It would be great if there was one ironing method for all types of fabric, but sadly you can't get one. Unlike other durable fabrics, silk requires extra care, especially when you're ironing it. Fortunately, caring for silk items doesn't take long. You just need to be extra careful when doing this.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Silk
Step 1. Wet the silk with water to moisturize it
Silk is a difficult material to handle because it is smoother than other types of fabric. In order not to burn, spray the surface of the cloth with water so that the ironing process can be carried out smoothly.
- The silk texture can get messy if you iron it dry.
- It is recommended that you iron the silk immediately after washing it. Wait until the silk is slightly dry, but still slightly damp. That way, you don't have to spray water on the silk fabric.
Step 2. Turn the garment so that the inside is outside to protect the silk
Since silk is very delicate, limit the touch between the iron and the original material. For this reason, turn the fabric so that the inside is outside, which will provide additional protection against the silk.
For example, if you are ironing a silk shirt, the torso and sleeves must be turned over
Step 3. Trim the silk so that it lays flat on the ironing board
Use your hands to smooth out any visible wrinkles to make the fabric smooth and even. If the silk is large, for example in the form of a shirt or dress, you may need to handle it in sections.
For example, when ironing a shirt, start by flattening and ironing the chest first before moving on to the sleeves
Step 4. Place the press cloth (a sheet of cloth to protect the ironed material) on top of the silk cloth
Avoid ironing silk fabrics directly. Since silk is very soft in texture, you should place a shield between the iron and the silk fabric. This is called a press cloth, which can be made of a lint-free cloth of any material to cover the silk. You can also use a small square-shaped cloth.
- Choose a press cloth with a white or light color so it doesn't stain the silk.
- Use a lint-free cloth so that none of the fabric transfers to the silk when you iron it.
Part 2 of 2: Ironing Silk
Step 1. Set the iron to the lowest heat setting
Keep the iron away from the silk surface to prevent the fabric from being accidentally damaged for any reason. Most modern irons are equipped with settings for special fabrics. If you have one, set the iron to the " Silk " setting.
- Silk may turn yellow if you set the iron to a high heat setting.
- If available, you can use the steam feature on the iron.
Step 2. Place the iron in the center of the press cloth, then press it for a few seconds
You don't need to move the iron in several directions, just press the iron in one place for a few seconds. Do not press the iron for too long as this may burn or accidentally damage the silk.
Depending on the item you are ironing, you may need to iron it from a certain direction. For example, when ironing a tie, start at the bottom and work your way up
Step 3. Lift the iron straight up and let the silk cool for a few seconds
Lift the iron straight off the silk surface before moving on to the next section. Wait a few seconds for the silk to cool slightly before moving on to the next section.
Step 4. Repeat the pressing and lifting process of the iron to work all over the silk
Transfer the press cloth to another part of the silk. Press the iron for a few seconds before you lift it again, while moving the press cloth. Continue this process until all the silk has been ironed.
If you're using a large press cloth that covers the entire silk, you don't need to move it
Step 5. Wear, display, or hang the silk fabric after you iron it
Wait for the silk to dry and cool before you remove it from the ironing board. Turn the silk back into its original position before you wear or display it.
- If you don't want to use it right away, hang the silk in a dry, dark location that isn't exposed to natural light or fluorescent lights.
- If possible, place mothballs or other moth-repellent products near the silk. Be aware that moths are very fond of silk.
