Top Tips For Better Ironing

Time. It’s a precious commodity. With busy work schedules, ever present family demands, domestic chores and the occasional social activity; finding time, saving time and using our time wisely have all become common catchphrases. So what if we could give some of it back? It’s all in the laundry and in particular, the way you iron…

Make Sure Your Iron is Clean

There’s nothing worse than starting to iron your favourite garment, only to have your dirty iron leave stains. Clean irons mean clear steam vents and metal plates that won’t stick (which will also make ironing a lot easier). To prevent lime scale build-up, try using distilled water. If your iron is already in dire straits simply heat your iron, use a damp rag and very carefully wipe the plate. For more stubborn stains try wiping it with baking soda and water. It may seem like a bit of effort at first but it will help you blitz that mountain of ironing.

Wash Smart

Did you know that the way you wash your clothes can affect your ironing time? Consider reducing your spin cycle; it’ll moderate creases. In addition, make sure you don’t overload your washing machine. This will give your clothes room to breathe (and not crease). If you air dry your garments, place them on hangers while they’re wet, then hang them on the line. It’ll reduce the number of creases and ultimately your ironing time. Last but not least, remember to fold your clothes as you take them off the line instead of throwing them into the washing basket.

Choose The Right Ironing Board

Quality ironing boards can make a world of difference to your ironing routine. You won’t believe how much time you’ll save with the right ironing surface. Our Leifheit Ironing Board Airboard has thermoreflect technology that traps heat/steam so you can iron both sides of your garment at the same time, cutting ironing time by a third. It’s crucial that you don’t hurt your back ironing, so choose a board that is both lightweight and has an easily adjustable height so you can stand up or sit down in comfort.

Brabantia Ironing Boards are designed to create a comfortable ironing experience and are exceptional quality.

Howards also has a great range of replacement ironing board covers.

See our range of ironing boards

Leifheit Airboard Deluxe Ironing Board

Brabantia Size S Ironing Board with Adjustable Steam Iron Rest – Cotton Flower

Iron in Bulk

Ironing in bulk once a week not only takes less time and effort but will also help cut down on energy costs. When you have a large pile of washing ready to go, make sure you sort them into fabric types. Start ironing the pile with the lowest temperature and work your way up.

Ensure your iron is close at hand by choosing a board with a good quality holder. It’ll prevent the iron from toppling and reduce the likelihood of burns.

Ensure that your ironed clothes keep their “freshly ironed” look by using an adjustable ironing rack to hang the clothes so they can cool down without being creased. Quality hangers can also make a big difference in keeping the clothes in the best shape until they are worn.

Adjustable Ironing Rack Grey

Smart Clothes Rack Hanger for Door or Wall Mount

Use a Garment Folder

A simple device is often described as a “miracle folder” as it quickly and easily helps you achieve a perfectly folded item every time. You can use it to fold t-shirts, shirts, trousers, shorts, towels, sheets and more. This style of folder is used in apparel stores to help them achieve the same sized shape, which not only looks good but it also saves space. It also includes a hanging hook so you can easily store it away when not in use.

Top Tips to Save Time Ironing

Add vinegar to your wash
Adding vinegar to your wash will leave your clothes softer and less stiff and thus easier to iron.

This will also clean your washing machine every time you use it!
Lavender Oil
Use 1 teaspoon of Lavender oil to 1 litre of water. Lavender is a fabric relaxant. Mix and use a spray bottle to lightly mist your clothes after you get them off the line and hang, or before wearing. (Shannon Lush)
Iron whilst damp
Ironing your clothes whist damp or spraying them with water will make ironing easier.
Rest your clothes
It might seem odd, but if you put your shirt on warm, it will crease immediately. You should always ‘rest’ or allow your ironed clothes to cool down before putting them on to avoid excess creasing.
Crease control setting
If you are drying clothes in the dryer, remove them as soon as the cycle is finished so they don’t ‘settle’ and crease. Many dryers these days have a crease control or anti-crease setting that will tumble the clothes at intervals until you are able to unload the clothes.
Inside out
If you iron dark or black clothing inside out you can avoid getting a ironing mark/sheen on your clothing.
Ensure your cover is in good condition
Once your ironing board cover has seen better days, it can mark your clothes and make the ironing process frustrating. Replace with a cover suited to your board.

Other Quick Laundry Tips

Wash Smart: Newsflash! Before you even get to the ironing stage, consider reducing your spin cycle; it’ll moderate creases. In addition, make sure you don’t overload your washing machine. This will give your clothes room to breathe (and not crease).
Dry Smart: If you air dry your garments, place them on hangers while they’re wet, then hang them on the line. It’ll reduce the number of creases and ultimately your ironing time. Last but not least, remember to fold your clothes as you take them off the line instead of throwing them into the washing basket.
Use an Airer: While dryers tend to trap moisture inside, air-drying introduces moisture into the air, which can speed up the drying process. What’s more when you line dry your clothes you can quite often avoid ironing altogether.
Using a Dryer? Need a school uniform or other garment dried in a hurry? Throw a dry towel in with the wet item of clothing in the dryer and it will be ready to wear in a flash.
Get Your Workflow Right: By fine tuning your laundry workflow you could save time and money. From incorporating a pre-sorting hamper through to finding the right airer, Howards have just what you need to lighten your load.

For more tips visit one of our expert organisers in-store.

If you would like more information about the range Ironing products from Howards Storage World CLICK HERE to view the laundry section of the Howards’ website which includes ironing boards, irons, storage solutions, accessories, cleaners and more.