Whether you are new to ironing or just want to improve on your shirt ironing technique, you can benefit from some professional ironing tips.
First, set up your ironing board in a well-lit area. This is important. You want to be able to see your work, and proper lighting is essential, especially when you are ironing darker-colored shirts. Also make sure that the floor is clean and the are is free of other objects that might get in your way. If you have young children around, try to tie your ironing to when they are occupied, since a hot and heavy iron can be a dangerous thing!
Adjust the ironing board so it is as waist level, and if you are right-handed, make sure that the cord for the iron will be plugged in to the right. Most right-handers, prefer having the point side of the iron the the left. Reverse these suggestions if you are left-handed.
Have a spray bottle handy so you can spray down the shirt before ironing, section by section. A linen shirt or one that is heavily wrinkled will really benefit from being misted. You only want it to be slightly damp not soaked. A spray bottle is also handy if you accidentally iron in a big wrinkle. The water will help to get it out.
Most of the time, if you mist the shirt right before ironing, you won’t need to use the steam setting on your iron. If you choose to use the steam setting, be aware that most manufacturers of irons recommend using distilled water to prolong the life of the iron and to prevent mineral stains on your shirts.
Next, iron in steps. The preferred method is to start with the collar, ironing from the edges in to the middle to avoid wrinkles in the “ease” or extra material that allows the collar to curve.
Next, do the sides and back yoke of the shirt. These are the areas right below the collar. Sleeves are next, and they can be a little tricky. Start with the button side up, then turn the sleeve over and do the other side. Repeat with the second sleeve.
After the sleeves are done, proceed to do the right side of the shirt, then the back and then the left side.
Ironing in this order will help prevent new wrinkles from forming in your newly ironed sections!
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