We all have pieces of clothing that require ironing, especially work clothes. It is important to keep them looking good. Several things can go wrong during ironing. From the wrong temperature of the clothes iron to a poor technique, you never know when you are actually damaging your garments. Luckily, we have got some expert tips to teach you how to iron clothes properly.
Do It in the Bedroom
A lot of people think that ironing should also be done in the laundry or washing room. In reality, it is better to set up your ironing board in the bedroom. This way, you will have plenty of space to sort out pre-ironed garments and lay out newly pressed clothes. It gives you more room to maneuver! It also takes far less time to hang up clothes in the closet if you are already in the room.
Get Your Ironing Board Straight
Before you start ironing, you have to make sure that your board is standing flat and even. It should have a clean, tightly wrapped cover. Even just a small bump in your board can cause creases.
Check Your Clothes Iron’s Base Plate
We tend to forget to check the sole plate of our clothes iron for any stains before using it. This can easily tint your favorite items. It is recommended that you do a test-run on a rag. Remnants will show up quickly if the plate is dirty.
You can clean the base plate using common household ingredients. Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply it directly on the plate using a clean, damp cloth.
Use the Correct Temperature for Every Garment
You cannot use the same temperature setting for all types of fabric. For sure, you have seen silk garments burned by extremely hot irons. To avoid this, you should remember to sort your clothes according to temperature requirements.
Delicate fabrics and synthetics, which include lace, silk, nylon, and polyester should be grouped and ironed using a very low temperature. For more protection on synthetics, you can lay a pressing cloth to prevent the plastic from melting and showing a shiny surface. Cotton, on the other hand, can tolerate high temperatures. Others play it safe by using the auto temperature setting.
Use Foil to Speed Up the Process
Do you want to cut down your ironing time? If you want to be more efficient, you can place aluminum foil under the cover of your ironing board. This will reflect the heat that is placed on its surface. Doing this will iron both sides of your clothing at once.
Deal with Stubborn Creases
Have you ever ironed a garment and found that it continues to get a crease as you turn it? Don’t worry; there are easy fixes for this problem.
Get a clean towel, roll it up and push it inside your shirt. It will work as a mold, keeping the shirt’s shape so you can iron it all the way around without creasing it accidentally.
You can also use an anti-crease spray for clothes. A simple starch mixed with water can help remove deep wrinkles.
Turn Out Your Pockets
This is a very simple trick but often forgotten. To prevent getting a pocket outline, turn it inside out before ironing the area.
Iron Cuffs, Collars, and Hems Inside Out
Puckering in collars, cuffs, and hems are also common. To avoid this problem, iron these areas inside out.
If you want to keep your collar standing, apply a little starch and cover it with a pressing cloth. Apply medium heat and pressure. Once done, keep its shape by buttoning the top button of the shirt before hanging.
Do Not Forget About the Middle Seam
Do you need your pants to look professional or formal? The secret of getting the professional looking middle line down the leg of your pants is to press it sideways. Place the leg flat on the board and iron with less pressure on the seams.
Hand Dry Your Clothes
Hanging your wet laundry to dry will allow gravity to pull those creases downward. If you are using a dryer, use a setting that will yield slightly damp clothes. Iron immediately before they dry completely.
This will help save you money and time using an anti-crease spray for clothes and ironing.
There you have it: our top tips on how to iron clothes that have a professional finish to them! If you think you are short on time or are still not ready to take on the challenge, just drop off your laundry with us! As a trusted dry cleaner in Durango, CO, we provide comprehensive wash, fold, and ironing services. Call us at (970) 903-1642 now!