Sometimes, getting the iron out can be a real chore, and the fact that it often takes up a huge chunk of your evening may leave you feeling quite deflated. However, we have some fantastic little secrets and tips to help you not only reduce your ironing time, but make it more efficient. With this guide, you will be the master of the iron, and will find that you have a little more free time than before.
How to Cut Your Ironing TimeÂ
Ironing can take up a lot of your time, and so any way in which you can cut it down is excellent. We have a few nifty secrets for a shorter ironing time that you are definitely going to want to take advantage of.
Get organised and make the space for clothes to hang gently and freely. By giving your clothing time and room to hang, you reduce the risk of creasing massively so that you don’t need to iron each piece quite as much. Even just a few hooks for those really important outfits can make a massive difference to the ironing time.
When your clothes have finished washing, get them straight out onto the line. The longer they are left in the machine, the more creased they will become. It is also worth doing a second spin cycle quickly as well because this can loosen creases and make it easier to iron.
You should learn how to use your iron more efficiently as well. You see, while the iron is heating up it is the perfect time to get any delicates that require a lower heat done. By the time it has heated up, they will all be finished, and you can move straight onto the rest of your clothes.
Natural detergents can also make your clothes softer and easier to iron, making the process a faster one overall. It is a great option not only because of the ironing time, but also because it helps the planet a little more and can reduce any itchiness or discomfort caused by chemical detergents.
You can also try to cut down the ironing time by placing a sheet of aluminium foil under the board cover. It will reflect the heat from the iron as you move, essentially allowing you to iron both sides at once. You will be finished in half the time with great results.
The Key to the Best Ironing JobÂ
So, for those of you who are in desperate need of some top tips for really doing a good ironing job, this section is just what you needed. We answer some FAQs, as well as give advice you probably haven’t heard of before. Check out our list below:
How to Iron Your ClothingÂ
One thing that always catches us off guard is how to iron specific pieces of clothing, because it is not always as simple as you may think. In this section, we take you through the key clothes that are ironed and the methods you should be using to get them looking fantastic.
Shirts: Always start with the sleeves, as they will hang off the ironing board while you do the rest. Open the cuffs and lay them flat so that they are ironed into shape correctly and not left wonky or stiff. The collar should also be opened and flat for the same reason, and the results will be much better. Let the shirt hang for a few minutes afterwards to ensure it remains flat and creaseless.
Trousers: Always use gentle pressure with trousers. There should be a single crease on each leg that stops six inches away from the waist. If you lose your main crease, simply line up the seam for each leg to match, and you will find it. After you have pressed the crease, it should be left for an hour or two so that it can set in place as it cools.
Skirts: If you have a standard skirt, all you need to do is start at the top and work your way to the bottom. For those with flounces, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up to the top. These tend to be the easiest garments for you to iron.
How to Iron Specific MaterialsÂ
You can’t just turn the iron on and stick it straight on the clothing; you have to make sure you are using the right setting for the materials in question. Here is a quick guide to the most commonly ironed materials and how you should be ironing them.
Cotton: Iron on a high heat while it is still damp. If the fabric is dry, make sure to dampen it first.
Silk: Use a medium heat setting and dry iron inside and out. Place a pressing cloth over the items you want to iron before you press them.
Wool: Use the best steam press iron on a medium heat.
Acetate: Use a dry iron on a low heat while steaming the wrong side of the fabric.
Acrylic: Use a dry iron on a low heat while ironing the wrong side of the fabric. Don’t use steam.
Nylon: Use a low heat and a dry iron, but you can spray the material if needed.
Polyester: Iron while damp, and use a low or medium heat. Do not iron dry and spray if needed.
To ConcludeÂ
Hopefully, this has helped you to learn more about the ways in which you can make ironing faster and more efficient. If you enjoyed this guide, we would love to hear from you in the comments, but we would also like to know if you have any other tips and tricks that you would like to share.
Last Updated on February 25, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
