How to Make Ironing Easier

Ironing is not a pleasant activity for most people. It's one of those things we just have to do. But don't despair, there are easier ways to iron out there! These little tricks will make the chore much less difficult.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Iron
• Ironing board
• Damp clothes
• Spray starch

1. Ironing tips begin at the washing machine and dryer. Don't overload either machine as that causes bunching and twisting, which means more difficult wrinkles.

2. Wash clothes according to directions. If the label says "cold water" or "warm water," pay attention. The directions tell you the easiest and smartest way to care for your garments, so read them carefully. They will save your clothes and save you lots of extra labor.

3. Don't dry your clothes completely. Pull your clothes from the dryer when they're slightly damp. This will make ironing easier. The wrinkles won't have time to set in and the dampness will make the fabric iron more easily. You'll also save electricity as a bonus.

4. Use your iron just for touch ups if that's all that's needed. Sometimes only the cuffs and collars need ironing. Look at the garment and iron only where it's necessary for it to look good.

5. Sort the clothes in your ironing pile by the temperature setting they need to be ironed on. Start with the lowest heat settings and then move up. If you start with the highest heat you'll run the risk of ironing too soon and scorching something.

6. Sprinkle dry clothes with water and roll up and put in the refrigerator for at least an hour before you iron them. Roll them singly and take them out a few at a time as you're ready for them. This makes removing the wrinkles a lot easier.

7. Iron the smallest parts of the garment first. Start with the collar and cuffs, then do the sleeves and lastly the body. This prevents wrinkling the garment as you iron.

8. Iron lengthwise on garments rather than crosswise. You can stretch the fabric out of shape (and into some strange shape) by ironing across it.

9. Use spray starch for items you want to really have a crisp finish on. Don't overdo it, however, as it can flake and make a mess. A little goes a long way. Most of the time, starch isn't even needed.

10. Put a favorite movie on and iron things in logical order. You'll find you're accomplishing more with less pain than you thought possible!

Tips & Warnings

• If a garment is hopelessly wrinkled, try tossing it into the dryer on low or no heat--depending on fabric care--with a wet but wrung out hand or bath towel.
• If that doesn't work, rewash the garment. It will be far less trouble than fighting with it forever.
• Never iron over a stain on a fabric until you've tried your best to get it out. It will set it in permanently.

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