How to Properly Iron 10 Types of Fabric

Not taking proper care when ironing our clothes can cause us to burn or ruin them, and the way you handle them depends on the properties of each type of fabric. To prevent you from damaging your favorite pieces of clothing, 5-Minute Crafts is explaining how to properly iron 10 different kinds of textiles.

1. Cotton

• It’s preferable to turn the clothes inside out to avoid damage.
• Leave the clothes damp.
• Set the iron to a hot temperature and activate the steam option.
• When finished, fold the garment nicely so that it doesn’t wrinkle.

2. Linen

• If the garment is light-colored, iron it on both sides.
• If the garment is dark, iron it only on the reverse side.
• Put the iron on steam mode.
• The iron should be set at a very high temperature.

3. Wool

• Place a cloth between the garment and the iron to prevent sticking.
• The iron should be at a low temperature.
• Use low steam.

4. Polyester

• Turn the garment inside out.
• The iron should be set at a low temperature.
• Start at the bottom of the garment. Don’t leave the iron in one place for too long.

5. Silk

• Turn the garment inside out.
• Iron when the garment is damp.
• The temperature of the iron should be set to medium to low.
• Place a cloth or piece of fabric between the iron and the garment.

6. Nylon

• Select a low temperature on the iron.
• Smooth the garment by hand before you start ironing.
• Use back and forth movements and medium pressure.

7. Lycra or spandex

• Select a low temperature.
• Place a cloth or towel between the iron and the garment.
• Iron with forward and backward movements.
• Iron for a short time, as this type of material doesn’t require a lot of ironing.

8. Acetate

• The clothes must be inside out.

• The iron should be set at a low temperature and without steam.

9. Rayon or viscose

• The iron should be set at a low temperature.
• Put the clothes inside out.
• Before hanging, let the garment cool down.

10. Triacetate

• Iron when the garment is dry.

• The iron should be at a low temperature.

Bonus: fabric types and ironing temperatures