What is Ironing?
Ironing is the process of using heat and pressure to remove wrinkles from fabric, giving garments a smooth, polished appearance while helping maintain the fabric’s quality.
Preparation
Set up the ironing board in a well-lit area at a comfortable height, with a clean, smooth cover. Make sure the iron is clean and filled with water if using steam, and sort clothes by fabric type so you can iron in batches, starting with the lowest heat setting.
Temperature Settings
- Low heat (~110°C): for delicate fabrics like silk, satin, polyester, and nylon — use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric.
- Medium heat (~150°C): for wool, rayon, and synthetic blends — iron on the wrong side to prevent shine.
- High heat (~200°C): for cotton, linen, and other durable fabrics, which can usually take direct heat and benefit from steam.
Ironing Different Garments
- Shirts: start with the collar (from the points toward the centre), then cuffs (unbuttoned, ironed inside out), sleeves, and finally the body — ironing around buttons, not over them.
- Pants: iron inside the waistband first, turn pockets inside out to iron flat, then iron each leg from top to bottom, creasing along the front seam if desired.
- Skirts and dresses: start at the hem and work upward, following pleats carefully; for dresses, iron the bodice first (around darts and seams), then the skirt.
Using Steam
Steam helps remove stubborn wrinkles and works well on heavier fabrics like cotton and linen. For delicates, hover the iron slightly above the fabric so the steam penetrates without direct heat contact.
After Ironing
Hang or fold clothes immediately to prevent new wrinkles, and let the iron cool completely (with any water emptied out) before storing it.
Tips for Effective Ironing
- Iron large items like bed linens in manageable sections.
- Keep the iron moving to avoid scorching any one spot.
- Use distilled water in hard-water areas to prevent mineral buildup.
- Iron a single layer of fabric at a time.
- Always check the garment’s care label for the correct settings.
