Before you start
- An iron (steam iron recommended)
- An ironing board or a towel on a heat-safe surface
- A spray bottle of water
- A thin cotton cloth to use as a press cloth
- Hangers
| Label | Heat | Fabrics |
|---|---|---|
| Iron with 1 dot | Low (about 110°C) | Nylon, acrylic, acetate and other synthetics |
| Iron with 2 dots | Medium (about 150°C) | Polyester, wool, silk, blends |
| Iron with 3 dots | High (about 200°C) | Cotton, linen, denim |
| Crossed-out iron | Do not iron | Use steam from a distance or hang to drop creases |
Method 1 Get set up
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Step 1: Read the labels
Check each care label and sort clothes into piles by iron temperature.
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Step 2: Start with the lowest heat
Irons heat up faster than they cool down, so iron synthetics first, then silks and wools, then cotton and linen.
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Step 3: Prepare the iron
Fill a steam iron with water (use distilled water if your tap water is hard, unless the manual says otherwise). Make sure the soleplate is clean.
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Step 4: Dampen the clothes
Clothes iron best slightly damp. Take them from the line or dryer while a little damp, or mist them with water.
Method 2 Iron a shirt
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Step 1: Collar
Open the collar flat and iron the underside first from the points to the centre, then the top side.
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Step 2: Cuffs
Unbutton the cuffs, iron the inside, then the outside.
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Step 3: Sleeves
Lay one sleeve flat along the seam and iron from the shoulder to the cuff. Turn it and repeat. For a sleeve without a crease, use a sleeve board or rolled towel inside.
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Step 4: Shoulders and yoke
Drape the shoulder over the narrow end of the board and iron the yoke (the top back panel).
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Step 5: Back
Lay the back flat and iron from top to bottom.
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Step 6: Front panels
Iron each front panel, working around buttons (not over them). Iron the button side from the inside for a neater finish.
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Step 7: Hang it
Hang the shirt immediately and button the top button so the collar keeps its shape.
Method 3 Iron trousers and dresses
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Step 1: Trousers: pockets and waistband
Turn trousers inside out and iron the pockets flat, then turn them right side out and iron the top section over the narrow end of the board.
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Step 2: Trousers: legs
Line up the inner and outer seams, lay one leg flat and iron from the top down, creating a front crease if you want one. Repeat on the other leg.
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Step 3: Dresses and skirts
Start with sleeves and collar, then the bodice, then the skirt, turning it around the board. Iron along the grain, not in circles, to avoid stretching.
Method 4 Protect delicate and dark fabrics
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Step 1: Iron inside out
Turn dark clothes, prints and embellished items inside out to avoid shiny marks and melted decorations.
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Step 2: Use a press cloth
Place a thin, clean cotton cloth between the iron and wool, silk, velvet or dark fabrics.
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Step 3: Press, don’t push
On wool and delicate fabrics, lift and press the iron down rather than sliding it back and forth.
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Step 4: Steam instead
For very delicate fabrics, hold the steam iron just above the fabric and let the steam relax creases.
Method 5 Remove creases without an iron
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Step 1: Use shower steam
Hang clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, with the door closed, then smooth them by hand.
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Step 2: Use the dryer
Put the item in the tumble dryer with a damp towel or a few ice cubes for 10–15 minutes on medium heat, if the label allows.
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Step 3: Use a hair straightener
A clean flat iron on a low setting works on collars, cuffs and small areas between buttons.
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Step 4: Spray and smooth
Lightly mist creases with water, pull the fabric gently straight and hang it to dry.
Troubleshooting
Shiny marks on dark clothes
The iron was too hot or pressed directly. Use a press cloth and lower heat. Light shine can sometimes be lifted by steaming the area and brushing it gently.
The iron leaves brown or white marks
Clean the soleplate when cool with a cloth and the method in your manual, and descale a steam iron regularly.
Creases come back quickly
Let clothes cool on a hanger before wearing or folding, and iron cotton and linen while slightly damp.
Frequently asked questions
Should I iron clothes inside out?
For dark colours, prints, embroidery and delicate fabrics, yes. For crisp shirts, iron the outside.
Is a steamer better than an iron?
A steamer is quick and gentle for dresses, suits and delicate fabrics; an iron gives crisper results on cotton shirts and trousers.
Can I iron polyester?
Yes, on a low to medium setting, ideally with a press cloth. Too much heat can melt or shine it.
Summary
Read the care label, iron from lowest to highest heat, and work on slightly damp fabric. Iron shirts collar first, then cuffs, sleeves, yoke, back and fronts, and hang them straight away. Use a press cloth or iron inside out for dark and delicate fabrics, and try steam or the dryer when you don’t have an iron.
