenient appliance than an iron.

Here are some of the main advantages of owning a travel steamer.

• Portable

• Won’t burn clothing

• Can be used on almost any type of fabric

• Sanitizes and removes wrinkles

• No chemicals (unlike dry cleaning)

• Low cost (unlike dry cleaning)
   

Keep in mind that although steamers are highly convenient, they cannot produce the crisp creases that you can achieve with a steam iron and ironing board.

Here are the main things to consider when shopping for a travel steamer.

Make sure your chosen travel steamer is suitably lightweight for travel. It should be compact enough to fit easily inside your suitcase. A unit that’s too heavy will be cumbersome to pack and challenging to hold, as well. Most travel steamers vary in weight from just over one pound to a little over three pounds.

A larger reservoir usually means that the unit will be heavier when full. But it also means the device holds more water, which translates to a longer steam time and less-frequent refilling.

How quickly does the travel steamer heat up? Heating times can range from 20 seconds to several minutes. If you’re a last-minute kind of person, opt for a steamer with quick heating so you can plug in and go. Many manufacturers state the device heating time on the package.

How big is the water reservoir? A larger reservoir may allow you to steam more than one garment before you need a refill. Most travel steamers have water tanks that provide enough steam for one item of clothing at a time.

A good steamer doesn’t spray hot water; it produces a steady stream of hot steam. Look at the product description to discover how long the unit can produce a continuous stream of steam. Avoid models for which users have complained of water leakage.

Steamers with higher wattage are more powerful but may be larger, bulkier, and not ideal for travel purposes.

The best travel steamers are easy to use. The tank is removable for cleaning and filling, and the unit doesn’t leak or dribble water. The cord is long enough to maneuver the steamer without fuss; it may even be retractable. The controls or buttons make sense, and the handle is comfortable to hold as you de-wrinkle your clothing.

Most steamers have an auto shutoff feature that turns off the device when the water reservoir is empty.

Wall outlets differ depending on where you are in the world. For overseas travel to Europe, you’ll need a dual-voltage device or an adapter to use the steamer with a different outlet type. Notably, it might be tough to find a steamer with dual voltage; this feature is more common in travel irons.

• Budget travel steamers: $25 and under
  Travel steamers in this price range take longer to heat up, have smaller water reservoirs, and produce shorter continuous bursts of steam. They tend to be less powerful, too, with most models providing under 1,000 watts of power.
• Mid-range travel steamers: $30 to $50
  For a bit more money, you can get a travel steamer that heats faster and has a larger water tank. Most units in this range provide at least 1,000 watts of power.
• Premium travel steamers: $50 and up
  The priciest travel steamers offer more powerful wattage (over 1,000 watts). They heat up very quickly and deliver long, steady bursts of steam.

A travel steamer can help get out stubborn wrinkles when you’re on the go, but the first step to wrinkle-free travel is actually the proper packing of your suitcase. Here are some tips for wrinkle-free packing.

• Roll cotton tees and clothes instead of folding them.

• Choose synthetic fabrics to pack since they won’t wrinkle as easily as cotton. Wool is also wrinkle proof.

• Use packing cubes to keep clothing from tumbling around inside your suitcase.

• Neatly fold sweaters and shirts into squares. Use plastic bags (dry-cleaning bags are a good choice) to prevent wrinkling.

• Keep smaller items like underwear and lingerie in zip-lock bags.

• Minimize loose space to prevent jostling. Use items like socks to fill in the gaps.

• Don’t overpack. A fully packed suitcase can squish and compress your clothing, causing it to wrinkle and crease unnecessarily.

• Bundle wrap your clothing to keep your garments looking neat and tidy. The method involves wrapping delicate, wrinkle-prone items with clothing less likely to wrinkle.

Q. Do travel steamers come with accessories?
A. Some travel steamers may come with a brush attachment or lint roller attachment to help keep your clothes looking sharp. But steamers are relatively basic devices, and you don’t need extra accessories to steam your clothing correctly.

Q. What’s the best way to clean my travel steamer?
A. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside your steamer head and clog the unit. To thoroughly remove residue, fill the water reservoir with vinegar. Turn on the steamer and let the steam run its course. Once the reservoir has emptied, repeat the process with water. Rinse the tank when you’re done.

Q. Should I use distilled water in my steamer?
A. The use of distilled water is recommended but not necessary. Using distilled water helps reduce buildup and mineral deposits, but it’s not dangerous to use regular tap water to steam clothing. If you don’t regularly clean your steamer, however, mineral deposits may eventually produce white stains on fabric.