Traveling requires smart choices. What do you take with you, what do you leave at home, and what ultimately proves indispensable? For many travelers, one unexpected item has become a staple on their packing list: the Flowsteam portable clothes steamer.
Whether you're an adventurous backpacker, a business traveler, or a city tripper: wrinkled clothes, unpleasant odors, and a lack of washing facilities occur on every continent. That's why we tested the Flowsteam among three common traveler profiles. And the result? This lightweight powerhouse deserves a permanent spot in every suitcase.
Why take a clothes steamer when traveling?
Traveling often means limited access to an ironing board, washing machine, or dry cleaner. Yet, you want to look fresh, well-groomed, and presentable. This is where a portable steamer like Flowsteam comes in handy:
-
Removes wrinkles without an iron or board
-
Neutralizes odors after a day on a plane, on the street, or in a restaurant
-
Kills bacteria and reduces allergens – handy if you re-wear clothes
-
Freshens clothes that you cannot or do not want to wash
And all this without the risk of burns, shrinkage, or damage. But how does Flowsteam perform in practice? We had three types of travelers put it to the test.
1. The Business Traveler – Efficiency & Presentability
Name: Mark (38)
Destination: 4-day conference in Frankfurt
Travel style: Light travel, many formal clothes, hotel stays
Experience with Flowsteam:
"I had four shirts, one blazer, and a nice pair of trousers with me. Everything neatly folded in a suitcase with a garment bag, but of course, it came out wrinkled. Normally, I hang it in the bathroom during a hot shower – but that rarely works well. With the Flowsteam, I was done in five minutes."
Advantages:
-
No reliance on hotel irons
-
No fire hazard on delicate fabrics
-
Time saved in the morning (no waiting time for dry cleaning)
-
Visible freshness without clothes getting wet
Mark's verdict:
"This is the only device I now routinely take with me, just like a toothbrush or laptop charger."
2. The Backpacker – Lightweight & Hygiene
Name: Lisa (24)
Destination: 3 weeks Thailand and Vietnam
Travel style: Lightweight backpack, hand washing, tropical temperatures
Experience with Flowsteam:
"Honestly? At first, I thought it was overkill. But when you sweat for days, sometimes you just want to really freshen up your clothes, without having to dry them or take them to a laundry service. After a day on a scooter or dinner on the street, my clothes smelled unpleasant, but weren't dirty enough to wash immediately. The Flowsteam was perfect for that."
Advantages:
-
Kills bacteria and prevents odors
-
Neutralizes cooking odors and smoke
-
Lightweight and small to pack
-
No water or soap needed
Lisa's verdict:
"Would I take it on a multi-day trek? No. But for backpacking with hostels and city trips, it's a lifesaver."
3. The City Tripper – Fast, Compact & Stylish
Name: Marleen (31)
Destination: Weekend in Paris
Travel style: Fashionable, carry-on only, lots of photo taking
Experience with Flowsteam:
"My dress came out of my carry-on wrinkled. With Flowsteam in my hotel room, I had it ready in 3 minutes for a dinner by the Seine. Bonus: it also smelled fresh immediately, even though I had worn it once before."
Advantages:
-
Ideal for delicate clothing such as silk or linen
-
Super fast – no warm-up time of 10+ minutes
-
Handy and aesthetically pleasing design
-
Also works on scarves, tops, and even skirts
Marleen's verdict:
"I never want to go on a city trip without it again. Not only because I look better, but also because I feel cleaner."
Why the Flowsteam belongs in every suitcase
Compact & Lightweight
The Flowsteam even fits in a carry-on suitcase. No heavy irons or steam stations needed.
Fast & User-Friendly
Ready to use within 30 seconds, without an ironing board. Works with tap water.
Sustainable Travel
By keeping clothes fresh longer, you need to wash less or throw away less. Less water, less wear and tear, fewer microplastics.
Hygienic
Ideal for re-wearing clothes while traveling – kills bacteria and allergens without soap or chemicals.
Pro-tip: How to use the Flowsteam when traveling
-
Bring a small water bottle: for easy refilling
-
Hang clothes in the bathroom – the steam works even better in a humid room
-
Also use it on curtains or bedding in Airbnbs or hostels
-
Let clothes hang for a while after steaming for optimal results
Summary
Whether you travel for work, pleasure, or adventure – the Flowsteam proves its worth as an indispensable travel companion. No lugging around ironing boards, no hotel stress about crumpled outfits, no unpleasant-smelling clothes in your suitcase.
Tested by three totally different travelers – and approved by all.
Ready to travel lighter, fresher, and more carefree? Check out Flowsteam's compact clothes steamers on Flowsteam.nl and choose your ideal model for on the go.