Ironing with a steam iron effectively removes wrinkles and leaves your clothes looking crisp. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation:
- Read the Garment Label: Always check the care label on your garment for ironing instructions (fabric type, temperature settings). This prevents damage.
- Prepare the Ironing Board: Set up your ironing board on a stable surface.
- Fill the Water Tank: Unplug the iron and carefully fill the water tank with distilled or demineralized water to the maximum fill line. Using tap water can cause mineral buildup.
2. Setting the Iron:
- Plug in the Iron: Plug the iron into an electrical outlet.
- Select the Temperature: Turn the temperature dial to the appropriate setting for the fabric you're ironing. Start with lower temperatures for delicate fabrics and increase as needed. Refer to your iron's manual for temperature recommendations.
- Allow the Iron to Heat Up: Wait for the iron to reach the selected temperature. The indicator light will usually turn on and off to signal when the iron is ready.
3. Ironing Process:
- Spray if Needed: If the garment is particularly wrinkled or you're using a dry iron setting, lightly spray it with water.
- Ironing Technique:
- Place the garment flat on the ironing board.
- Using a smooth, even motion, glide the iron across the fabric. Apply gentle pressure.
- For steam ironing, press the steam button as you move the iron. Avoid holding the steam button down constantly; use short bursts.
- Iron small sections at a time, overlapping slightly.
- For items with buttons or embellishments, iron around them carefully.
- Iron both sides of the garment for a professional finish.
- Specific Garments:
- Shirts: Iron the collar, cuffs, sleeves, and then the body.
- Pants: Iron the pockets, waistband, and then the legs.
4. Finishing Up:
- Hang the Garment: Hang the ironed garment immediately to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
- Empty the Water Tank: Once the iron has cooled completely, unplug it and empty any remaining water from the tank to prevent mineral buildup.
- Store the Iron: Store the iron in a safe place, preferably in an upright position.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Iron sticking to fabric: Lower the temperature.
- Water spitting from the iron: Allow the iron to heat up fully before using steam.
- Mineral buildup: Clean the iron regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Many steam irons have a self-cleaning function.
