Have you ever gone to put on your favorite blouse, slacks, or dress only to realize it’s far too wrinkled to even wear? Suddenly you are left shuffling through your closet trying to find a back-up plan. Even if an item isn’t meant to be dry cleaned, there are still a number of fabrics that just look better when they are pressed. Here’s a look at how you can achieve that freshly pressed look no matter what fabric the item is made of.
When to Use the Iron
While it would be nice to think we could do without an iron, unfortunately some items just look better when you are able to press them. An iron is usually your best bet for dressy trousers and slacks as well as dress shirts and blouses. An iron is able to produce those crisp pleats and creases. It gives a more structured look if you will.
While an iron can be used on a variety of fabrics, you don’t want to use it directly on delicate fabrics or wool. Instead, you can place a fabric, such as cotton, in between the iron and the item you are trying to press. It’s also important to use an ironing board, whether it’s a table top model or a stand-up one. If you’re dealing with deep wrinkles you can spray water on the area so that it’s damp. This will help the iron get the creases out.
When to Use the Clothes Steamer
A clothes steamer may also have a place in your home. In fact, some are getting rid of their iron and using just the steamer instead. What’s great about this option is that nothing is actually coming into contact with your clothing. You are holding the nozzle away from your clothes and directing steam at it. The steam then works to relax the individual fibers in the garment so that the wrinkles appear to fall out.
It’s best to hang the item on a hanger and then use the steaming wand to get rid of the wrinkles. It’s also best to work on small sections at a time. As for what fabrics to use with the steamer, it does a great job on delicate and soft fabrics such as jersey, polyester, satin, and silk. It can also smooth out the look of pleats, but keep in mind you won’t be able to create those crisp creases. These tend to work much faster than irons, which also make them incredibly convenient. You can usually take care of an item within mere minutes.
Keep in mind there are various sizes of steamers, some are small, lightweight handheld models, whereas others are upright models meant for bigger jobs such as drapes, bedding, and even upholstery. Before purchasing a unit, you will want to think about what you plan on using it for.
Both Have Their Advantages
Rather than choosing between an iron or a clothes steamer, you may want to pick up one of each. Both have their advantages and work on different fabrics and types of jobs.