Ironing clothes is an essential skill that helps keep your garments looking crisp and presentable. If you’ve never ironed before, don’t worry; with a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Set Up Your Ironing Equipment
Firstly, you’ll need an iron and an ironing board. If you don’t have an ironing board, you can use a flat, heat-resistant surface like a table, but cover it with a thick towel to protect it from the heat.
Step 2: Check Clothing Labels
Before you begin, check the labels on your clothes for ironing instructions. There will often be a symbol indicating the recommended heat setting for the fabric. The settings usually range from delicate fabrics like silk to sturdy ones like cotton and linen.
Step 3: Fill the Iron with Water for Steam
If your iron has a steam function, fill the iron’s water reservoir with distilled or deionized water. This prevents mineral build-up inside the iron. Avoid using tap water if it’s hard in your area.
Step 4: Preheat the Iron
Turn on your iron and select the appropriate heat setting based on the clothing label. Allow it to heat up; most irons have a light that will go off when it is ready to use. Never leave a heated iron unattended.
Step 5: Ironing Different Types of Clothes
Different items of clothing will require different approaches when ironing. Always iron on a flat surface for best results.
Shirts
- Begin with the collar, ironing from the points inwards.
- Move to the cuffs, ironing the inside and then the outside.
- Iron the sleeves by laying them flat and ironing from the shoulder down to the cuff.
- Iron the back of the shirt first, and then each front panel.
Pants
- Start with the waistband and pockets, ironing the pocket linings from the inside.
- Lay the pants flat and iron the upper thigh area.
- For creases, fold the pants along the desired crease line and iron along the fold.
- Continue down the leg, moving the pants up as needed until you reach the hem.
Dresses and Skirts
- For skirts, start at the waistband and work your way down to the hem.
- For dresses, iron the top portion similar to a shirt, then proceed to the skirt part, working in sections.
Step 6: Technique
Place the garment flat on the ironing board and gently press the iron onto the fabric. Move the iron continuously in a smooth and even motion to avoid burning the fabric. Use the tip of the iron to get into hard-to-reach areas like between buttons or pleats. Use the steam button for stubborn wrinkles.
Step 7: Hang or Fold the Clothes Immediately
Once ironed, hang the clothes up to prevent new wrinkles from forming or fold them neatly if you prefer. It’s best to iron clothes just before you intend to wear them or before storing them away to keep them wrinkle-free.
Step 8: Safety Precautions and Maintenance
After you finish ironing, unplug the iron and leave it to cool down on the ironing board away from edges. Ensure that the water reservoir is empty, and store the iron in a safe place. Clean the iron plate occasionally as per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain its performance.
Remember, like any skill, ironing takes a bit of practice. Start with easier items and as you get more comfortable, you can move on to more complex garments. Happy ironing!