Abstract: A garment care system includes a steam generator having a steam outlet, and a handset having a steam inlet arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening for releasing steam and a steam control unit for controlling a valve for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit includes a selector unit having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch connected to the selector unit and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option.

Abstract: A garment care system includes a steam generator having a steam outlet, and a handset having a steam inlet arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening for releasing steam and a steam control unit for controlling a valve for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit includes a selector unit having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch connected to the selector unit and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option.

Abstract: A garment care system comprising a steam generator (7) having a steam outlet (19), and at least one garment care handset (3) having a steam inlet (31) arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening (33) for releasing steam and a steam control unit (37) arranged for controlling a valve (21) for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit comprises a selection means (43) having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch (41) electrically connected to the selection means and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option. The at least two options provide the user with the flexibility to choose or select the way he/she wants to operate the steam release of the handset. The user may select the option that fits best the task at hand. The handset may be an iron suitable for cooperation with a steam generator having a steam outlet or a garment steamer suitable for cooperation with a steam generator having a steam outlet.

Abstract: An electric iron having a housing (1) and a soleplate (2) in which at least one outlet opening (10;15;34;45) is provided, means (8;19;28;39;43) for generating a fine liquid spray or foam or steam, and means (5) for delivering said generated fine liquid spray or foam or steam through said outlet opening. According to the invention, the iron is provided with detection means (12,14;22,23;35,36;49) for detecting the presence of a surface (7a) in the proximity of the sloplate (2) and for generating a detection signal in response to said detection, and with control means (6) for controlling the delivery of said fine liquid spray or foam or steam in response of said detection signal. For example, the detection means comprise a movable spring-loaded contact element (12) located in the soleplate (2), said element (12) activating a switch (14) for generating said signal when the soleplate is positioned against said surface (7a) and thus depresses said element (12).