Steamer

[Ageorge]

This may sound dumb...but what do you use the steamer for?? I have one, but the previous owner never used it while she was here a couple months with me.

[kodydog]

Not a dumb question if you have never been shown how to use one.

On some fabrics it works good to eliminate the little puckers you may get while working with it. For example channel on channel back chairs.

Also works good to steam down the zipper on cushions and gives a nice crisp touch steaming the border all around.

Helps to steam skirts so they lay flat.

Some disagree but you can steam used foam to bring new life to it.

Steam old patterns so they lay flat and make it easier to work with.

Steam seams on inside and outside backs to make puckers disappear.

Steam pleats to make them lat flat.

Steam vinyl to make it easier to work with. Being careful not to overdo it. A hair dryer works also.

Also works good to press non-upholstery items like clothes and wigs.  ???

On a lot of fabrics, especially cotton a steamer will take a good job and make it look fantastic. On some fabrics it makes no difference. I've seen some acrylic fabrics that stretch and get ruined with steam (including some Sunbrellas).

Just thought of one more. Steams the creases out of fabrics bought at discounters who put it on a bolt instead of a roll.

[Ageorge]

Thanks kodydog! Wish I had thought to try it on skirts before and will def. try using it for several of those things! :)

[sofadoc]

Some disagree but you can steam used foam to bring new life to it.

Rejuvenating foam is one of my favorite uses for the steamer. But I've always heard that the rejuvenation effect on foam is short lived. If this is true, isn't this the used car dealer's equivalent of sawdusting an engine? Sure, it'll quiet the valves long enough for the poor sap to drive the car off the lot. So if steamed foam goes flat again in a short while, are we doing a disservice?
I used to think that the steamer's benefits were a little overrated, but in the last year or 2, I've come to appreciate it a lot more (mostly for the reasons Kody listed).
I'm interested in hearing opinions regarding the merits of steaming foam.

[MinUph]

The fact that steaming foam is short lived is not a disservice. It helps fill a cushion better and even if it does set back it is still better than starting with a set in edge on the foam. My opinion that is.

[chrisberry12]

Definitely the best is Jiffy. I have a J2 and will be selling it shortly for $75. Moving out of state and not taking with me

[kodydog]

Definitely the best is Jiffy. I have a J2 and will be selling it shortly for $75. Moving out of state and not taking with me

There you go Rocketman. A good steamer at a good price. Where are you Chris.