How to Iron Blouses

Ironing is a chore most people like to avoid. If the dryer can get out a few wrinkles in a t-shirt, you're usually ready to go. But if you have a dress shirt or blouse, ironing is necessary to make yourself presentable. It doesn't need to be an arduous chore, but merely a quick, simple one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Iron
• Ironing board
• Water for dampening the shirt

1. Check the care directions on the shirt's tag. See what setting is recommended for the iron, and follow any further instructions carefully so you don't ruin the shirt.

2. Adjust the iron to the correct setting. If ironing a batch of clothes, do the items that require the lower iron setting first. For blouses that require a low setting, dampen the shirt with a water spray before ironing.

3. Iron the collar and cuffs of the shirt first. Iron the collar wrong side up. Iron the cuffs beginning with the inside then moving to the outside. Hold them taut so they do not wrinkle.

4. Iron the shoulders next. Drape the blouse off the narrow end of the ironing board, and press out any wrinkles in the shoulder area.

5. Iron the sleeves. Place the sleeve flat on the board, and crease it properly. Press one side, then the other.

6. Iron the body of the shirt. Open the shirt and drape it over the ironing board. To ensure that every section of the body gets pressed, simply rotate the shirt around the ironing board as you go. Begin with the front of the shirt, and move each section over as you go along until you come to the other side of the shirt. This will result in one complete rotation. Remember to crease the shirt in the proper spots, and avoid buttons and closures.

7. Hang the shirt or blouse immediately after ironing. If the shirt is still damp, let it dry before hanging it in a closet.