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Simple Tips for Perfectly Ironed Clothes
Clothes Ironing Tutorial
 Ironing
is a task few people do up for fun, yet a perfectly pressed garment
makes any outfit look more polished and professional. If you want
to make an unforgettable first impression for a job interview or a
first date, expertly ironed clothes are an absolute must.
According to a 2005 survey by Rowenta, a leading iron
manufacturer, the most frequently pressed garment, ironed by over
72% of those surveyed, was jeans. Shirts, the second most
frequently ironed item, were ironed by 55% of those surveyed.
Interestingly, 12% ironed their socks! Over 24% admitted to
ironing a garment while wearing it!
For many people, having a shirt or slacks pressed means a trip
to the dry cleaners. However, pressing costs between $3 and $5 per
garment. At about 5 outfits each week, that can add up to $25 or
more, or over $1200 each year. And that doesn’t account for
“emergencies”: what do you do if you boss schedules an important
meeting for early the next morning and you have no time to get your
best suit to the cleaners? By investing in a quality iron and
learning a few simple tips, you can cut down the cleaner’s bills
dramatically.
Tools you’ll need for Ironing
General Cautions while Ironing:
Check the garment’s care label!!! Some garments, especially
those made of polyester can be damaged by a hot iron. Make sure
to look at the care label located in the back of the neck opening,
side seam near the waist or in the waistband or fly of a pair of
slacks. Most labels now include a pictorial symbol. A circle with
a slash thought it over a picture of an iron should tell you NOT to
iron the garment. Garments that are safe to iron will lit the
correct temperature setting. Following the garment manufacturer’s
recommendation will help you get the best possible results.
If there is no label, or you are unsure if the garment can be
ironed, turn the iron at the lowest setting. Once the iron has
warmed up to temperature, test a small area inside a seam to make
sure the fabric is not damaged or melted.
Always be sure to pour any water from the iron after it has
cooled. Water that remains in the iron can stain the next garment
you iron. If you’re unsure if there is water in the iron, first use
a pressing cloth or towel to avoid damage to your clothes.
Before you begin to iron a garment, look at
the plate of the iron to make sure there is no debris, sticky or
burnt material. This is especially important if you or someone else
uses the iron for any type of crafting project. Melted materials
can destroy or damage your garment, a frustrating and costly
problem.
General Ironing Tips
Turn on your iron and allow it to warm up for about 5 minutes
for best results. Irons can become very hot and are dangerous for
pets and small children, so never leave a hot iron unattended.
Always turn the iron off and unplug it when you are done to avoid
accidents.
It’s usually easier to get your clothes smooth and flat if you
iron before the cloth is fully dry. Remove any items you want to
iron from the dryer a few minutes early and iron. Or, roll and
place in a plastic bag in the fridge to keep it moist (and not
mildewed) until you have time to iron. If you like your shirts a
bit stiffer and crisp, use a spray starch while ironing.
When you need to iron a dry wrinkled item, use a spray bottle to
slightly moisten as you iron. You can also spritz the garment and
let it saturate while rolled in a plastic bag. Or, hang the garment
in the bathroom while you shower to slightly moisten it and let
some of the wrinkles flatten a bit.
How to Iron Shirts
How to Iron
Slacks/Trousers
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