Steaming Suits

[jrd617]

This topic has been addressed before, but not in sufficient detail. The consensus on SF is to dry clean suits sparingly so that the wool doesn't get damaged by the perc and the lapels/shoulders keep their shapes. Most suggest brushing suits after wear to remove particles from the fabric and a steamer (Jiffy, etc.) to remove wrinkles and deodorize. However, do clothes steamers really get hot enough to kill germs and mildew? This recent NYT article got me thinking. Also, will steaming a suit once or twice a week cause wool to develop a sheen?

 

[phxlawstudent]

I remember this topic coming up before. It was determined that the steaming actually "locked in" the dirt and sweat. Aka, it was not a good idea to steam the garment without cleaning it.

 

[jrd617]

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

I remember this topic coming up before. It was determined that the steaming actually "locked in" the dirt and sweat. Aka, it was not a good idea to steam the garment without cleaning it.
As for the dirt, this is what you use after every wear:

That way, it won't settle into the fibers.

 

[mic]

Apologies for the threadjack, but that article reminded me of why I stand on the NYC subway (even though the seats are hard plastic and therefore moreasily cleaned). Only I'm much, much, much more concerned about bedbugs.

The bacteria issue presented by the article is a little alarmist. First of all, many, many of us harbor MRSA... to say that someone with an infection was wearing shorts and passed the infection is likely inaccurate. The truth is, the bacteria is a lot more ubiquitous than that. We are generally colonized, rather than infected... it's right inside (as opposed to under) our noses. It isn't usually a danger unless someone is in a weakened state.

 

[Achilles_]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Soft-Clothes-Bru...#ht_1859wt_905

Really cheap option. Not sure on quality.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

http://tuttofattoamano.blogspot.com/...-steamers.html

Steaming doesn't cause sheen, ironing without a press cloth does. Sheen is caused by friction. Steam actually could help reduce the appearance of sheen.


/thread

 

[a tailor]

Originally Posted by jrd617

As for the dirt, this is what you use after every wear:

That way, it won't settle into the fibers.


ok the4 brush will clear off the surface junk. what about the fine grit etc that already works its way into the cloths weave?
better yet, take a look at those bristles on the brush. how much abrasion from that brush can your suits fabric take? its probably more than dry cleaning.
even soft bristles do abrade.

 

[GBR]

Originally Posted by mic

Apologies for the threadjack, but that article reminded me of why I stand on the NYC subway (even though the seats are hard plastic and therefore moreasily cleaned). Only I'm much, much, much more concerned about bedbugs.

The bacteria issue presented by the article is a little alarmist. First of all, many, many of us harbor MRSA... to say that someone with an infection was wearing shorts and passed the infection is likely inaccurate. The truth is, the bacteria is a lot more ubiquitous than that. We are generally colonized, rather than infected... it's right inside (as opposed to under) our noses. It isn't usually a danger unless someone is in a weakened state.

Paranoia I would sugest.

 

[idfnl]

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

I remember this topic coming up before. It was determined that the steaming actually "locked in" the dirt and sweat. Aka, it was not a good idea to steam the garment without cleaning it.
Brush, then steam. The purpose of steaming is to release wrinkles, there is no cleaning component to it, or freshening for that matter although its useful for removing odors like cigarette smoke. Your own stank, no. That's soaked into the lining and dried up and steaming will just rehydrate it a bit but wont do anything permanent. If your a functional alcoholic and/or a stinky sweaty pig you're going to dry clean out the beer, piss and pit cheese out more often anyway. My perspective of steaming is just to get rid of wrinkles.