Ironing: how to avoid these 5 common mistakes

Flip your ironing board open, plug in the iron and go? If only it were that simple. Although ironing clothing isn’t rocket science, there are still a few pitfalls to look out for. Here’s how to avoid them and save time and items of clothing.

Mistake No. 1: dry fabric

To smooth out wrinkles efficiently, you need heat, pressure and, above all, moisture. In other words, fabrics are easiest to iron when they’re still a little damp after washing. If you’re working with dry clothes, make sure to use the steam function to tackle deep creases. For great results, add some extra moisture with a spray bottle.

But keep in mind that some fabrics shouldn’t be steam ironed. Silk, for example. Why? Because the delicate material is highly susceptible to water stains. So if your iron occasionally spits out large drops of water, this can lead to stubborn stains – even if the water’s distilled.

Mistake No. 2: wrong side

Some garments are best ironed inside out. For example, uneven fabrics including corduroy or fabrics that tend to develop shiny spots – think silk, viscose, linen or black textiles in general. Clothes with delicate prints or appliqués should also be turned inside out before ironing. Alternatively, you can place a thin tea towel, preferably a damp one, between the garment and the iron to protect the fabric.

Mistake No. 3: wrong temperature

For the best way to iron out creases and avoid damaging the fabric, it’s worth looking at the garment’s care label. The number of dots on the small iron symbol show you how hot you should set your iron to. If the iron’s crossed out, you shouldn’t iron the item at all.

Even if you’re dealing with a seemingly straightforward cotton shirt, it’s worth taking a look at the label. This is because many textiles contain a stretch component that might damage even at medium heat. As companies tend to be a little over-cautious with their information, you can also google the ideal ironing temperature based on the material’s composition. The following applies to mixed fabrics: always go for the temperature the most sensitive component in your fabric mix can handle.

Mistake No. 4: random pile of clothes

If you’re planning on ironing several items of clothing at once, it’s worth sorting your clothes according to their heat sensitivity first. That way you don’t have to keep adjusting the temperature. Start with the delicate fabrics before moving on to the hardier ones. This order makes sense because most modern irons heat up faster than they cool down.

Mistake No. 5: sloppy approach

Adding creases instead of ironing them out is easily done when you’re ironing. So make sure you don’t just chuck your garment on the ironing board, but carefully drape it over the board or, if possible, stretch it over the ends. Next, run your hand over the fabric to make sure it’s lying evenly on the board before going over it with your iron. This may sound like an extra step, but it will ultimately save you a lot of work.