To iron a flight suit, especially one made of Nomex, it's crucial to use a very low temperature setting. According to experts, you should iron the garment while it is still damp and do not exceed a temperature of 2800F. For persistent deep wrinkles, using a fabric steamer as an alternative is recommended.
Key Considerations for Ironing Nomex Flight Suits
Nomex is a flame-resistant material often used in flight suits. Proper care, including ironing, is essential to maintain its integrity and appearance. Using the correct temperature and technique prevents damage to the fabric.
Ironing Steps
Based on expert advice, here's a straightforward approach to ironing your flight suit:
- Ensure Dampness: Begin by ironing the flight suit while it is still damp. This helps to release wrinkles more effectively at lower temperatures.
- Set Low Temperature: Use a very low temperature setting on your iron.
- Do Not Exceed: Do not exceed a temperature of 2800F when ironing. This specific temperature limit is recommended by experts to protect the Nomex material.
- Iron Carefully: Iron the suit section by section, moving the iron smoothly over the fabric.
- Hang to Dry: Once ironed, hang the suit loosely to allow it to finish drying completely and prevent new wrinkles.
Alternative: Steaming
If you encounter huge, deep wrinkles that are difficult to remove with an iron, or if you prefer not to iron, a fabric steamer is an excellent alternative.
- Hang Loosely: Hang the flight suit so it hangs loosely.
- Use a Steamer: Apply steam to the wrinkled areas. The steam helps to relax the fabric fibers and quickly straighten out the wrinkles without direct heat contact from an iron.
Quick Reference Table
| Task | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Very low; Do not exceed 2800F |
| Condition | Iron while damp |
| Deep Wrinkles | Use a fabric steamer as an alternative |
| Finishing | Hang loosely to dry |
Following these guidelines will help you effectively iron your Nomex flight suit while preserving the fabric's characteristics.
