21 Cool Ironing Hacks
Well, we all know how to iron, but are we ironing correctly? According to a YouGov study, ironing is one of the most dreaded, time-consuming household chores. My sister loves to iron, but for me when I see the pile of ironing in my house, all I can think of is “that there are people who live in my house that I haven’t met yet”.
A good iron should have a high steam output (over 50g/minute) to maximize its crease-removing capabilities. Having an ergonomically designed and comfortable to hold, iron means half the battle is won.
The correct way to iron is in long, straight strokes
To avoid a slight sheen on dark clothes post-ironing, iron inside out wherever possible.
If you have to stoop or bend over too much then the ironing board is not the right height for you.
Iron everyday items on one side only.
For particularly bad creases – Make a DIY spray from equal parts white vinegar and water. Mix it up in a spray bottle, and spritz it onto areas.
Set up your ironing board in the best-lit room.
Before you start ironing separate garments into delicates which include lace, silk, nylon, and polyester medium and durable. Start with delicates on a low temperature and then work your way to medium and durable garments and a hotter iron,
Aluminum foil is a heat conductor, which means when you iron one side of the garment, the heat from the iron will mean the foil irons the other side of the garment. Saves you from having to iron both sides. Place a sheet of aluminum foil shiny side up under the cover of your ironing board.
When you iron blouses, iron down the center of the sleeve as opposed to along the seam.
Don’t iron clothes that still have stains, as the heat will make the stains permanent.
To iron bedsheets or table cloth, use a table and keep two chairs behind the iron and fold the large item carefully onto these as you iron.
Cotton creases are the most difficult to iron out. So, iron 100% cotton garments while they are still damp. the heat will create steam while clothes are still damp helping the creases to fall out.
Remove scorched marks by wiping the mark with a clean cloth dipped in white vinegar.
When you are ironing woolen clothes, use a fabric between the flat iron surface and the item you are ironing as a protective shield. Make sure the ironing board is well-padded when you need to iron wool.
Turn the pockets inside out to prevent getting a pocket outline.
If you would like to keep your collar standing, apply a little starch and cover it with a pressing cloth. Iron with medium heat and pressure.
Add a drop of perfume to your water tank, to make clothes smell good.
Don’t forget to clean your iron regularly. Here is a tutorial on how you can clean your iron.
Use these tips to iron clothes with a professional finish and make ironing easier and more effective.
*Source: YouGov ironing report