Mastering the Art of Ironing Clothes: A Simple 4-Step Guide

Ironing your clothes not only helps them look sharp but also ensures they maintain their shape and last longer.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly ironed garments.
Whether you're a novice or looking to speed up your ironing process, our tips will have you ironing like a pro in no time.

Before You Begin

Before diving into the ironing process, here are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

Read the Care Label:
Always start by reading the garment's care label, which often provides ironing guidelines and temperature recommendations. If the label is missing, consult an ironing temperature chart for different fabrics.

Iron Temperature:
Begin with the coolest temperature setting recommended for the material and gradually increase if needed. Remember, it takes approximately 10 minutes for an iron to reach its full temperature.

Fabric Types:
Sort your ironing tasks by fabric type, starting with the lowest temperature materials and working up to the highest. This will save you time and prevent accidental damage.

Clean Your Iron:
Ensure the iron's base plate is clean to avoid transferring residue onto your clothes. Also, check your ironing board cover for cleanliness and consider washing or replacing it if needed.

Now, let's dive into the ironing process:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ironing Space

Ensure your ironing board is set up in a safe location, away from potential hazards such as pets or children who could pull the iron down.

If you don't have an ironing board, a sturdy flat surface like a table or counter will suffice. Use an ironing blanket or a thick cotton towel as a liner.

Step 2: Iron the Garment Inside Out

For most fabrics, it's best to iron on the wrong side of the garment to prevent shine. This effect is particularly noticeable on dark colors and delicate materials like silk, rayon, and linen.

When dealing with textured fabrics like velvet or corduroy, ironing on the wrong side helps maintain texture and prevent crushing.

Iron fabric lengthwise to avoid stretching.

Step 3: Iron While Clothes Are Damp

Ironing clothes while they are slightly damp is usually ideal. Exceptions are fabrics that can easily stain with water; for these, a completely dry iron is recommended.

To add moisture, lightly sprinkle the clothes with water, use your iron's steam or water spray feature (if available), or use ironing sprays like starch or sizing.

Step 4: Ironing Hems and Collars

When ironing areas with double fabric thickness, such as shirt collars, cuffs, pockets, or hems, iron the inside first and then the outside to smooth out any remaining wrinkles.

Areas like curled hem edges can benefit from steam during ironing or pre-wetting before ironing.

Avoid ironing over zippers, buttons, or decorations.

Care and Repair of Ironed Clothes

Hang your freshly ironed clothes immediately to help them maintain their crisp appearance.

If you accidentally scorch a garment, take immediate steps to address it. Scorch marks may be removable with various solutions like laundry detergent, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or hydrogen bleach.

Some garments, especially formal wear, should not be ironed or are difficult to iron. In such cases, it's best to consult a dry cleaner for professional care.

Make Ironing Enjoyable

To make ironing a more enjoyable and productive task, consider listening to music, watching TV, or even tuning into an audiobook.

Get others involved by delegating tasks, like having kids sprinkle water on clothes or asking someone to hang freshly ironed garments directly in the closet.

With these simple steps and tips, you'll transform ironing from a chore into a breeze, ensuring your clothes look impeccable and last longer.