Steam iron?

Thursday, May 17th, 2012 at 7:36 pm

Carla Asked:

I am really bad at ironing that my 13yr old daughter could do better than me! so pls pls pls can you tell me what iron i could get that would help me iron better and do i need a certain steam iron board? I did consisder getting one of those pressers but dont really have the room to store it. your answers will make my life better! thanks in advance!

Reply:

First, buy a GOOD ironing board cover (a scorch resistant is the best); Second, use a good steam iron (I bought a Rowanda used) that has steam AND spray features; Third, keep spray starch or "sizing" (I like Magic Sizing spray) nearby; and Finally, always try to use distilled water in your steam iron.

Now, start by sorting your ironing into like materials (cottons, polyester, silk, denim, etc.). Use the recommended setting and start pressing those that need the lowest setting first. After you get better, you'll learn how hot to set the iron. Start with things like T-shirts. Lay the item on the board and press one sleeve at a time. Then press the body (I only do one side as the other side gets steamed at the same time), starting at the side seams.

When doing blouses/shirts,steam iron the colar first, the sleeves second, back yoke third, then iron the front (start at either buttons or button holes and press these two areas from the underside) and work your way all the way around to the opposite front.

Skirts: Press the waistband first. Then slip skirt over ironing board and start (I start at zipper or a seam) pressing from waist to hem (your ironing board should be that long) and go all the way around the skirt. If it is ruffled, it takes some practice but any ironing is better than no ironing.

Slacks/jeans: Always always always press the waistbands. You get a much better fit. I usually press the waist and the pocket areas starting on one side of the zipper and going around to the other. Then I take the pants by the pant legs, put the inside and outside seams together and grab the back pockets. Then press a crease (this is where I use spray starch) in the back (up to the pocket). Then I turn them over and press the other side. For the front, I lay the pants )still with seams together) on the board and try to get as straight a line as possible and press, doing the same as in on the back crease. It takes a bit of practice for dress pants but believe me, people do notice (and employers are impressed by) neatly pressed clothing.

If you can, press your clothing as it comes out of the dryer (or hang it up until you can). Always empty the iron when you've finished. This will eliminate a lot of gunk build-up.

Good luck and please don't give up.

About 58 years of ironing.