You can get rid of creases in your clothes without an ironing board, and usually in a few minutes. All it takes is steam, which relaxes the fabric, refreshes it and lets it hang smooth, whether it's a shirt on a hanger, a jumper that's been sitting folded, or a curtain right there at the window.
Steam instead of a board
Steam handles what an ordinary iron takes forever to do, or can't do at all. It relaxes the fibres and smooths the creases out, without you unfolding anything and laying it on a board.
The Lauben Handheld Steam Iron 1950BC is a handheld steamer and iron in one. You steam clothes vertically right on the hanger, horizontally thanks to HorizIron® technology for surfaces like a bed or curtains, and if you prefer, you switch to dry ironing without steam. It heats up in 20 seconds, so you switch it on and get straight to it. The ceramic plate is gentle even on delicate fabrics, and the pointed tip reaches collars and the spaces between buttons.
Shirts and blouses without a board
Hang the shirt on a hanger and steam from top to bottom. The steam relaxes the creases and the fabric hangs smooth under its own weight. For the collar, cuffs and the spaces between buttons, use the pointed tip, where an ordinary iron struggles to reach. Done, with no board to unfold and no turning the garment over.
Jumpers and delicate fabrics
Delicate and knitted fabrics take a pass of steam better than the direct heat of an iron. Steam from a short distance and without pressing, and the jumper smooths out with no shiny marks or imprints. The ceramic plate also helps where you're wary of direct contact, like silk or a printed dress. On brand-new or delicate pieces, try a small patch on the reverse first.
Refreshing clothes between washes
Not everything you've worn is dirty straight away. Often clothes are just creased from sitting or have picked up a smell from their surroundings. Steam refreshes them, lets them hang smooth and helps remove odours, so a coat or blazer after an evening out doesn't have to go straight in the wash. And less washing is kinder to clothes and makes them last longer.
At home and travelling
The steamer doesn't stop at the wardrobe. It refreshes curtains right at the window, goes over sofa upholstery and cushions, and the brush attachment that comes with it lifts lint and hair off the fabric. Thanks to its compact size it fits in a suitcase, so creased clothes from a trip get sorted right there in the room.
FAQ
What water goes in the tank? Usually clean tap water is fine. In hard-water areas, reach for filtered or distilled water to prevent limescale building up. It's best to empty the tank after use.
Which fabrics should you not steam? Take care with heat-sensitive materials, such as some plastics, iron-on prints or waxed surfaces. On delicate fabrics, steam from a distance and without pressure. If you're unsure, test a small hidden patch first.
How long does the steam last on one fill? The tank holds 170 ml, which is enough for about 6 minutes of continuous steaming. That's plenty for a shirt or a quick refresh; for a larger load you top the tank up once.
Does a steamer replace a regular iron? For quick smoothing and refreshing, yes, and without a board. For sharp creases on trousers or a big pile of laundry, a regular iron with a board is still handy. This one also does dry ironing, so it covers both.
Does the steamer drip? Held correctly, no. Let it heat up first, then steam. If it releases a few drops after being tilted, wait a moment for the plate to heat back up.
Why it's worth it
Ironing doesn't have to mean a long stand at the board. With the Lauben Handheld Steam Iron 1950BC you go over shirts, jumpers and curtains in a few minutes, and just refresh clothes between washes. Switch it on, wait a few seconds and off you go.
