Ironing

You are not alone….most people hate to iron. Many items can be taken off the line and folded away or hung on clothes hangers without the need for ironing. Buying drip-dry fabrics will also reduce the need for ironing as will using fabric conditioner in the final rinse of the wash cycle.

General Tips

Remember to follow the instructions on the care label

Remember that the temperature of the iron takes time to change when you alter the setting.

The indicator light shows when it has reached the right temperature.

When lowering the heat setting, wait for the light to come on and then go off before ironing your clothes

If you sort articles into piles of cotton and synthetics before starting to iron, you will only have to alter the temperature once

How to avoid shine and iron marks

Use a well padded ironing board (especially for wool). Iron inside out whenever possible. Use a press cloth such as a clean pillow case. For some fabrics, e.g. wool, use steam or press with a slightly damp cloth, using light pressure. Always iron delicate fabrics, inside out on a low temperature setting.

Ironing Particular Fabrics

Cotton - Iron slightly damp on the right side with a hot iron

Linen - Iron damp on the right side with a hot iron.

Silk - Iron slightly damp on the right side with a warm iron.

Wool (knitted) - Press dry or nearly dry on the wrong side with a warm iron or steam.

Caring for your Iron

It is also important to look after your iron here are some tips to remember:

• Keep the flat ironing surface clean with a special sole plate cleaner (available from hardware stores)
• If you are using starch to stiffen your clothes, iron the starched items quickly. Do not have the iron too hot, or the starch will burn in to the bottom of the iron
• If synthetic fabric such as nylon is accidentally melted onto the sole plate, do not allow the iron to cool down, or it will set hard! Turn the thermostat to 'hot' and carefully use paper to wipe away the soft melted fabric, then clean the iron while the ironing surface is warm. As the iron will be hot, special care should be taken during this process