Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Erik Sullivan

A steam iron is an essential laundry tool that gives your cloth professionally pressed look and neater finish. On top of that, it’s a versatile appliance that can be used on almost all kinds of clothing.
Fortunately, if you’ve a steam iron in your home, you can use it as a dry iron too. YES! That’s 100% possible.
Wondering how!
I’ll show you, how to use steam iron as dry iron with simple steps.
Table of Contents
When Should You Use Dry Iron Instead Of Steam Iron?
We should use dry iron instead of steam iron for the following reasons:
- Sometimes we don’t need to use the steam function to remove wrinkles from each and every pieces of clothes. Because, clothes with fewer wrinkles can easily be removed with dry iron setting. In fact, this is a convenient way of smoothing your clothes since the process doesn’t require any water.
- Besides that, there are certain types of fabrics those are not recommended for steaming. Because, the steam can cause irreversible damage to the fabric. For ex. suede, waxed fabrics and anything plastic etc.
- Some thicker fabrics (wool, denim) and heavily wrinkled fabrics require intense heat from a dry iron to remove stubborn wrinkles successfully.
How to Use Steam Iron As Dry Iron: Easy Steps
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Here’s the step by step process of using steam iron as dry iron.
Step 1: Unplug the steam iron and empty the water tank. Let it dry completely.
Step 2: Next, Plug in the iron and let it preheat for some time.
(If your steam iron has a dry iron setting, then you should skip the step #3 and #4 and continue from the step #5)
Step 3: Place a piece of scrap fabric over the ironing board and set the iron to its lowest heat setting.
Step 4: Slowly run the iron over the scrap fabric until there is no more water coming out of the iron. Once you’re sure that the iron is dry, you can begin using it as a dry iron.
Step 5: Select the “dry iron setting” function of your iron. Some irons also come with stem function On/Off switch instead of “dry iron setting”. So, you’ll need to turn off the steam function if that’s present in your unit.
Step 6: Select the most appropriate temperature setting for your garment. Follow the manual for more specific heat setting for different types of fabrics.
Step 7: Place your garment on an ironing board. Make sure the board is covered with a thick layer of fabric to prevent scorching.
Step 8: Iron back & forth of the garment. Pay special attention to areas that tend to get wrinkled.
Step 9: Once you’re finished ironing, hang your clothes up to cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can steam iron use without water?
Yes, you can use steam iron without water. Just make sure, your steam iron has “dry iron” setting. This function allow you to use it as a dry iron without water.
Does steam iron damage clothes?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the impact of steam ironing on clothes can vary depending on the fabric and the settings that are used. However, in general, steam ironing is not likely to damage clothes if you set the temperature and pressure correctly for the fabric type.
Additionally, make sure to use a press cloth or similar protective layer between the iron and the clothing to avoid direct contact. With proper care, steam ironing can be a great way to remove wrinkles and freshen up your garments.
Can I use tap water in my steam iron?
Yes, you can use tap water in your steam iron. However, if the water is very hard (has a high mineral content), it may cause mineral build-up inside the water tank over time and reduce its effectiveness. If this is the case in your area, it’s a good idea to use distilled water instead.
Do you fill iron with hot or cold water?
You can use both. However, if you have hard water, it is best to fill the iron with hot water to help remove any built-up minerals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, utilizing a steam iron as a dry iron requires simple adjustments to its settings and functions. Begin by emptying the water reservoir to ensure no steam is produced during ironing. Set the iron to the appropriate temperature for the fabric being ironed, and refrain from using the steam function by ensuring the steam dial or button is turned off.
With the steam function deactivated, the iron operates similarly to a traditional dry iron, allowing for wrinkle removal without steam. By employing these adjustments and using the iron solely for its heat, users can effectively transform a steam iron into a dry iron for specific ironing needs.
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