Perfect ironing
Ifirst of all, the iron:dry or
steam?
Although dry irons are
generally better in terms
of end results, steam irons
are undoubtedly easier to
use, since there is no need
to moisten the fabric and
this saves time.
Ironing is considerably
easier on a proper ironing
board complete with
sleeve-board. A sturdy,
well-padded ironing
board, positioned so as to
leave plenty of space all
around, is far preferable
to the kitchen table.
Lastly, you will need a
water spray, two cloths of
different thicknesses,
spray starch and clothes
hangers.
To iron correctly, first press
garments with the iron
(without leaning hard!) to
give shape, then smooth with
a "backwards and forwards"
movement. As a rule, start
from the seams, then do the
tucks or pleats, then the
sleeves and collar, leaving the
flat areas until last.
For ironing too, care
labels give clear
instructions.
Always read the label, and in
its absence, observe these
rules:
Cotton and linen: iron
while damp using a hot iron
Wool: use steam, or place a
damp cloth between the
garment and a dry iron;
Silk: iron damp and on the
reverse side using a cool iron
or else place a sheet of tissue
paper between the fabric
and the iron.
Synthetics: if they need
ironing, dry-iron on the
reverse side using a cool
setting.
Velvet: always iron on the
reverse side.
How to iron the most
common garments
Shirts: start with the collar,
then the sleeves, cuffs and
yoke (fitting the shoulder
around the end of the
board). Take care not to
catch the tip of the iron in
button holes. Button the
shirt and iron the front
again, then fold and give a
final press.
Follow the same procedure
for blouses, but hang them
on clothes hangers instead of
folding.
Pleated skirts: flatten
down the pleats and iron
them on the reverse side,
turning the skirt around over
the end of the board.
Trousers: bring together any
tucks or pleats; using a cloth,
iron one leg at a time. Place
the legs one on top of the
other and iron the outside of
each one, pressing firmly.
Jackets: start with the
sleeves, then the back, the
front and last of all the collar.
Use a damp cloth.
Sheets and curtains: these
are easier ironed if folded
carefully beforehand, at least
once, to reduce the width.
