My career as a journalist and that indispensable fabric steamer
As a journalist, my life is different every day. Sometimes it's an early morning flight, sometimes it's a press conference in a city I barely know, and sometimes it's a breaking news scene. My suitcase is always packed, but there is one thing I never leave behind: my fabric steamer. It's small and simple. Whenever I need to use it, I just take it out and it starts working.
Some people think that a fabric steamer is just a must-have for travel. For me, every interview, every camera, can capture details. I take out the fabric steamer and gently iron the shirts and suits. As the wrinkles disappear, the tension in my chest gradually eases, my shoulders naturally drop, and I feel that I can focus better to welcome the next interview.
The daily rush of flights, hotels, and news sites.
The morning of a business trip is always rushed. I arrive in a strange city, drop my luggage in the hotel room, have almost no time to catch my breath, and then have to rush out. I take out the fabric steamer, first iron the sleeves, then the cuffs, and then the scarf. The steam makes the fabric gradually flat, and my body also relaxes accordingly. In an instant, it feels like I can control the rhythm of this day, even though everything around is in chaos.
One day, I had to rush to the scene of a sudden news event. The flight was delayed, the hotel room was small and dim, and my clothes were wrinkled in my luggage. I also had to review my interview notes. I used the steamer to smooth out my cotton shirt and scarf. A few minutes later, the shirt became smooth and flat, and the scarf was just right on my shoulders. I walked towards the scene, adjusted my tie, and took a deep breath. My outfit felt appropriate and my thoughts became clearer, which made it easier for me to focus on what I needed to do.
Properties and usage methods of fabrics
Over the years, I have discovered that each type of fabric has its own temperament. By mastering some small tricks, they can look neat without being damaged.
Linen shirt
Linen garments tend to wrinkle easily. I will slightly move the nozzle away to allow the steam to pass slowly, and then shape it by hand. It absorbs water quickly, so I will hang it up immediately.
Cashmere coat
Cashmere is soft and fine in texture. I will keep the nozzle a few inches away from the garment and move it slowly. After several sprays, the garment becomes fluffy and tidy.
Functional sportswear
Clothes made of polyester or nylon may generate static electricity or show bright spots. I will spray steam frequently for a short period of time. When outdoors, this allows me to quickly deal with the clothing problem without affecting the comfort of wearing the clothes.
Unexpected uses
This steamer is not just for clothes:
Banner and decoration: A wrinkled banner will become flat within minutes.
Equipment protective cover: Photography cloth or protective cover returns to its original shape quickly.
Dry hotel room: Just a few seconds of steam can increase air humidity, which helps me keep my throat comfortable during an interview.
After using the steamer, I will put it back in the bag. It is easy to reach, so when I need to use it again, I can take it out immediately.
Methods for handling airplanes, hotels and interview locations
Time is always limited, so I stick to a simple lifestyle:
•Hang your clothes properly.
•Fill the tank with clean or distilled water (not too much), and wait for about 15 seconds to heat.
•Direct the steam evenly from top to bottom, keeping a slight distance from the fabric. Let the steamer touch lightly, but don’t press down too hard.
•Pay attention to the neckline, cuffs and shoulders. The movements should be short and forceful or smooth and natural.
•Empty the water tank, unplug the plug, let it cool, and store it. Regular cleaning can ensure its normal operation.
Even in a small hotel room or a temporary interview location, I can quickly organize my clothes and feel ready to leave.
Choose a fabric steamer
Over the years, I have clearly known what I need:
•It heats up quickly and the steam is stable, so I don't waste time.
•Lightweight and easy to carry, can be easily packed into a bag.
•Can handle several items at once - usually it can complete 2 to 3 items in 8 to 12 minutes.
•Suitable for international standard voltages (100 - 240 volts), and has safety features such as automatic power-off.
•Easy to clean; I wipe it every one or two months. If in a hard water area, I will wipe more frequently to extend its service life.
Conclusion
For me, the fabric steamer is not just a tool. It keeps my clothes tidy, calms my mood, and enables me to focus better during interviews. Every time I go on a business trip, every time I conduct an interview, even every time I rush to a sudden news scene, it is always by my side.
I never know where the next assignment will take me, but I know that I could simply take the iron out of my bag and fix my clothes within a few minutes. This small daily routine helped me remain calm and prepared when facing cameras or during interviews.
