How to Iron a Gown

You've got the perfect dress for a big night, but it's wrinkled. There's no time to get it to the cleaners to have them press it. But, with a few basic supplies you probably already have in your house you can take care of it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Steamer (or Iron with a Steam Setting)
• Velvaboard (optional)

Ironing a Gown

1. Empty all water from the iron. Any water that leaks out could leave a mark on the gown.

2. Set iron to a medium heat with no steam.

3. Lay a thick towel on the ironing board if your dress has any decoration on it such as beading or lace.

4. Turn the gown inside out and lay it on the ironing board. Or, you can leave the gown right-side out and lay a clean piece of white cloth between the gown and the iron.

5. Press the bodice.

6. Press the sleeves. Wear a pressing mitt and slide your hand into the sleeve. Iron the sleeve against the mitt. If you don't have a pressing mitt, you can use a clean hot pad instead.

7. Stuff tissue paper into the sleeves to help them remain wrinkle-free if you don't plan on wearing it soon.

8. Press the skirt.

9. Hang the gown in a doorway a safe place to keep it wrinkle-free. If you need to transport the gown, place it in a garment bag.

Ironing Velvet

10. Hang the gown inside out.

11. Use a steamer or the steam setting on an iron.

12. Test a small area first using the following steps.

13. Hold the iron or steamer about half an inch from the fabric. Remember, you will be steaming the back of the velvet.

14. Wave the iron or steamer over the fabric slowly.

15. Inspect both sides of the fabric. If there is no damage, continue steaming small sections of the velvet.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find a product called Velvaboard, which is essentially a board covered with rough fabric. It is designed to allow velvet, or other high pile fabrics, to be laid on it and steamed.