Ironing can be a chore for some, or a relaxing activity for others. Whichever group you fall into, the right techniques and knowledge of the symbols can save you time, effort, and protect your clothes from damage.

Let’s take a look at how to iron effectively and with pleasure.

Why iron?

In addition to the aesthetic appeal that ironing gives to your clothes, there are also practical reasons. Ironing helps to smooth the fibers of the fabric, making the clothes more resistant to wrinkles in the future. It can also help to remove some bacteria and disinfect the clothes, especially at higher temperatures.

Tips and tricks for efficient ironing

• Moisture is your friend: Slightly damp laundry is much easier to iron than completely dry. If your clothes are too dry, you can easily dampen them with a spray bottle of water. Or you can use parfumed water for ironing from your favorite shop.

• Iron from the wrong side: Iron especially dark fabrics, prints, embroidery and delicate materials from the wrong side to avoid shiny marks or damage.

• Use the steam function: Steam helps to loosen fibers and smooth out creases more effectively. For stubborn creases, use a stronger steam jet. 

• Iron with long, smooth strokes: Avoid circular motions that can stretch the fabric. Iron in one direction, ideally along the grain of the fabric.

• Be careful with zippers and buttons: Avoid ironing directly over zippers, buttons or other metal or plastic applications to avoid damaging them or scratching the iron.

• Start with smaller areas: For shirts and blouses, start with the collar, cuffs and shoulders, then move on to larger areas.

• Folds and creases: To create sharp creases on trousers, first straighten the fabric properly and iron on both sides of the crease. 

• After ironing: Let the ironed garment cool on a hanger for a while before putting it in the closet. This will prevent it from creasing again.

• For delicate fabric iron trough cotton handkerchief or thin cotton fabric. You can use this method for clothes with sequins and beads, to prevent damaging your iron. 

Ironing symbols

Iron with one dot (⋅): Very low temperature (up to 110∘C). Designed for synthetic materials such as nylon, acrylic, and fine silk. Iron without steam to prevent smell or mold.

Iron with two dots (⋅⋅): Medium temperature (up to 150∘C). Ideal for wool, viscose, and polyester. Use a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric.

Iron with three dots (⋅⋅⋅): High temperature (up to 200∘C). Suitable for cotton and linen. These materials can also withstand steam ironing.

Crossed out iron (X over iron): Do not iron! The garment is not suitable for ironing, it will either be damaged or lose its shape. It often appears on garments with embroidery, prints or delicate materials.

Crossed out steam iron (X under iron): Iron without steam. The material is not suitable for ironing with steam, it may be damaged or deformed.

With these tips and tricks, and especially with the correct interpretation of the symbols, it will become much easier and more efficient. Your clothes will thank you with a smooth and neat look!