Ironing can be a tricky task at the best of times. Getting into those hard-to-reach places and removing every crease requires a fair bit of skill and patience. Knowing how to iron satin can be even more tough, as were dealing with a delicate material… and you don’t want to damage your best dress or shirt by doing it wrong!
However, it doesn’t need to be as frightening as you may think. Using extra care and following a few easy steps can ensure your best satin clothes are ironed to perfection! In this article, we explain how to iron satin correctly and the best processes to follow to ensure your clothes are treated with the utmost care.
Can you iron satin?
The short answer is yes. You absolutely can iron satin. In fact, in some circumstances ironing satin fabric can be easier than ironing other types of material. However, it all depends on the thickness and composition of the material. There’s nothing to worry about, we’re not about to get too scientific on you!
Does satin crease easily?
Satin can be made from a variety of different materials, which can impact the way it wrinkles. Rayon or cotton fibres are lightweight and generally thinner meaning they will crease easier and need a bit of extra care when ironing your satin garments. On the other hand, polyester fibres are thicker and less breathable so it becomes harder for them to crease.
Satin is also prone to creases when it is slightly damp or hot. As the fibres begin to heat they also relax, making them more durable and easily creased. It’s important to allow your satin items to fully dry after washing to ensure the fibres revert to their smooth state. This will make the ironing process a lot easier.
Ironing satin is not as complicated as it may seem. As long as you follow a few careful steps then your dresses, shirts, tablecloths or ties will be shiny and wrinkle-free. Follow our guides below on how to iron satin correctly to get the best results for you!
How to iron a satin dress
Before even taking your iron out, it is important to check the care label on your satin items to identify which type of material you are about to iron. If they are made from man-made fibres such as silk or acetate, you should avoid ironing altogether and take them to the dry cleaners. Rayon, cotton or polyester are fine to iron and we can continue below!
- Turn the dress inside-out and lay it flat over an ironing board. Plug your iron in and ensure it’s on one of the lowest heat settings, or the specific satin setting if your iron has one. If your dress has straps we’ll start here. Quickly slide the iron over each strap just once or twice to straighten them out.
- Next, onto the thickest parts, which tend to be the bust or chest area. If they have elaborate designs then you simply just need to use your irons steam function and lightly push any creases to the side. You don’t want to damage or alter the design, so using the steam function warms the fibres enough to smooth them out.
- The rest of the dress can be laid out on the ironing board and smoothed from the top to the bottom as you would a normal dress. Use short strokes with a light touch. The longer you leave the iron on the material, the higher the risk of burning.
- Hang your dress up straight away to ensure it can cool down without causing any more creases.
How to iron a satin shirt
- Once again, turn your iron to the lowest temperature and lay the shirt flat out across the ironing board.
- Place a cloth over the collars and apply firm pressure over the top to ensure the creases have been pushed out.
- For the rest of the shirt, use short, smooth strokes over the creases to avoid causing any damage.
- Just like with dresses, immediately hang your shirt in a cool place so that it stays wrinkle-free until you need to wear it!
Can you iron satin without an iron?
If you don’t want to risk ironing your favourite satin dress or shirt, then steaming is a great alternative to remove unwanted wrinkles. If you prefer to steam your satin, rather than using the iron, then there are two effective ways of doing this, here’s how to iron satin without an iron!
Handheld steamer
These devices are a great alternative to irons and arguably cause fewer burns. To ensure the best results, hang your satin clothes somewhere with plenty of space, and fill up your steamer with water. Hold the steamer 6 inches away from the clothing and work in sections, run the steamer back and forth until the creases have been removed.
Running a hot shower
If you don’t have a handheld steamer available then placing your satin items in the bathroom while you run a hot shower can be an effective way to reduce light wrinkles. Ensure the windows and doors are closed to create the steam and leave for approximately 15 minutes. Be careful not to place your clothes too close to the shower head – you don’t want to get them wet! Once you return, gently pull on the material to smooth the creases out.
Read our article for more tips on how to iron without an iron.
Why not try a Wecasa professional?
At Wecasa, we are proud to offer a professional, courteous ironing service at an extremely affordable price. Our services can even accommodate requests at the last minute.
Our professionals are extremely skilled and experienced in ironing sensitive fabrics and materials, and will take the utmost care with your satin items. Whether it’s your favourite dress, shirt or table cloths we’ll ensure the highest quality results!
Our ironing service prices begin at £16.90 per hour and do not require a minimum order.
If you have any specific requests or additional services we’ll always do our best to accommodate them. To book your home ironing service simply enter your address details here and we will find an available professional in your area!
