Skip to content

Laundry and fabric

Ironing and Steaming Guide

Use the lowest heat that works, add steam only when the fabric likes moisture, and protect anything shiny, stretchy, printed, or delicate.

Read label firstStart coolUse a press clothSteam hanging garments

Heat

Fabric Temperature Guide

FabricIron settingApprox tempNotes
Acetate, acrylic, nylonLow / 1 dot110 °CUse inside out, no heavy steam, avoid lingering.
SilkLow / 1 dot110 °CIron slightly damp inside out with a press cloth.
PolyesterLow-medium120-150 °CCan shine or melt if too hot.
WoolMedium / 2 dots150 °CSteam through a press cloth; do not drag hard.
CottonHigh / 3 dots200 °CSteam helps; iron while slightly damp.
LinenHigh / 3 dots200 °CUse moisture and firm pressure.

Moisture

Steam Settings

Good with steam

Cotton, linen, wool, and many sturdy blends. Steam relaxes wrinkles faster.

Use light steam

Polyester, rayon, viscose, and blends. Test first and avoid over-wetting.

Avoid steam

Leather, suede, waxed fabric, some pleats, water-spotted silk, and anything labeled no steam.

Protect these

What Not to Iron Directly

Prints and vinyl

Heat can melt or crack graphics. Iron inside out or avoid the print.

Sequins and beads

Use steam from a distance or avoid heat entirely.

Elastic and swimwear

Heat weakens stretch fibers. Air dry and skip ironing.

Unknown fabric

Start with steam at a distance or low heat on a hidden seam.

Method

Basic Shirt or Blouse Order

Small parts first

Collar, cuffs, placket, pockets, and sleeve details before big flat areas.

Sleeves next

Smooth seams flat. Press from shoulder toward cuff and avoid unwanted creases unless desired.

Body last

Press front panels, back, then touch up button areas with the iron tip.