How to Iron Like a Pro

Wrinkles in our clothes are caused when moisture in the air bonds with the fibers in a fabric. The bond locks the fabric in place. The best way to get rid of wrinkles is to add more moisture. Steam changes the bond in the fabric and allows the threads to assume a more desirable position. And your iron is your best source of steam for your clothing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Follow the flow of the fabric and eliminate puckering, folding and stretching. The item will be much easier to press.
2. Add a piece of aluminum foil, shiny side up, between the ironing board and the pad. The foil reflect the heat towards the garment and your ironing will go faster. Remove the foil when you're finished.
3. Start with the delicates, which require the lowest heat setting. This reduces the time you have to wait for the iron to cool down.
4. Sprinkle or spray linens with a little water and roll them up in a damp towel. Allow them to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then unroll and press.
5. Press pants from the top down: waistband and pleats first, followed by pockets and hard-to-reach areas, and then the crotch. Hold the pant legs by the cuffs, match the inseams and find the creases. Iron both legs, working from the wide end of the ironing board in long strokes.
6. Pull ribbons under the iron, rather than trying to run the iron back and forth over a ribbon. If possible, remove any ribbons before pressing the item.
7. Iron a shirt by first pressing the double thicknesses, including the collar,cuffs, yoke and button placket.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrinkles can be removed from many fabrics just by hanging them in a steamy bathroom. Run very hot water in the shower, hang your garment on the shower curtain rod and close the bathroom door. Natural fibers such as silk and linens responds best to this treatment.
• Travel smart by setting up a makeshift ironing board on a counter top or desk. Place a newspaper in a pillowcase, and then cover it with a towel.
• Drain a steam iron when you're finished pressing. This prevents deposits and rust from forming inside the iron.
• Always turn off and unplug the iron when you're finished.

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