If you want to save some space, you could opt for a table top ironing board which folds away much smaller. Better still, is a heat absorbing ironing pad, which you simply lay down on any table and iron clothing over it.

Lastly, you’ll need an ironing cloth (a.k.a. pressing cloth) that will help create a barrier between the iron and your clothing to avoid any scorch marks or shiny, burnt areas from accidentally occurring.

Ok… You’re all geared up. Now let’s iron!

How to Iron

Learning how to properly iron is definitely worth your time. Here’s what you need to know…

Check the Label for the Correct Ironing Temperature

The first step is to check your garment labels for the types of fabric. (Natural fabrics like Cotton or Wool can handle a much higher temperature than synthetic fabrics like Polyester.)

Your label should show at which temperature it can be ironed. This is usually indicated by an iron graphic with 1, 2 or 3 dots… 3 representing low, medium and high heat respectively.

Separate the garments into piles of similar fabrics.

Fill Your Iron With Water

Tap water is usually fine but some irons might require a 50% dilution with distilled water which you can easily pick up at your local convenience store.

This is because the minerals in the water can calcify and damage the iron, especially in “hard water” areas. (Check your iron’s instruction booklet.)

Heat the Iron

Start with the iron on its lowest setting and tackle the sensitive fabrics first. Then work your way up to the more resilient items.

Most irons will have a dial which can be set to the fabric type, whether it be Linen, Cotton, Wool, Silk, Polyester, etc.

It should have an indicator light that will flash when you set the temperature dial and stop flashing as soon as the iron reaches its desired temperature. Once the light stops flashing, you can start ironing.