8 Common Ironing Mistakes You Should Avoid

Having perfectly ironed clothes give off a smart and snazzy appearance to anyone. That's why it is important to learn the art of ironing clothes properly. To get that well-groomed look on any occasion, here are the common ironing mistakes that you should avoid.

Mistake #1: Wrong Choice of Iron

Perfectly creaseless clothes must be pressed with the right iron. This tool is the most crucial in completing your ironing chore successfully. While there are a wide variety of irons to choose from, make sure that the one you use is made of high-quality materials and features, with settings that can be used for line shirts or polyester bottoms, and a wide range of other fabrics. When choosing an iron, you will want to consider its heat capacity, steam delivery system, and soleplate as well.

Mistake #2: Neglecting the Use of an Iron Board

Some say you can iron clothes without the use of an iron board. While this may be true, iron boards give you the convenience of doing this back-aching task. A sturdy, well-built, and perfectly sized iron board will help you feel more comfortable especially when you are ironing a lot of clothes.

Mistake #3: Use of Water with Impurities

Dampening clothes is a way to iron out creases more easily, and that's why some prefer to use steam irons. Make sure to use water that is free of grimes or impurities to extend the life of your steam irons. Earlier versions even require distilled water to make sure that only the cleanest water goes into the iron system. Nowadays, tap water may be accepted but see to it that they are clean enough and won't cause build-up in the long run.

Mistake #4: Failure to Follow Care Instructions

Like in doing laundry, the proper procedure has to be followed when ironing clothes. Therefore, read the labels on your clothes for specific instructions on how to proceed with the process of ironing. There is a suggested amount of heat for different fabrics to ensure that the quality of your clothes will not diminish easily over time.

Mistake #5: Ironing Unwashed Clothes

Sometimes, in the moment of wanting to wear certain clothes immediately, some people iron them without washing that piece of clothing. This is a huge mistake. Ironing unwashed clothes may cause stains to become permanent on your outfit.  Make sure to wash your clothes properly and let them dry thoroughly before ironing them.

Mistake #6: Forgetting to Clean the Iron

To maintain the performance of your iron, make sure to clean them on a regular basis. One of the most important parts of the iron that you should clean is the soleplate since there might be melted fabrics that got stuck on it. You may use a baking soda paste to clean the plate when it has cooled down.

Another part that needs regular cleaning is the water tank. You may also use baking soda paste, which is a good mixture to remove the dirt and build-up. Ironing does wonders for your outfit. Therefore, you should take care of the tool that helps you get the crease out of your favorite clothes.

Mistake #7: Ironing Clothes Aimlessly

If you want to take good care of your clothes, make sure to iron them in the right manner. Press the piece of clothing with the same amount of pressure and in the same direction. This will make your outfit look neater and it will also extend the quality of your clothes even when you use them often.

Mistake #8: Delicate Pieces are Ironed Last

Some people iron the most delicate pieces of fabric last as part of the cooling down process of the iron. However, an iron takes more time to cool down. It is better to start ironing using the lowest temperature with the delicate fabrics first, such as silk. As the temperature increases, you may continue pressing your linens and cotton.