5 Common Ironing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Ironing is an essential part of looking good & feeling confident.

But ironing isn’t much fun & it’s easy to fall into common ironing mistakes that can lead to poor results. Fear not! We’re here to help you avoid these pitfalls and achieve beautifully pressed, wrinkle-free clothes (quickly!).

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight common ironing mistakes and provide expert tips on how to overcome them. Say goodbye to creases and hello to perfectly pressed garments with our top tips.

Mistake #1 – Not Preparing the Garments Properly

One of the most common mistakes is not preparing garments adequately before ironing. Avoid this pitfall by following these steps:

1. Sort your garments: Separate clothes by fabric type and temperature requirements to prevent accidental damage.
2. Read care labels: Take the time to read the care labels on each garment to determine the appropriate ironing temperature and any specific instructions.
3. Smooth out wrinkles: Before ironing, gently shake or smooth out the garment by hand to minimize wrinkles.

Mistake #2 – Incorrect Iron Temperature

Using the wrong iron temperature is another common mistake that can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here’s how to avoid it:

1. Adjust temperature based on fabric type: Different fabrics require different ironing temperatures. Familiarise yourself with the recommended temperatures for each fabric and adjust your iron accordingly.
2. Test the temperature: Before ironing a garment, test the iron’s temperature on an inconspicuous area or a scrap piece of fabric to ensure it’s suitable for the material.
3. Start with lower heat settings: If you’re unsure about the fabric’s tolerance to heat, begin with a lower temperature setting and gradually increase as needed.
4. Use a steam generator iron that adjusts the temperature automatically. 

Mistake #3 – Excessive Pressure

Applying excessive pressure can cause damage or create unwanted shine on fabrics. Here’s how to avoid this mistake:

1. Use little or no pressure: Allow the steam to do the work & smooth out wrinkles – avoid pressing down. Let the iron glide. 
2. Lift and reposition: Instead of gliding the iron back and forth, lift it and reposition it to the next section. This technique prevents stretching or distorting the fabric.
3. Utilise steam effectively: Steam is your ally in ironing. Use the steam function to relax the fabric and remove wrinkles. Hold the iron slightly above the garment and allow the steam to penetrate the fabric.

Mistake #4 – Ironing Dark Colors or Delicate Fabrics Incorrectly

Ironing dark-coloured fabrics and delicate materials requires extra care to avoid unwanted shine or damage. Here’s how to handle these situations correctly…

1. Iron dark colours inside out: Dark-colored fabrics are prone to shine when ironed directly. To prevent this, turn the garment inside out and iron on the reverse side.
2. Use a pressing cloth: When ironing delicate fabrics like silk or lace, place a pressing cloth or a clean tea towel between the iron and the fabric. This protects the delicate material from direct heat.
3. Reduce steam for delicate fabrics: While steam is beneficial for most fabrics, delicate materials may require less steam or even no steam at all. Adjust the steam function accordingly to prevent damage.

Mistake #5 – Not keeping your iron clean

1. Especially if you live in a hard water area, use distilled or demineralised water. 
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your iron free from limescale. Most irons fail due to limescale build-up. 

Conclusion

By avoiding these five common ironing mistakes and following the expert tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to achieving beautiful, wrinkle-free results. The technique is super important, but great results are much easier & quicker with a decent iron – Take a look at our top UK recommendations.