Whether you see ironing as a tedious chore or a soothing ritual, using the right techniques and understanding fabric care symbols can make the process faster, easier, and help protect your garments.

Why Bother with Ironing?

Beyond giving your clothes a polished look, ironing offers practical benefits too. It smooths out fabric fibers, making them more wrinkle-resistant, and at higher temperatures, it can help kill bacteria and refresh your clothing.

Handy Ironing Tips

Damp is best: Slightly damp clothes are easier to iron. If they’re already dry, a quick mist from a spray bottle—or your favorite scented ironing water—will help.

Iron inside out: For darker fabrics, prints, embroidery, or delicate items, ironing from the reverse side prevents shiny marks or potential damage.

Let steam do the work: Steam softens fabric fibers, helping you remove wrinkles faster. Use a burst of steam for tougher creases.

Use long, straight strokes: Avoid circular motions that can distort fabric. Iron in smooth, straight lines—ideally in the direction of the weave.

Watch for hardware: Don’t iron directly over zippers, buttons, or any embellishments. This can damage both the item and your iron.

Start small: For shirts and blouses, begin with the collar, cuffs, and shoulder area before moving to larger sections.

Sharp creases: To press a crisp crease into trousers, align the fabric neatly and press both sides.

Cool down time: Hang freshly ironed garments to cool before storing them to keep them wrinkle-free.

Protect delicate items: Use a cotton cloth or handkerchief when ironing sensitive fabrics or items with beads or sequins.

Know Your Ironing Symbols

One dot (⋅): Use a low setting (up to 110°C). Meant for delicate synthetics like nylon or silk. Avoid using steam.

Two dots (⋅⋅): Medium heat (up to 150°C), great for wool, polyester, and viscose. Place a damp cloth between the iron and fabric.

Three dots (⋅⋅⋅): High heat (up to 200°C), perfect for cotton and linen. These fabrics can handle steam well.

Iron crossed out (X): Do not iron. These items can be damaged or lose shape—often found on clothes with prints or embellishments.

Steam crossed out (X under iron): Iron without steam. Steam may cause damage or deform the material.

With these techniques and a good understanding of fabric care labels, ironing becomes easier and more effective. And your clothes? They’ll look crisp, clean, and ready to impress!

Our sister laundry has created a clear description of the individual symbols and we are attaching it here. Thank you LaundryKaron.com