How to Iron a Satin Costume

Satin requires careful cleaning and maintenance to retain its sheen.

Satin fabric is known for its high luster, elegant draping and rich texture. All of these elements last only with regular and painstaking care and cleaning practices. Heat is a commonly known threat to the texture and sheen of satin. Many satin costumes include carefully layered pleats and gathering, which make for a difficult process of ironing the small creases and crevices. With a few tips and tricks your satin costume can be ironed with little difficulty.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Ironing board
• Spray bottle
• White terry cloth towel
• Padded hanger

Instructions

1. Turn the costume inside out to protect the outer sheen from the direct heat. Unfasten any hooks or other fasteners on the costume as well.

2. Turn your iron on to the lowest possible setting. Lay a small section of the costume face down on the ironing board. Spritz a very fine mist of water over the satin material from a spray bottle. Do not put more than a trace amount of water on the satin. Place a white terry cloth towel over the section of satin cloth.

3. Push the iron over the terry cloth towel. Keep the iron moving over the area. Make a few sweeping passes with the iron using a moderate amount of pressure. Remove the iron from the costume. Remove the terry cloth towel from the costume. Repeat the previous steps over the whole costume.

4. Hang the costume on a padded hanger once you have finished ironing to allow the fibers to cool and settle into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply steam to the costume to remove deep-set wrinkles before resorting to the iron.

References

• Cyber Pathway; "Satin; Lustrous and Flowing"; Steve Boorstein
• Merchant Circle: How to Iron a Satin Prom Dress