10 Expert Tips On How To Iron Clothes At Home
Ironing clothes is one of those things that nobody really wants to do, but somebody’s got to do it. As a result, many people use laundry services where they can just drop their dirty clothes off and pick them up later. But for those who like doing laundry themselves or people with disabilities (such as arthritis) who cannot perform this simple task, here are 10 expert tips on ironing clothes at home.
1. Use a Good Iron
Poor quality irons will heat up too quickly and then spin back down to a lower temperature. This leaves your clothes wrinkled and harder to press. Also, don’t purchase a cheap iron on sale. Cheap irons can cost you more than $100 in repairs in the long run. Instead, buy an iron with:
— A steam system to quickly remove wrinkles from your clothes.
— A button to keep the temperature at optimum levels.
— An iron with an extra-long cord.
2. Unplug the Iron & Turn It Off
It’s tempting to leave your iron on after you’ve finished ironing, but you should avoid it. This can induce a fire within the premises and put you and your family’s life at risk.
3. Use a Damp Cloth to Remove Any Lint
Lint can create unsightly spots on any clothes, so be sure to brush up any lint on your clothes before ironing. This will make the whole process smoother and easier.
4. Use a Medium-To-Low Heat Setting
A low heat setting will help prevent scorching and sweating or sticking of the iron. Remember that the higher the heat, the faster your clothes will wrinkle.
5. Examine Your Clothes
Before you start ironing, take a moment to look at the items in your closet. If any have stains that are difficult or impossible to remove, these should be ironed first. A stain might not come off on its own later as it could be ruined by steam or leftover water. Also, make sure that your clothes are dry before you start ironing.
6. Iron the Right Way
Clothes should be ironed from the top. This will help to press down wrinkles and boost their appearance properly. Also, use a pressing board if you don’t have a flat surface for ironing. The board should be at least 20mm thick, about 6 inches wide and covered with foam to protect your floors. Also, remember not to move your clothes too much while ironing.
7. Use the Right Ironing Technique
To iron correctly, gently press the steam button, hold your clothing a few inches away from the surface of the iron and glide across. Don’t let go of the item until you’ve moved it completely to avoid a wrinkled mess. The right process can bring about improved ironed clothes and increase attractiveness.
8. Don’t Overload Your Ironing Board
You should only put one extra shirt on your board to avoid excess creases or wrinkles when ironing. If you need to iron more clothes, use removable boards or a hanging rail system.
9. Let The Steam Cool Down For A Few Seconds Before Removing The Cloth
Once you have successfully ironed your clothes, lay it on a flat surface and let the steam from the iron breathe for about 5–10 seconds. This helps in getting rid of any excess moisture on your clothes.
10. Turn Your Clothes Correctly
Iron the inner side of a shirt first and then iron the outer sides. This will eliminate the wrinkles on the front and back of the shirt, providing a sleek and attractive look.
Types of Irons
1. Steam Iron
Steam irons are the most commonly used ones. The steam iron works by putting water and releasing steam while you iron. It is great for the first-time ironer as it has fewer parts to manage, like an ordinary iron.
2. Dry Iron
Dry irons work without using any water or steam. They often produce more heat (600F) than a regular household iron and have a longer cord.
3. Multifunctional Irons
Multifunctional irons are perfect if you want to iron with steam, wipe your clothes with a microfiber cloth and press down irons. They can make clothes look sharp and shiny during the process.
4. Handheld Irons
Handheld irons are ideal for people who don’t have enough space to set up a board or wrinkle-free ironing board. These types of irons are great for tight spaces because they can be easily stored away.
5. Travel Irons
Travel irons are available in different sizes and are great for travel. They are also compact and easy to use. Also, they are portable, lightweight (under 1-pound) and can be easily carried around.
Conclusion
These are some of the best ways to iron clothes at home. Ironing clothes can sometimes take a lot more time than it should. However, with these tips, you’ll be able to iron all of your clothes quickly and efficiently. Also, keep in mind that ironing clothes is a great way to relax, mediate, and be creative. Treat it as such and you’ll enjoy a much better experience overall.