How to Properly Iron Men's Shirts

An article that will give you step by step instructions on how to iron a man's shirt, written by a man that irons his own shirts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ironing board
• electric steam iron
• can of spray starch
• fine mist spray bottle

1. Set up the ironing board, insuring it is at the proper height for ease of use. Make sure there is an electrical outlet near enough to the board allowing for plenty of free cord length when ironing.

2. Check the iron for proper water level and add as needed. Plug in and prepare the iron for ironing. See that the temperature control is set on the steam setting for the type of fabric that is to be ironed. Allow the iron a few minutes to reach ironing temperature.

3. Prepare the shirt for ironing by spraying a fine mist of spray starch to the entire shirt. Particular attention should be paid to the collar, front, and sleeves when applying the starch. Allow the starch to penetrate the fabric before ironing.

4. Position the shirt on the narrow end of the ironing board and iron the collar first. Iron the sleeves and shoulder area of the shirt next making a nice crease all the way to the collar. Turn the shirt to one side of the front and snug it up to the small end of the board. Starting at the collar, iron down the open side and continue ironing while moving the shirt to iron the side, back, other side and on to the opposite front side. Put the shirt on a clothes hanger right away to prevent wrinkling.

Tips & Warnings

• A clamp on iron cord holder, although not a necessity, is a handy addition to the ironing board.
• If the shirt is especially wrinkled or made of a thick fabric, such as denim or khaki, using a water spray bottle to lightly moisten the shirt may be beneficial.
• Take care when spraying starch to not get over spray on the carpet or other flooring.
• Keep in mind that an iron set at to high a temperature and used with starch can cause flaking or even cause the iron to stick to the fabric.
• Remember that the iron is very hot and will cause instant burning if it comes into contact with you skin!
• Always take care not to inhale spray starch and always use in a well ventilated area.

[leaper]

on 4/18/2009 Great article on how to properly iron a man's shirt.