Iron Temperature Setting Guide for Different Fabrics
It’s probably safe to say that we are past the generation of clothes ironers like our parents and grannies. With a variety of no-iron shirts on the market and perhaps slightly wrinkled clothing, many irons sit idle. But, there are moments when you want to be at your best, and any wrinkle in your cloth seems annoying.
Many materials can be ironed, but not all are machine washable. Before cleaning your favorite piece of clothing, it’s crucial to check the tag before you wash and dry the item. If the item has a dry-cleaning label as the only option, you can iron the only problem is washing and cleaning.
If you are having a pile of wrinkled clothing, sort them out first. Sorting the fabrics is crucial because they require different iron settings. For example, the iron temperature for cotton is higher than that of nylon. If you have a problem in identifying the fabric type, check the label. In most cases, you will find instructions on whether the cloth can be ironed and, if so, at what temperature.
Some label uses iron symbols which may be confusing sometime. Here is a quick guide on what the symbols mean:
- An iron having one dot needs the cloth pressed at a low temperature and avoiding steam
- An iron with two dots requires moderate temperature use. Heavy pressure should be avoided
- An iron having three dots means high temperature and steam can be used
- If you find an iron with an X the garment should not be ironed at any circumstance; it may cause damage
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Every fabric is different; you need to adjust your ironing technique to make sure your favorite linen is not damaged. Make sure you follow the recommended fabric care instructions keenly. It is also essential to have a plush white towel if you’re dealing with certain fabrics. For perfect ironing experience, read the iron temperature guide to ensure your next ironing project goes on as planned.
Matching iron temperature with your fabrics
Before you start ironing, set your iron to the lowest temperature needed. Get your iron settings right and keep your clothes looking good and make sure they last.
- Acetate
Acetate is a synthetic fabric that is made from cellulose or wood pulp. It is smooth, soft, and silky; it’s commonly used for wedding dresses and occasion dresses. This type of fabric needs a temperature of 290 degrees Fahrenheit. It is the setting 1 on your iron. To get the best results, invert the cloth inside out while it’s still damp. Iron acetate on the inside.
Take caution while ironing this fabric; it can go shiny if not ironed properly or worst, it can melt.
- Acrylic
This fabric is common in jumpers, socks, and hats. Don’t at any circumstance iron the acrylic directly; it could melt it. Before ironing, start by laying it face down, and cover it with a tea towel or clean pillowcase. Ensure that the press cloth is cream or white; this will prevent you from transferring another color onto your fabric.
For the acrylic fabric, use an iron setting of 3 or ensure the setting is around 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Always ensure that you press your iron gently. Avoid moving it back and forth. Make sure you iron acrylic when completely dry to prevent it from stretching. Avoid using steam
- Cashmere
Cashmere is extracted from goats and is softer than sheep’s wool. Cashmere garments need special care while ironing. For this fabric, you require steam instead of pressing it. If the wrinkles are bothersome, it is advisable to flip the garment inside out. Press through a pressing cloth to protect the fabric.
Use a setting of 3 or around 275° Celsius. After washing the cashmere, don’t twist or wring it. Place it on a flat surface and leave it to dry. This is also a way to avoid ironing. When dry, iron on the reverse and use steam settings. Move in gentle strokes; never stay on any one spot.
Avoid ironing dirty or stained cashmere; the dirt will stick permanently in the garment. Also, never hang it, it could cause drooping. Instead, fold the cashmere garment.
- Corduroy
This old-days fabric needs a lot of heat to get the wrinkles out of it. Use 200° Celsius, which is setting number 7. For corduroy to keep its unique feature, you should not flatten its wale.
You should lay your garment inside out when ironing, and use your hands to smooth it first. Instead of sliding the iron consider pressing it down gently. Brush it down with your hands after rolling in the direction of the pile. For a fantastic finish, hang the cloth to straighten.
- Cotton and cotton blends
When dealing with iron fabric, it’s crucial to separate your lightweight garments from the heavyweight garments. For the lightweight clothes, use an iron setting of 5; for heavyweight cotton, consider using an iron setting of 7.
Always iron cotton on the right side. It the garment is dry, use a spray bottle to wet it again. High temperatures setting and steam should be used when the garment has the worst wrinkles.
If you have cotton blends, treat them differently. They should be ironed on low or medium heat.
- Damask
Damask is a tricky fabric when ironing you have to use a cloth to protect it and to check if there is any loose thread. For this fabric, set your iron to number 5 or about 150° C Celsius. Iron the other side of the cloth, which is not visible to everyone, but if there is a need to straighten the other side, use steam only.
- Lace and embroidery
The vintage-style garment is back on-trend. Ironing them can be a daunting job if not handled carefully. When ironing embroidery and lace fabric, use an iron setting of 5 or about 150° Celsius. Lay a towel on the ironing board when ironing embroidery. This provides an excellent cushion to the design and prevents it from being compressed by the iron.
Make sure that the iron face and embroidery face down. Look for tiny tails of loose-fitting strands if you not sure which side to use. You should always press the iron down to avoid pulling the stitches.
- Linen
Most linens have a relaxed design. It becomes softer and suppler once washed. However, if you need to iron, use an iron setting of 5 or about 150° Celsius. When ironing, start with cuffs, collars, and other thick areas. Darker areas should be ironed first to avoid shine.
- Nylon and polyester
These two fabrics are synthetic materials made from plastic. They’re light and quick-drying, so they are commonly used in sporting and outdoor activities. Since the garments don’t form wrinkles quickly, always use the lowest setting because the fabric can easily burn.
Polyester is mostly mixed with cotton. Use medium iron setting to iron cotton-polyester garments.
- Rayon
Rayon is another artificial fabric made from cellulose or wood pulp. It can be made to feel like silk, cotton, wool, and linen. This fabric should not be ironed deeply as it can stretch or get damaged easily. Use low heat on this fabric and avoid steam as it increases the chances of getting damaged.
- Wool and wool blends
Iron these fabrics with extra caution and use low heat. Avoid ironing wool when dry, use steam. Also, iron wool and wool blend on the reverse side.