Our best ironing tips!
Ironing may not be at the top of the list of fun things to do. It can be both time-consuming and difficult, and getting the perfect ironing is not always easy. That’s why we at Rörets want to share our best ironing tips for more efficient and successful ironing. There are a lot of tips and tricks that we will go through, everything from the right equipment, preparation and maintenance to the best tricks when it’s time to iron!
Correct ironing board and cover
A well-adapted ironing board
We know by now that it’s worth investing in good things that are fit for purpose? Having an ironing board or cover that matches your needs will undoubtedly simplify and streamline your ironing significantly. If your current ironing board is not adapted to your height, has the optimal ironing surface for your laundry, or does not have a suitable iron rest for your iron or steam station, then it may be time to invest in a new one! In our ironing board guide, you can read more about some of our most popular variants and their various functions that are guaranteed to facilitate both ironing and storage.
What type of cover?
When it comes to covers, there are also a few different variants and functions that are not least important to consider when ironing certain materials. We offer three different types of covers. The first is our classic covers with heavy felt padding and with a practical rubber band, specially adapted for ironing boards made of metal mesh.
The next variant is our covers Holly and Lily which have three layers – cotton, heavy felt padding and extra heavy foam padding for the absolute best ironing comfort. These are also specially adapted for ironing boards with metal mesh and are also equipped with Velcro straps for a perfect fit.
Finally, we have our Drop Stop covers which are heat reflective and thus reuse the steam to achieve a faster and better ironing result. This cover has 5 different functional layers and is specially adapted for steam irons.
Iron or steam?
So, what is the difference between ironing with a normal iron or using steam in the form of a steam iron or a steam station? Let’s take a closer look!
The classic iron
The classic iron has been around for several generations and is really good when it comes to press pleats or ironing shirts with extra smooth collars and cuffs. Here, it is only heat from the iron that makes the clothes smooth and fine, but there are also other options such as a steam iron for those who want to avoid reaching for the spray bottle with water.
Steam station – a combo of both
When using a steam iron, a combination of both heat and steam is used. So, a combo between an iron and a steamer. The steam station has a significantly larger water tank than the iron, but otherwise it is very similar to the iron and still needs a suitable ironing board for the execution. The advantage of including steam in the ironing process is that the steam dissolves the fibers in the fabric, making them more pliable and easy to handle. This means that the folds will be much easier to iron out evenly and neatly.
The iron and the steam station need love
Something that is very important but that we often forget is that our irons need to be cleaned. The iron can be easily cleaned with a cloth with vinegar and water and don’t forget the small holes where the steam comes out!
The water also needs to be changed after each time and preferably immediately after you have finished ironing. Leftover water can damage the inside of the iron and discolor the soleplate. For the steam stations that do not have anti-calc technology, it is preferable to descale these from time to time. Otherwise, the limescale in the water risks causing the nozzles to drip or leaving stains on your clothes.
The basics – before you start!
- Hang dry and iron the clothes damp
Avoid the dryer that wears out your clothes, instead hang them and iron your clothes when they are still a little damp. In this way, the folds and wrinkles don’t have time to set in as hard – quickly and effectively! - Clean iron and correct settings
Make sure your ironing tool is clean and dry before ironing to avoid stains on your clothes. This can be done by ironing the iron against a towel a few times before you start. Fill with clean water and make sure you have your ironing board at the right height! - Follow the washing instructions and start with the lowest temperature
Sort the laundry according to the temperature on the washing instructions and always start with the garments that require the lowest temperature to avoid the iron being too hot for delicate fabrics. - Tips to avoid shiny marks and imprints
Use an ironing board that is well padded, especially for wool. Always try to iron your garments on the reverse side if possible. Use an ironing cloth, such as our Nova, which facilitates the ironing of delicate materials and protects against marks at excessive temperatures. Another option is our iron foil, Luna, which counteracts burn marks and a glassy surface on sensitive materials. For some fabrics, such as wool, it may be beneficial to use steam or press gently with a slightly damp cloth.
The perfect shirt ironing
- Moisten the garment
If the garment is not already slightly damp after drying, be sure to moisten it using a spray bottle and let the fabric tighten for a minute before you start. - Start with sleeves and cuffs
Once you’ve made sure you have the right temperature on your iron, start with the sleeves and cuffs which can then hang off the ironing board without wrinkling. Open the cufflinks and make sure it lays flat and then iron accordingly. Make sure the sleeves lie flat to avoid puckering on the other side before continuing to iron. - Then press OK
This is the part that sits at the top of the shirt on the back that goes from shoulder to shoulder. This area may be good to iron early to avoid wrinkling to the rest of the fabric. Make sure the shirt is unbuttoned. - Move on to the collar
Now it’s time for the collar, which you iron folded up. Iron the inside and make sure you use extra water or steam to make it smooth more easily. Then fasten the top button to make it easier for the collar to stay nice during the rest of the ironing. - Iron the first half of the front piece
Here it is advantageous to have an ironing board that is specially adapted for shirts, for example our Facile ironing board. Lay one front piece of the shirt flat on the ironing board and let the rest hang down. Start by ironing around the buttons and then the rest of the fabric. Place the weight at the back of the iron to avoid the tip causing creases that are then difficult to remove. - Go over to the back
Then continue with the part of the back that you have not already ironed and stretch the fabric to keep it as smooth as possible while ironing. - Finally, the second half of the front piece
We finish with the last half of the front piece and do the same as on the first half to get as finely ironed a shirt as possible! - Hang up!
Now hang your shirt on a hanger and let it cool down before wearing it to avoid creasing easily.
We hope these tips can make your ironing a little easier and more fun in the future!