Steamer/Steaming of Suits

[exchange239]

I've always thought about getting a steamer in general, but just never got around to it.

I've noticed on/off for sometime that every now and then there will be a smell (nothing hideous or foul) coming from the closet of where I keep my suits. I have a odor elimiator in the closet and do make it habit of brushing my suits off after wear, but guess normal wear just accounts for that.

In any case, I wanted to see what everyone else thinks about steaming the suits before putting them up. I know some people say that steaming a suit locks in the dirt/debris, while others think it helps so.

 

[either/or]

..

 

[a tailor]

steam is heat and moisture. that softens and opens the wool yarns. this allows the yarns to absorb the dirt and debris more easily. after that you can press the garment so as to seal in the dirt.
for more info go to search and ask for "a dry cleaning rant" dated 7-6-09.

 

[stubloom]

In the process of wearing your suits, they pick up dust and soil, perspiration (water-based stains), and body oils, creams and lotions (oil-based stains). These accumulate in the fibers of your suits JUST BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT THE SUITS ARE BEING WORN.

Question: Can steam (from a steamer or shower) do ANYTHING to remove dust and soil, perspiration, and oils, creams and lotions? And that's assuming you didn't spill your martini or drip salad dressing on your suit.

Answer? No.

Remain unconvinced? Hit the underarms of your suits with steam from a steamer. And then immediately smell the underarms of those garments. (Warning: keep a bottle of smelling salts handy).

Fact is, steam releases odor but does nothing to REMOVE the on-going cause of the odors.

 

[Reggs]

If your clothes have a smell that means your whole home smells. Clean up better and take the trash out more frequently.

 

[exchange239]

Originally Posted by Reggs

If your clothes have a smell that means your whole home smells. Clean up better and take the trash out more frequently.

Ok that's clearly not what's the issue here,as I had mentioned it was nothing hideous or foul.

Also considering I am rarely home, and have a weekly cleanup service that is definitely not the case.

Thanks for your very very helpful feedback though...