Many of us think of ironing as a tedious chore we put off every week. But, smooth and wrinkle-free clothes are easier to achieve than you might think! With just a few simple ironing tips and tricks, you can freshen up your outfits in no time at all. Whether you’re getting ready for an important business meeting or a hot date, you’ll look and feel so much more put together with your freshly pressed outfit.
In this blog, we’ll share tips and tricks from professional housekeepers who know how to turn ironing into a breeze. So, grab your ironing board and let’s dive in!
Perfecting Your Ironing Technique
The secret to cutting down on your ironing time is all in the technique. Instead of just grabbing the iron and hoping for the best, here are a few professional tips for best results:
- Iron on a clean, flat surface. You don’t want dirt or residue to transfer onto your clothes!
- Try ironing slightly-damp clothes to help the heat penetrate the fabric.
- Check your labels, they usually indicate whether an item is iron-safe or not and what temperature to use.
- Steam is your best friend when it comes to stubborn wrinkles, so be sure to fill your iron with distilled water and use the steam function to release a gentle mist.
- Iron in the direction of the fabrics’ grain to avoid stretching or distorting your garment.
- Some logos and prints don’t iron well and may start to peel. All you need to do is iron your item inside out, and you’ll still bust wrinkles while protecting the fabric.
These are important basics to master, and will have you looking like you used a professional ironing service!
Choosing the Right Tools for Ironing Success
Having the right tools on hand is key for maximum results with minimum effort. Here’s what the professionals recommend keeping in your ironing arsenal:
- An iron would be a good place to start! It’s important to look for adjustable temperature settings and a steam function for stubborn wrinkles. Bonus points for an iron with non-stick plates – this will help avoid accidental scorching on synthetic fabrics.
- You’ll also need to invest in an ironing board and cover. Most ironing boards are collapsible for easy storage, and mini-options are available if space is an issue. You’ll also want to make sure your cover is thick enough to stop the iron’s metal grid from leaving marks.
- A spray bottle filled with distilled water is one of the best-kept ironing tips! You can give stubborn wrinkles a spritz then follow them with an iron for an extra boost of steam.
- If you love that super-crisp look, you can use an ironing aid like spray-on starch for an ultra-polished finish.
Expert Advice on Ironing Different Fabrics
Not all fabrics are created equal, so it’s important that you adjust your temperature and techniques for best results. Otherwise, you risk scorching or distorting your clothes – which looks much worse than wrinkles!
Most garments come with a care tag that indicates what material it’s made of, what temperature to use, and whether the item is iron-safe. Here are a few of the most common fabrics, and how to iron each one:
- Cotton is one of the most common fabrics, and it’s a pretty durable one. You can use a medium-high temperature, and apply a bit of steam or iron while damp for the best finish. This advice works for denim too!
- Linen is notorious for wrinkling easily, but it can also withstand a fair bit of heat. Use a high heat, go generous on the steam, and try to hang rather than fold linen clothes.
- Silk and satin are tricky when ironing. They are some of the most delicate fabrics and require extra care. Use a low setting and place a clean cloth or sheet between the iron and the silk/satin to prevent any damage. You’ll also want to steer clear of using steam, and make sure the garment is dry before ironing.
- You might have heard that you can’t iron wool, but that’s not quite true! Many irons have a wool setting, or you can use a low-heat setting instead. You just want to take care of the wool fibres by placing a damp cloth between the wool and the iron. This will prevent shine and keep your wool warm and fuzzy.
Fortunately, there are also practical and ingenious alternatives to quickly ironing clothes and eliminating the need for a costly and energy-intensive dryer.
Call a professional cleaner in the UK
So, now you’ve got all the expert advice you need for wrinkle-free results at home. These professional ironing tips and tricks will have your clothes looking crisp in no time at all. And if ironing is still the bane of your existence, you can always book an at-home ironing service near you!
Wecasa can connect you with expert ironing in London and Manchester, from the comfort of your own home.Find an expert through Wecasa, and embrace a wrinkle-free lifestyle with a simple click!
