Ironing Basics

More than likely, you send your dress shirts to the dry cleaners to be laundered and pressed, but every now and then, you may need to touch up a shirt at home.

Here are a few ironing basics to remember:

• Care Labels-Your clothing’s care label (if it’s not at the collar, check the lower left side seam) will give care recommendations that are appropriate for the fabric, such as “cool iron” or “do not steam.” Using care techniques contrary to the instructions may damage or discolor the fabric.
• Steam Settings-Adding hot water to your ironing helps smooth out wrinkles at a lower temperature than using a dry iron. Make sure the iron is hot enough that the water turns to steam rather than coming out as droplets.
• Starch Options-While you want to avoid the unnatural look of a stiffly starched shirt, a little spray starch can do wonders for thick, easily wrinkled cottons.
• Heat Range-The hotter the iron, the faster it removes wrinkles. But heat is also a source of stress for the fabric, especially at the collar and wrist where the fabric is doubled back over itself. Set your iron at the lowest temperature that gives good results.