What does Iron With Steam mean?
Quick Answer
The iron with steam symbol means you may use the steam function on your iron when pressing this garment. Steam helps relax fibres and penetrates the fabric more effectively, making wrinkle removal easier and more thorough than dry ironing alone. Cotton, linen, and most natural-fibre garments benefit from steam ironing, especially when slightly damp.
Also known as: steam iron symbol, steam ironing allowed, steam OK sign, iron with steam sign
Detailed explanation
The iron with steam symbol confirms that the steam function of an iron can safely be used on this garment. Steam ironing is generally more effective than dry ironing because the moisture relaxes the fibre structure, making wrinkles easier to remove and the resulting press longer-lasting. For cotton and linen, steam combined with high heat is the professional standard. This symbol usually appears explicitly on garments where a previous no-steam symbol might be expected — serving as confirmation that steam is acceptable for this specific fabric.
How to follow the Iron With Steam symbol:
- 1
Steam function can be used
- 2
Steam helps remove wrinkles more effectively
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Iron while fabric is slightly damp for best results
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Use spray starch if desired
Tips and Best Practices
- Fill the iron's water reservoir with distilled or filtered water — tap water mineral deposits clog the steam vents over time and eventually cause the iron to spit brown water
- Allow the iron to reach full temperature and steam pressure before pressing — reduced temperature produces ineffective steam
- For best results on cotton and linen, slightly dampen the fabric with a water spray bottle before ironing, then use steam for a crisper, longer-lasting press
- Use the steam burst function (if available) for stubborn creases — a concentrated burst relaxes the fibre more effectively than continuous steam
- Hold the iron slightly above the fabric for vertical steaming — useful for removing creases from hanging garments or curtains without laying them flat
What happens if this symbol is ignored
Steam ironing works well on any fabric rated for it. Incorrect steam use (on no-steam-rated fabrics) causes water spots, pile damage on velvet, and puckering on certain weaves — but these risks do not apply to garments showing the steam-OK symbol.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using tap water and allowing mineral scale to build up — scale eventually clogs steam vents and causes the iron to spit discoloured water onto fabric
- Using steam at full power on silk or delicate fabrics without a pressing cloth — even on steam-OK items, some delicates benefit from the protection of a pressing cloth
- Pressing with the iron held too close to delicate fabrics on the vertical steam function — concentrated steam at close range is very hot
Common Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ironing Symbols
Iron High Heat
Iron at high temperature - up to 200°C (390°F)
Iron Medium Heat
Iron at medium temperature - up to 150°C (300°F)
Iron Low Heat
Iron at low temperature only - up to 110°C (230°F)
Iron Without Steam
Iron without steam - dry iron only
Do Not Iron
Do not iron - heat will damage the fabric
Iron Any Temperature
Iron at any temperature setting
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