Adulting Series: An Introduction To Ironing Your Clothes

Ironing clothes is not an easy feat. For crisp and fresh clothing, there are several points to take note. Read on to know the basics of ironing and find helpful tips!

1. Have An Ironing Board Ready

If you want a seamless ironing experience, you will need a firm and flat surface. Although you can technically iron on a table, it would be best to have an ironing board. If you are a beginner at ironing, it will be easier to attain wrinkle-free clothes when you have the proper equipment.

When choosing an ironing board, choose one that is sturdy and adjustable. A sturdy ironing board is crucial as you do not want to injure or scald yourself due to an unstable board. Meanwhile, an adjustable ironing board is important as you would still want to have a good posture in the long-run. An adjustable ironing board will also allow other people in your home to iron in comfort and according to their height.

Pro tip: If you have limited space and do not iron regularly, a great alternative is Leifheit’s airboard compact table.

2. Have An Ironing Board Cover

Having an ironing board cover is essential as it protects your ironing board from heat and steam damages. Different iron board covers have different uses, so choose one that suits your needs. Your ironing board cover should be changed based on its wear and tear condition; if you iron frequently, look into buying a new cover every 2 to 3 years.

Pro tip: Always have a cover beneath the clothes you are ironing. Never iron your clothes directly on the surface you are ironing on (tables, floor etc.). 

3. Taking Care Of Your Iron

Maintenance of your iron should be done regularly. If you do not take care of your iron, you are on the road to ruining your fresh laundry in the near future. For the soleplate, use a damp cloth to rub off any grime or dirt. Take note to not use rough materials or harsh cleaners as it may damage the soleplate’s coating. Microfibre clothes would do the trick perfectly.

For the iron, always empty any leftover water in the water tank once you have finished ironing to prevent limescale from developing. If limescale develops, fill up the water tank and proceed to press the steam button until all of the limescale are cleared.

4. Ironing Basics

Before you start ironing, look at your clothes label to see the optimal temperature your iron should be set to. Setting the temperature wrong will cause your clothes to be stretched out and damaged. Some clothes do not even need ironing, so you will want to keep a look out for the different type of ironing symbols printed on the label.

For a more comprehensive guide on ironing, you can check out Love to Know’s article. 

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