Freshly-ironed clothes look tidy, fresh, and clean. However, ironing is not as simple as it sounds. This is a step-by-step guide for safe and proper ironing.
You’ve used your portable washing machine and dryer to clean and dry your clothes, and perhaps given them a little time to dry. Time for the last part – ironing.
But ironing could be frustrating if you are doing guesswork, without any guide to assist you to avoid making mistakes.
Mistakes could cost you your most precious clothing. That silk shirt or even that wool skirt…they all require special treatment when it comes to ironing.
If ironing has been giving you a difficult time, then you are going to dismiss that confusion after reading this guide. The guide is comprehensive, taking you from board preparation to the actual ironing for different fabrics.
Before you start ironing, you need to have these:
- A sturdy iron board
- A clean iron box
- Light starch (for those who may need it)
- Some water in the spray bottle
Some people may prefer to have a ‘good flat surface’, but this is going to sap your energy and leave you drained after the exercise.
Why Iron Boards
- They are specially designed just for ironing making the work easier
- They are made with material that is flame retardant
- They are made with material that allows steam from your cloth to escape through
- They securely hold the cloth draped across the board
- The pointed end allows the iron to press the cloth’s curved ends effectively
How To Set Up The Iron
Always ensure that the iron box’s chord does not cross the walkway. You or your pet or your child could trip on it and pull the iron box down. This is dangerous as it can cause fire.
Ensure the iron’s base plate is free from dirt. The dirt on the plate can easily be transferred to the clean cloth and stain it permanently.
Your iron board cover should be clean too. Should the cover be dirty, you can simply wash or replace it.
Once your iron is hot, check the labels of every cloth before you start ironing. Checking the labels will allow you to handle the garments with care and get the desired results.
Garment material can be classified into two categories: natural fibres and synthetic fibres. Let us see the type of garment materials and how to iron them.
The Natural Fibres
Natural fibres are readily available from natural resources such as plants, minerals and animals. They include cotton, linen, wool, and silk. So, how do you iron these natural fibres? Read on…
· Cotton
Cotton fibres require ironing on high heat. For excellent results, always iron cotton while it is still damp. If need be, use the spray button on your iron box generously here. Spraying dampens the garment allowing you to achieve stunning results.
· Linen
This fabric requires ironing inside out. Just like cotton, this too requires high heat while damp. Use the spray button to dampen the fabric before ironing.
· Wool
Iron this garment inside out while it is still damp. Adjust the heat medium-low and if necessary, use the spray button to dampen the cloth for optimal results. You may also use a pressing cloth for cautionary measures.
· Silk
Iron this garment inside out on medium or low heat while it is still damp. You may not need to spray it. Use a pressing cloth to minimise the unnecessary ‘shiny-shiny’ look.
· Denim
This fabric requires the highest heat setting possible. You should also use steam to get the optimal results. To get a neatly creased outcome, use starch.
· Cotton-Blend
Use steam and low heat while ironing this type of fabric. Normally, iron marks appear after you have done your job and feeling satisfied. To avoid this, place a press cloth such as a clean cloth or cotton handkerchief between the iron and the fabric.
Iron this fabric inside out.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic or artificial fibres are human-made and come from chemical synthesis. They all require low to medium heat.
· Acetate
Dry iron it inside out using low heat. This means you don’t have to spray it. Ironing inside out prevents shiny iron marks.
· Nylon
With this garment, use the lowest heat on the iron box. Also, place the pressing cloth to remove the creases gently.
· Polyester
Iron it while still slightly damp or more still, pre-dampen it using the spray button on your iron box.
Using low or medium heat, press the garment from the top downwards, firmly removing the creases on the garment. You still re-wet and press the garment if the results are still not impressive.
· Acrylic
Iron acrylic garment by turning the fabric inside out. Adjust the temperature to a low setting and avoid using any steam. You can use a spray where necessary. Only iron this garment when it is completely dry to avoid stretching it out of shape.
· Viscose
This fabric is not fully synthetic. It is neither fully natural. It is a blend of the two.
When ironing viscose garments, do so when they are still damp. Use the lowest heat setting, dry ironing the garment unless it the tag indicates otherwise.
Use a press cloth such as a clean cotton cloth cutting or handkerchief between the iron box and the fabric to help avoid the shiny look.
· Rayon
Turn this garment inside out under low heat with no steam. The fabric can stretch, so iron one small area after the other. This needs a lot of care as you iron. It is also cumbersome if the fabric is not securely held on the iron board.
· Lace
Laces or finer netting are made from different materials, but their main role is to add elegance to other clothing. Ironing the laces requires a fine approach lest you destroy them.
Take precautionary measures to avoid snugging these materials. Adjust to the safe setting of your iron to moderate the heat depending on the material these laces are made from. You can start from the cool setting, progressing to cool-medium as the lace dries up.
Final Thoughts
Ironed clothes always portray a figure of smartness. It does not matter what material you are ironing. What matters is your understanding of your iron box and the labels on the fabric you are ironing.
Your iron box should have clear temperature settings and the type of fibre at every setting. The results will never disappoint you.
Natural fibres require high temperatures and dampness when ironing. The synthetic fibres, on the other hand, require low to medium heat setting. The use of a press cloth is important because it reduces or avoids the unwanted shiny marks on your fabric.
Remember to hang your garments safely to avoid wrinkling them again. You may be disappointed if you have to iron again simply because you stacked the ironed clothes in a box.