How to Prevent Shiny Iron Marks

Shiny iron marks appear on garments after they have been pressed with a clothes iron. Shiny iron marks occur when the temperature of the clothes iron is set too high. Or, the iron is left on the fabric too long. For instance, natural fibers like wool can scorch. Synthetic fibers like polyester can fuse together. Unfortunately, you cannot do much to get rid of shiny iron marks once they appear on garments, but you can take steps to prevent them from ruining your garments in the future.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray bottle
• Vinegar
• Cloth
• Clothes iron
• Garment

1. Make a vinegar spritzer. Add ½ cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water to a spray bottle.

2. Spray a cotton cloth until damp.

3. Turn the garment inside out prior to ironing. Iron press on the wrong side as a precaution that prevents shiny iron marks from showing on the right side.

4. Put the garment on an ironing board.

5. Adjust the temperature on the clothes iron. All modern clothes irons have manufacturer settings. You want to turn the temperature slightly below the recommended setting and wait for the iron to heat up.

6. Place the dampened cloth over the garment. Press the garment with the clothes iron. Be sure to only iron the area that is protected by the cloth. Then lift the cloth and set in down on another area of the garment. Continue moving the cloth until the entire garment is pressed.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase pressing clothes to prevent shiny iron marks, but an old, clean handkerchief will work just as well.

Resources

• More About How to Use a Pressing Cloth