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There are three kinds of people: those who love ironing, those who do it only for special occasions like job interviews or funerals, and those who don't even own an iron. If you fall into the first two categories, you know that ironing clothes can create crisp collars and cuffs or smooth, wrinkle-free fabric. The key lies in how you use the iron and the fabric you're working with. Regardless of your approach, mastering the art of ironing is essential for keeping your clothes looking sharp and retaining their shape.
Michael Haegele/Getty ImagesGetting Acquainted with Your Iron
Household electric irons come in two varieties: dry and steam irons. Both allow you to adjust the temperature for different fabrics. A dry iron has a smooth, vent-free surface, is lightweight, and is typically more affordable than a steam iron. It's ideal for lightly wrinkled fabrics like denim, wool, polyester, and silk satin.
A steam iron, equipped with a water tank, releases steam through holes in the plate to help smooth out wrinkles. Many models include a jet feature to spray water directly onto the fabric. The steam aids in removing wrinkles, making steam irons perfect for cotton, linen, muslin, or other heavily wrinkled materials.
Preparing Your Iron for Use
Setting up both types of irons is straightforward. For a dry iron, simply plug it in and let it heat up to the chosen temperature. For a steam iron, fill the water tank with distilled water to prevent mineral buildup that could block the steam vents, then plug it in and adjust the temperature. Both types generally take between five to ten minutes to reach the desired heat. For best results, use a padded ironing board or a firm surface covered with an ironing mat when ironing.
To keep the soleplate clean and prevent staining your clothes, wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth after using starch or sizing. If there’s heavy residue, make a paste with baking soda and water, then gently scrub off the burnt build-up. Finally, wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth to rinse it clean.
Getting Your Clothes Ready for Ironing
Avoid ironing clothes that are dirty, smell, or have stains, as the heat can set body oils and make stains almost impossible to remove. It's best to iron clothes when they’re slightly damp. If they are dry, you can add moisture by spritzing them with water, using a steam iron, or applying an ironing spray like starch or sizing. However, be cautious when ironing delicate fabrics like silk, as water can leave spots.
To make ironing easier, fold or hang clothes as soon as you take them out of the dryer. Leaving them in a pile will cause even more wrinkles to form.
Ironing Methods
Step One: Check the Care Label
Care labels on most garments provide guidelines, either in writing or through symbols, for proper ironing. Always follow the heat settings recommended on the label and start with the lowest temperature indicated.
When ironing several garments, begin with those that require the lowest heat setting (such as synthetics) to avoid scorching or melting. Gradually raise the temperature as you move to natural fabrics like cotton. Remember, it’s quicker to heat an iron than to cool it down.
Step Two: Avoid Scorch and Shine Marks
To prevent shiny marks on fabrics, iron clothes inside out. Alternatively, use a thin, white cloth (which helps prevent dye transfer) to cover the area you're ironing. Ironing textured or napped fabrics on the wrong side helps avoid crushing and flattening the texture.
Step Three: Follow a Logical Ironing Sequence
- Begin with the largest flat section of fabric and iron it from the inside.
- Always follow the fabric's grain to avoid stretching, which is typically from the top to the bottom of the garment.
- Apply moisture or additional pressure as needed to help eliminate wrinkles.
- For collars and cuffs, start with the inside and then move to the outside.
- Do not iron over zippers, buttons, or decorations as they could melt. Alternatively, use a pressing cloth and lower the temperature.
- Once ironed, hang the garment immediately to cool. Avoid wearing it until it’s completely cooled, or additional wrinkles may form and undo your efforts.
5 Essential Safety Tips
- To avoid tripping hazards, never set up an ironing board with the electric cord stretched too far or use an extension cord.
- Always stay with the iron while it's in use. Ensure the cord is out of reach of children or pets, who could pull the iron down on themselves.
- Never leave an iron resting flat on the ironing board or mat as it could overheat.
- Always unplug the iron when you’re done and avoid wrapping the cord around it while it’s still hot.
- Regularly inspect the cord for damage and replace the iron if it overheats or sparks.
Ironing Tips for Various Fabrics
- Use these temperature settings as a guide for different fabrics: Low: acetate, acrylic, nylon; Medium: polyester, silk, satin, wool; High: Linen, cotton, denim.
- For textured or napped fabrics, place a soft white towel on the ironing board, lay the fabric on it, and press from the wrong side. Flip the fabric and apply only steam (no pressure) on the front side to refresh any crushed texture.
- When ironing nylon or thin synthetic fabrics, always use a pressing cloth between the fabric and iron to protect it, as these materials burn and melt easily.
- Avoid ironing sequined or embellished fabrics, as the sequins can melt. Instead, use light steam and no pressure on the reverse side to smooth out wrinkles.
