How to Iron Different Fabrics: Cotton, Linen, Silk, Wool and Polyester

Start with the label and the right temperature

The most common ironing mistakes are using too much heat and ironing the wrong side of a fabric. Check the care label first: one dot on the iron symbol means low heat, two dots mean medium and three dots mean high. If there is no label, identify the fiber and use the guide below. Always begin with the lowest setting that works, and test on an inside seam.

Set up a stable ironing board with a clean cover, fill the iron with water if you plan to use steam, and sort your clothes from lowest to highest temperature. Start with delicate items while the iron is still cool, then work up.

Cotton

Cotton tolerates high heat and responds well to steam or a slightly damp surface. Iron shirts in sections: collar first (reverse side, then front), then cuffs, sleeves, the yoke and finally the body. Press along the grain of the fabric, and keep the iron moving to avoid scorching. For dark cotton and printed designs, iron inside out to avoid shine and protect the print.

Linen

Linen is the most wrinkle-prone fabric but also tolerates the highest heat. Iron it while it is still damp, or spray it lightly with water, using a high setting and firm pressure. Iron on the reverse side to avoid a shiny finish and press until the fabric is dry. Many people prefer to leave linen softly creased, and a quick steam is enough for a relaxed look.

Silk

Silk needs low heat, usually the one-dot setting, and should be ironed on the reverse side with a thin pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Do not spray water directly onto silk, because it can leave water marks. Use a steamer held a few centimeters from the fabric, or iron while the garment is very slightly damp. Never use a hot iron on silk, as it can scorch or leave a shiny patch.

Wool and knitwear

Use medium heat and steam, and never press a hot iron directly on wool. Lay a damp cotton cloth over the garment and press lightly, lifting the iron rather than sliding it so you do not flatten the texture. Knitwear is better steamed than ironed, and should then be reshaped by hand and dried flat.

Polyester, nylon and other synthetics

Synthetics melt at relatively low temperatures, so use the low setting and iron the reverse side. Many synthetic garments are wrinkle resistant and only need a quick steam. If you see a shiny mark, the iron is too hot. Viscose and rayon should be ironed on a low to medium setting while slightly damp, on the wrong side, since they weaken when wet.

Steaming or ironing: which is better?

A garment steamer is faster and gentler on delicate fabrics, and handy for dresses, blouses and anything with pleats or embellishments. An iron gives a crisper finish on shirts, trousers and collars. Having both is ideal, but if you only own one, a steam iron covers most needs.

• •Cotton and linen: high heat, steam, press while damp.
• •Silk: low heat, reverse side, pressing cloth.
• •Wool: medium heat, damp cloth, lift rather than slide.
• •Synthetics: low heat, reverse side.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not iron over stains, because the heat can set them permanently. Do not leave the iron resting on the fabric, and empty the water tank after use to prevent mineral build-up. Let garments cool and dry for a few minutes before wearing or folding to keep the crease-free finish. Our guides to cotton care, linen and women’s fabrics explain how each fiber behaves after washing.

Ironing checklist

Run through this list to avoid scorching or shine.

• •Check the care label.
• •Start with the lowest-heat items.
• •Test on an inside seam.
• •Do not iron over stains.
• •Empty the water tank after use.