Questions about iron-free clothes and ironing board (cut, washed, look)

[timlee]

Two questions about ironing.

1. I wonder if it is good to iron old iron-free clothes?

2. Is buying a ironing board necessary for ironing?
Can I use a desk with wooden top or plastic top instead? If yes, do I need to cover the desk with something, before putting my clothes on it for ironing?

Thanks!

[maciesmom]

Depending on what you are ironing and how often, it is really difficult to actually iron something on a completely flat surface.

If space is at a premium and you're not ironing frequently, I'd consider something like this:

TableTop Ironing Board with Iron Rest : Target

[timlee]

Thanks!

Is a ironing board not flat?

Also, are iron-free clothes supposed not to be ironed? Is it good to iron them?

Originally Posted by maciesmom

Depending on what you are ironing and how often, it is really difficult to actually iron something on a completely flat surface.

If space is at a premium and you're not ironing frequently, I'd consider something like this:

TableTop Ironing Board with Iron Rest : Target

[fleetiebelle]

What does the label on the particular garment say about ironing? Read it, and do what it says.

[maciesmom]

I'm not sure what you are asking. If you are asking whether it actually is bad for clothing labeled as "no-iron" I'd say it depends. Does it say "do not iron" or are they pieces that are advertised as "no need to iron" ?...I've had to iron "no need to iron" clothing if it doesn't come out of the dryer right away or gets squished in the closet. Or sometimes just needs a touch up.

Yes, a regular ironing board does fold flat. You just indicated that you were thinking about ironing on the table/countertop. Your post isn't very clear as to what you want.

Wait - are you asking about "flat" as in a flat surface? Well, an ironing board is shaped so that you can iron sleeves and other awkward shapes...and stuff can hang down some which makes ironing easier than on a countertop.

[timlee]

Thanks!

I meant "no need to iron" by "iron-free".

I didn't know it is sometimes necessary to iron clothes on a non-flat surface.

Originally Posted by maciesmom

I'm not sure what you are asking. If you are asking whether it actually is bad for clothing labeled as "no-iron" I'd say it depends. Does it say "do not iron" or are they pieces that are advertised as "no need to iron" ?...I've had to iron "no need to iron" clothing if it doesn't come out of the dryer right away or gets squished in the closet. Or sometimes just needs a touch up.

Yes, a regular ironing board does fold flat. You just indicated that you were thinking about ironing on the table/countertop. Your post isn't very clear as to what you want.

Wait - are you asking about "flat" as in a flat surface? Well, an ironing board is shaped so that you can iron sleeves and other awkward shapes...and stuff can hang down some which makes ironing easier than on a countertop.

[maciesmom]

Originally Posted by timlee

Thanks!

I meant "no need to iron" by "iron-free".

I didn't know it is sometimes necessary to iron clothes on a non-flat surface.

Not "necessary" but definitely easier.

[Tallysmom]

Look at the content tags of what you are ironing. Some things you need to press at a low heat (like polyester) or they will melt. You can iron permanent press things. I used to get away with NOT ironing my husband's shirts by taking them out of a hot dryer while they were still pretty damp and hanging them.

And if you're really not sure about the fabric taking the heat -- use a pressing cloth -- you dampen the cloth and put it OVER the fabric you are pressing to take the brunt of the heat.

An ironing board is best -- it's padded and the cover should reflect heat back onto the clothing being ironed and you can use the small end to press collars and yokes better. You CAN use a table top, but you need some sort of heat proof pressing pad because heat and steam will take off the finish from the table and your shirt will absorb it. A towel won't cut it, especially at high heat and steam. It might protect your garment, but the table will be ruined.

And yes -- tailors and dressmakers use things called hams, which are rounded pressing surfaces for rounded seams like collars and armholes. Before they are completely finished those seams can stretch from being cut on the bias, but hams aren't so necessary after the garment has been finished.

I'm crazy, but I like ironing. Which is good since I quilt and I have to press A LOT.

[timlee]

Are clothes washed and dryed before being ironed?

By "flat" I actually meant "horizontal". I didn't know that ironing boards are sometimes vertical or tilted. The surface is always flat, regardless of its position, right?

Originally Posted by maciesmom

Not "necessary" but definitely easier.

[cb at sea]

It won't hurt "no iron" clothes if you iron them.

As far as ironing on other surfaces, take care not to burn them...use a towel and sheet....should be ok...but the SHAPE of the ironing board is what makes ironing easier!

I like ironing, too!