Your questions about steam irons answeredWhat’s the best steam iron?The Tefal express optimal is the best all-rounder, offering a noticeable step up in power without the high price tag of premium models. It delivers consistent steam and helped me get through ironing faster with less effort. If speed matters most, the Morphy Richards speed steam pro is the quickest but also one of the most expensive. If you’re on a tighter budget, Swan’s 3,000W steam generator iron offers excellent value for money.With four kids of primary school age, I put a variety of steam irons to the test on a never-ending pile of school uniform dresses and shirts. To keep things fair, I used each iron on similar loads and fabrics, repeating the same types of items, including cotton shirts, school uniforms and heavier pieces like bedding. I also used the same washing and drying routine beforehand, so differences in creasing weren’t down to how the clothes had been cleaned. While testing, I judged each steam iron based on the following criteria:Ease of use: How comfortable it felt to hold, how intuitive the controls were, and whether features such as water tanks and temperature settings were straightforward to use without constant adjustment.Performance: How well it tackled creases across different fabrics, from lightweight cotton to thicker materials, and whether the steam output was consistent without dripping or snagging.Speed: How quickly the iron heated up and how efficiently it got through a pile of laundry, including how often I had to refill the tank or go over the same area more than once.Value for money: Whether the performance justified the price, taking into account durability, features and how it compared with both budget and premium models I tested.How to use an iron on different materialsIf you’ve ever looked at a care label for your clothes, you’ll see that different materials need to be ironed under different temperatures. Deyan Dimitrov, CEO and founder of Laundryheap, advises: “To avoid any major laundry faux pas (like a scorch mark on your silks), my golden rule is to always read the label on your clothes before giving them an iron. Once you know your materials, you can look up what temperature to iron each item with. “Silks, for example, want to be ironed on the very lowest temperature possible; whereas, you should iron your linens on a high heat whilst they’re still slightly damp. Each fabric has a different ironing profile, so the safest way to prevent any problems is to always check in advance.” How to clean an ironThe best way to keep your iron operating at its best is to clean it frequently. “Visible dark marks on the metal plate, or friction whilst ironing, means it’s time for a clean,” adds Deyan Dimitrov.Some irons offer self-cleaning modes. If yours doesn’t, it’s not too hard to do the job yourself. Make sure that your iron is unplugged and completely cooled off to avoid any accidents. Dimitrov says: “In the first instance, give the plate a gentle scrub with a cloth or soft sponge dipped in soapy water. If there are still marks or residue, home remedies can be your friend. A vinegar solution of equal parts water and white vinegar can be used to gently scrub the plate with a sponge. The acids in the vinegar will help to break down any marks, without being strong enough to damage the protective coating on the plate.”Dimitrov adds that you can also use the same vinegar solution to descale your iron, however you should always check manufacturer guidance first. “Fill the water tank a third of the way up, and turn the iron onto a medium heat,” he explains. “Keep this on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse the tank out completely with water. I’d avoid using any abrasive cleaners, like bicarbonate of soda, or hard metal scourers. Scrubbing too hard can damage the protective coating on the metal plate.”Meet the expertsDeyan Dimitrov: CEO and founder of LaundryheapWhy you can trust IndyBest reviews Zoe Griffin has been evaluating and reviewing products for IndyBest since 2021, testing a wide range of household appliances and cleaning products, such as the best laundry detergents, stain removers, and fabric conditioners. Zoe's reviews are always based on her genuine experiences through real-world testing.For more laundry godsends, read our review of the best clothes steamers to smooth your favourite garments