Guide
7 common mistakes to avoid when using a clothes steamer
by Stephanie Vinzens
Ironing: how to avoid these 5 common mistakes
4.3.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
A lot can go wrong when you’re ironing your clothes. Here’s how to prevent shiny marks, protect the fabric and get the job done quickly.
Flip your ironing board open, plug in the iron and go? If only it were that simple. Although ironing clothing isn’t rocket science, there are still a few pitfalls to look out for. Here’s how to avoid them and save time and items of clothing.
Mistake No. 1: dry fabric
To smooth out wrinkles efficiently, you need heat, pressure and, above all, moisture. In other words, fabrics are easiest to iron when they’re still a little damp after washing. If you’re working with dry clothes, make sure to use the steam function to tackle deep creases. For great results, add some extra moisture with a spray bottle.
But keep in mind that some fabrics shouldn’t be steam ironed. Silk, for example. Why? Because the delicate material is highly susceptible to water stains. So if your iron occasionally spits out large drops of water, this can lead to stubborn stains – even if the water’s distilled.
Mistake No. 2: wrong side
Some garments are best ironed inside out. For example, uneven fabrics including corduroy or fabrics that tend to develop shiny spots – think silk, viscose, linen or black textiles in general. Clothes with delicate prints or appliqués should also be turned inside out before ironing. Alternatively, you can place a thin tea towel, preferably a damp one, between the garment and the iron to protect the fabric.
Mistake No. 3: wrong temperature
For the best way to iron out creases and avoid damaging the fabric, it’s worth looking at the garment’s care label. The number of dots on the small iron symbol show you how hot you should set your iron to. If the iron’s crossed out, you shouldn’t iron the item at all.
Mistake No. 4: random pile of clothes
If you’re planning on ironing several items of clothing at once, it’s worth sorting your clothes according to their heat sensitivity first. That way you don’t have to keep adjusting the temperature. Start with the delicate fabrics before moving on to the hardier ones. This order makes sense because most modern irons heat up faster than they cool down.
Mistake No. 5: sloppy approach
Header image: Cottonbro Studio via Pexels
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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