How many times have you found yourself tired, with an aching back, standing in front of a bulky ironing board? Vertical steaming has arrived to transform this chore, giving you back both time and comfort.
With a handheld steamer for clothes or an upright garment steamer, you can remove creases simply by using a device that emits steam, without setting up or packing away the ironing board. But how exactly do these steamers work, and what are their key benefits?
What Is a Vertical Garment Steamer Used For?
A vertical garment steamer is designed to make ironing easier, faster, and gentler on fabrics. It directs steam at hanging garments - jackets, trousers, dresses, shirts - to smooth out wrinkles effortlessly.
Beyond crease removal, vertical steamers also:
- Refresh fabrics
- Eliminate odours
- Give tired-looking clothes a new lease of life
They’re perfect for busy mornings or last-minute touch-ups and safe to use on delicate fabrics like silk and wool.
How to Use an Upright Garment Steamer
If you’re used to a traditional iron, a garment steamer might feel unfamiliar, but it’s easy to master.
Step-by-step guide:
- Fill the tank with tap water.
- Plug in and wait around 30-60 seconds for it to heat.
- Hang your garment on a hanger, ensuring it’s smooth.
- Hold the steamer a few centimetres from the fabric and move it vertically along wrinkles.
- Check the results - wrinkles should disappear within seconds. Let the garment cool before wearing.
Advantages and Limitations of Vertical Steamers
Advantages
- Convenient – no ironing board needed; use anywhere, even when travelling.
- Fast – steam removes creases in seconds.
- Gentle on fabrics – safe for delicate textiles like silk, wool, or polyester.
- Refreshes and sanitises – eliminates odours and refreshes fabrics naturally.
Limitations
- Not ideal for deep creases – stubborn wrinkles may require a traditional iron.
- Best for lighter garments – heavy fabrics or structured pleats may need additional treatment.
Which Garments Work Best with Vertical Steaming?
Vertical steaming is ideal for:
- Light dresses
- Shirts
- Jackets and blazers
- Coats
- Curtains and upholstery
- Aprons
It works best on fabrics prone to creasing, such as cotton, polyester, and linen. Heavier fabrics or garments with sharp creases, like suit trousers, may require a traditional iron or steam generator iron.
Spotlight on Polti Vaporella Vertical Styler GSM50R
For those looking for portability without compromise, the Polti Vaporella Vertical Styler GSM50R is the perfect solution. This compact handheld steamer for clothes combines efficiency, power, and travel-friendly design.
Key Features of the GSM50R
- Compact and foldable - designed to slip neatly into luggage.
- Fast heating - ready to use in just 30 seconds.
- Aluminium soleplate - glides over fabrics for smooth results.
- Lightweight (0.65 kg) - ideal for travel or quick home touch-ups.
- Versatile – suitable on all fabrics, from cotton shirts to jackets and coats.
- Freshens fabrics – eliminates bad odours from clothes and upholstery.
With its 800W of power and 16 g/min steam output, the GSM50R ensures flawless garments in minutes. wherever you are. It’s the compact alternative to an upright garment steamer, making it an essential ally for those who value both practicality and style.
Discover the Polti Vaporella Vertical Styler GSM50R here
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
- Empty the tank after use to prevent limescale build-up.
- Use built-in descaling functions where available (Polti’s Calc-Cleaning technology works with tap water).
- Only use clean tap water - avoid distilled, perfumed, or chemically treated water.
A Smarter Way to Iron
Vertical steaming is not just a gadget; it’s a true revolution in fabric care. An upright garment steamer saves time, protects fabrics, and delivers fresh, wrinkle-free results every day.
With a little practice, it becomes a silent ally in your daily routine - effortless, efficient, and perfect for keeping your wardrobe looking its best.
Explore the full Polti range of Steam irons and find the ideal model for your home.
