How to Iron Clothes: 4 Simple Steps

How to Iron Clothing

1. Prepare Your Ironing Space

   Set up your ironing board or use a sturdy flat surface like a table or counter and prepare it correctly using an ironing blanket or thick cotton towel as a surface protector.

   Heat the iron. It takes about 10 minutes for an iron to get to full temperature.

   It is always best to start with the coolest temperature setting recommended for what you are ironing. You can always increase the heat but cooling an iron takes longer.

   Tip

   Use this chart as a general guideline for ironing temperatures for fabrics:

   • Low temperature: Around 275 degrees used for synthetic fabrics like nylon, Lycra, acrylics, and acetate
   • Medium temperature: Around 300 degrees used for polyester, silk, lace, satin, bamboo, rayon, and wool
   • High temperature: 400 degrees used for linen, cotton, and denim

   
   

2. Iron While Clothes Are Damp

   It is usually best to iron clothes while they are still slightly damp. The exception is when you need to use a completely dry iron for fabrics that are easily stained by water.

   To add dampness to dry clothes, spray lightly with water, use your iron's steam or water spray feature (if it has one), or use an ironing spray like starch or sizing to add moisture.

   When ironing most fabrics, iron on the wrong side of the garment to prevent overheating that creates shine on the material.

   The shine effect is most noticeable on dark colors, silk, rayon, linen fabric, and acetates.

   For corduroy and textured fabrics, ironing on the wrong side prevents crushing.

3. How to Iron Pants and Skirts

   For pants, iron from back to front and bottom to top. Follow the grain of the fabric to prevent stretching.

   Start ironing one leg on the board then flip over the leg to the front and iron from the bottom to the crotch.

   Repeat with the second leg and then do the front of the pants. If a crease is desired, fold the pants to create the crease in each leg and iron that last.

   Skirts should also be ironed from the bottom to the top starting with the body of the skirt. Then iron the waistband.

   For perfect pleats, use a paperclip or clothespin at the hem to create the pleat before attempting to iron.

   Firmly press the iron at the top of each pleat and work down to the hem lifting and pressing as you work.

4. Ironing Shirts, Hems, and Collars

   Shirts can be tricky because of the different pieces. Start by ironing each sleeve. Lay them flat, one at a time, on the ironing board and move from the cuff up to the shoulder.

   Place the body of the shirt flat on the ironing board and iron the front and back.

   When ironing thick shirt collars, cuffs, pockets, or hems, iron on the inside first and then on the outside with a pressing cloth between the iron and fabric to smooth any final wrinkles.

   These areas, especially curled hem edges, will benefit from extra dampness or steam during ironing. Do not iron over zippers, buttons, or any decorations that might melt.

Correct Ironing Mistakes

If you feel the fabric catch while passing the iron over the fabric, the iron is too hot. Lift the iron off of the fabric immediately.

Lower the heat setting and let the iron cool or use a cotton pressing cloth as a barrier between the garment and the iron.

If you scorch a garment while ironing, take steps to correct the situation immediately. You may be able to remove the scorch marks with laundry detergent, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or hydrogen bleach.

Ironing Safety

Always place the ironing board away from busy areas and be sure the iron cord is not strung across a walkway where a pet or child can pull the iron down.

Never leave a hot iron unattended or lying flat on the ironing board. When the task is complete, always unplug the iron.

Do not wind the electrical cord around a hot iron. Check the supply cord regularly for any damage and replace it as needed.

Additional Ironing Tips

• Never iron clothes that are dirty or still have stains. The iron's heat will likely permanently set the stain into the fabric.
• If you have several things to iron, start with the fabric that needs the coolest temperature setting and work up to the one that requires the hottest iron. This saves time and prevents accidental melting or scorching.
• Hang freshly ironed clothes immediately to help them keep a just-pressed look.
  
• Never iron sequins, decals, or screen-printed designs since these embellishments can easily melt or burn.
• Clean your iron frequently to prevent sputtering and build-up of scorch from starch or sizing.
• Wash or replace ironing board covers when they become soiled.