Check the temperature first
The iron symbol on the care label tells you how hot to go. One dot means low heat, for synthetics such as nylon and acrylic. Two dots means medium, for polyester, silk and wool. Three dots means high, for cotton and linen. An iron with a cross through it means do not iron. For poly-cotton blends, use the lower setting.
Iron slightly damp
Creases come out far more easily when the fabric is slightly damp. Use the steam setting, or mist the shirt with a spray bottle of clean water. Make sure the iron plate is clean, because residue on the plate can mark a white shirt.
The order that works
- Collar: iron the underside first, from the points towards the middle, then the top side.
- Cuffs: unbutton them, iron the inside, then the outside.
- Sleeves: lay each sleeve flat along its seam, smooth it with your hand, and iron from the shoulder down to the cuff. Turn it over and repeat.
- Yoke and shoulders: slip one shoulder over the narrow end of the ironing board and iron, then do the other.
- Back: lay the back flat across the board and iron from top to bottom.
- Front panels: iron each side, working the tip of the iron around the buttons rather than over them.
Finish and hang
Put the shirt straight on a hanger and fasten the top button so the collar keeps its shape. Let it cool for a few minutes before you wear it. Warm fabric creases again easily.
Dark and delicate shirts
Dark cotton, and fabrics like polyester and silk, can turn shiny under a hot iron. Iron them inside out, or put a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the shirt.
How to iron less
- Take shirts out of the wash promptly and shake them out.
- Dry shirts on hangers, buttoned at the top, instead of folding them over a line.
- Iron several shirts in one session while the iron is hot, and when power is available, so you are covered for the week.
- Send work shirts out for washing and pressing. With the Simame - Laundry Connect app you can book a partner laundry near you for pickup and delivery. It is free on Google Play.
Common questions
What temperature should I iron a cotton shirt at?
Cotton takes the highest setting (three dots). Use steam or iron the shirt while slightly damp for the best result. For poly-cotton blends, drop to the medium setting.
Why does my iron leave shiny marks?
The iron is too hot for the fabric, or you are pressing directly on dark or synthetic fabric. Lower the heat, iron inside out, or use a pressing cloth.