Ironing clothes can smooth out wrinkles and make them look neater. There are lots of ready-to-wear clothes, but there are still some that need to be ironed. Be careful, if the iron is not used properly, you may get burns or the material of your clothes will be damaged.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparation for Ironing
Step 1. Make sure the clothes are ironable
Check the label on the garment for ironing instructions. If the label on the garment doesn't include ironing instructions, look for information on the type of material. Many irons list the type of clothing material as a reference for setting, for example, wool, cotton, polyester.
Step 2. Prepare the area for ironing
Use an ironing board if possible. If you don't have an ironing board, use a flat, firm surface such as a table or kitchen counter. Ironing boards are designed to absorb heat and moisture without causing damage. Be sure not to iron on a highly flammable surface.
Step 3. Fill the water container on the iron
If your iron has a steam function, you may need to add water. Look for a large removable case at the top of the iron. Fill with distilled water until almost full.
Use distilled water to avoid calcium build-up on the iron which can clog the steam lines
Step 4. Spread the clothes
Position the garment so that it is completely flat on the ironing board. Make sure the clothes are not wrinkled. If you iron on wrinkled areas, crease lines will form on your clothes.
Method 2 of 2: Using an Iron
Step 1. Heat the iron
Turn on the heat dial to the temperature that best suits the fabric of the garment. Once the temperature is set, the metallic coating on the iron will begin to heat up. Let the iron heat up. You should only have to wait a few seconds.
- The choice of temperature on the iron is often listed referring to a certain type of material. For example, cotton fabrics respond well to high heat and steam. However, some types of synthetic materials may melt or stick when exposed to such temperatures. So don't use the wrong settings!
- Start with a low temperature and slowly increase it. If you have to iron more than one item, start with the one that requires the lowest temperature. That way, you don't have to wait for the iron to cool down before continuing.
Step 2. Iron the first side
Move the hot side of the iron slowly and steadily across the fabric. For best results, iron according to the natural creases and curves of the garment.
- Iron each side of the garment separately. For example, if you are ironing a long shirt, smooth the collar, then the cuffs, sleeves, shoulders, and pockets until finally the main part of the shirt.
- Do not leave the iron on the clothes directly for too long or the fabric will become too hot. If you don't use the iron carefully, a fire can happen!
Step 3. Smooth the reverse side
Now, turn the garment over and iron the reverse side. Make sure to even out the creases and bends of the garment on this side.
Step 4. Hang clothes immediately after ironing
If your clothes are rolled up or left alone, they are likely to wrinkle as they dry. So hang up your clothes and let them dry on their own.
Tips
- Prepare a spray bottle filled with water to moisten the drying clothes before you finish ironing.
- For areas of clothing that are difficult to iron, try smoothing a little at a time. This area may include the collar of the shirt or the crook of the buttocks in the pants.
Warning
- Always pay attention to the iron. Turn it off immediately after finishing to avoid fire.
- To prevent the iron from falling off the table, loosen the cord.
- Place the iron upright when not in use to prevent fire.
