Some items of clothing need to be ironed to look neat. It is a fairly simple job, although in some cases it can put people who have never done it in difficulty. To iron, you need to sort your clothes in advance, as different types of fabrics require different ironing techniques. Afterward, you can start ironing, remembering that shirts, pants, dresses and skirts each require slightly different methods; then proceed appropriately. Be careful when using the iron; in rare cases it can be a dangerous tool and cause injuries, such as burns.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Iron According to the Type of Fabric
Step 1. Gather all the necessary materials
Since the iron can get very hot, you need to prepare all tools in advance. You don't have to fumble with a hot iron while trying to grab something, so make sure you organize your station before turning on the appliance.
- You need an ironing board, a flat surface on which you can iron your clothes.
- Get an old cloth to protect delicate items.
Step 2. Sort the laundry by material
The different fabrics must be ironed differently; you should therefore always make a selection; cotton, for example, should be treated differently than silk. You should also start ironing items that require lower temperatures and then gradually move on to those that can withstand higher heat.
- Acetate, rayon, silk and wool must be ironed at a low temperature. When dealing with rayon and silk dresses, remember to turn them inside out before proceeding; protect the woolen garments by placing a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- You should use medium heat for polyester and intense heat for cotton. Both fabrics should be slightly damp before ironing.
Step 3. Check that the iron is ready
The various models indicate that they are ready to use in different ways. A light may turn on or off, or an icon may appear confirming that you can start ironing safely. Remember to wait for the "green light" before proceeding. Ironing with a cold iron leads to unsatisfactory results.
If you are not sure how to know when the appliance is ready, consult the instruction manual
Step 4. Use a damp cloth when ironing wool and lace
Delicate fabrics should not come into direct contact with iron; both wool and lace should not be ironed directly, but protected with a damp cloth.
- Remember that the cloth must be soaked, but not dripping.
- If you are not sure what material the garment is made of, read the label; it should report the composition of the fibers.
Step 5. Make sure the cotton and polyester are damp before ironing them
Both should not be treated dry and you should always make sure they are slightly dampened.
You can take them out of the dryer before they are completely dry or spray them with water from a spray bottle
Step 6. Turn delicate items inside out before ironing
Some fabrics can be damaged very easily, ironing them straight could burn or damage them. If you are dealing with any of the materials listed below, turn the clothes inside out before starting:
- Corduroy;
- Linen;
- Rayon;
- Satin;
- Silk.
Part 2 of 3: Iron the different categories of clothing
Step 1. Start ironing the shirts from the collar and work your way down
Start from the center of the lower part of the collar and flatten one side; then, bring the iron back to the center and smooth the other half.
- Wrap one side of the shirt shoulder over the edge of the ironing board. Move the iron from the shoulder to the back and then repeat on the other side.
- When ironing the sleeves, start at the cuff and move towards the shoulder.
Step 2. Iron the pants from the waist towards the leg
If they have pockets, put them inside out and start with these elements. If it is a pair of trousers without pockets, you can proceed with the standard technique. Slip them onto the ironing board for the waist and start smoothing this area. Maintain light pressure on the pockets to avoid creasing.
Then, place the pants on the board with the legs overlapping; fold them roughly in half horizontally. Check that the seams are aligned, bend the upper leg towards the waist and iron the inside of the lower one. Turn the pants over and repeat the process on the other side
Step 3. Iron the skirts and dresses from the collar down
If the dress has sleeves and a collar, you need to iron these items as you would a shirt. The skirt should be threaded on the board, then moving the iron from the hem towards the waist.
- If the skirt has some embellishments with ruffles, iron it inside out to avoid flattening them.
- You should work around items like buttons, as those on dresses and skirts are quite delicate and susceptible to damage.
Part 3 of 3: Iron Safely
Step 1. Keep the iron away from small children
This appliance reaches very high temperatures and can cause serious injury to children. Ironing is not a suitable chore for them and you should keep them away from the iron when using it.
Step 2. Let the appliance cool down for at least 10 minutes before putting it away
As it gets very hot, it could potentially start a fire. Once you have finished your work, turn off the iron and wait at least ten minutes before putting it away so that it cools down.
Step 3. Consider purchasing a model with built-in security systems
Because it can be a dangerous tool, consider getting an iron with features that prevent accidents.
- A cordless appliance can be a perfect investment. If someone trips over the cord while the iron is still hot, you or the other person could get burned.
- A model with an automatic shut-off system is a valuable aid; if you accidentally forget it on, it won't start a fire.
Step 4. Treat sunburn quickly in the event of an accident
A burn heals sooner and hurts less when treated the right way. As soon as you or another person gets burned, put the affected area under cold running water for 20 minutes.
- Never use ice, oil, butter, or soy sauce to manage a burn, as this can damage the skin.
- If the injury is larger than a dime, go to the emergency room.
Step 5. Do not leave the iron resting with the soleplate down
Doing so could cause the countertop to burn and even cause a fire. Always set the appliance upright when you need to step away for a moment.
Advice
Clean your iron regularly to prevent the steam holes from becoming clogged and the metal soleplate from becoming sticky. You can use a cotton swab to remove dirt from the holes, while a soft, damp cloth is perfect for removing dry starch residues that have accumulated on the soleplate during previous ironing sessions
Warnings
- Do not leave the iron stationary for too long on one point of the dress.
- Always check it; carelessness could cause serious injury or property damage.
