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If you have fabrics like curtain or clothes made of polyester fabric, then you know that they tend to get wrinkly every time you wash them. To de-wrinkle your clothes, you would want to know how to iron polyester without damaging them.
Ironing comes down to pressing fabrics with a hot iron to remove creases.
Tip: Using a handheld steamer
You can use an iron on synthetic fabrics. However, handheld steamers have become more popular recently, because it is easier to use. It can make large ironing jobs faster, like if you have to remove the wrinkles from all your curtains. First, hang your clothes in a heat safe area, and adjust the setting to Medium. Then you can run the handheld steamer up and down against the cloth and see the wrinkles disappear.
In this post, we are going to look at the different ways and tips on how to iron polyester fabric. It will help you get wrinkles out of polyester and get that crisp ironed look.
What Is Polyester?
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is made through the process of synthetic polymerization using petrochemical products like ethylene. To form polyester, the ethylene glycol links with acids. That’s how this type of plastic is derived.
As the name implies, it consists of different types of esters that are joined in a long chain. Polyester is a commonly used material that is available in a variety of forms. Aside from home furniture and clothing, it’s also used in different industries and technologies.
As a fabric, it’s used in all sorts of clothing, including dresses, T-shirts, jackets, and undergarments. This synthetic man-made fabric is popular thanks to its impressive durability.
Other advantages of polyester include its ability to breathe as well as resistance to chemicals, stains, and wrinkles. Plus, it is affordable and easy to dye.
How to Iron Polyester
Polyester can be simply explained as a catch-all term for several types of fabrics that are plastic-derived and man-made. Because of this, you will want to start ironing at Medium temperature. Don’t start with a temperature that is too high as you observe whether the temperature would melt the polyester.
Method 1: How to Iron Polyester Shirts
Step 1: Check the Care Label
The first thing you need to do is take a look at the garment care labels of polyester shirts. Check recommended settings regarding steam and temperature.
Step 2: Prepare for Ironing
Before starting to iron a polyester shirt, you will need to take some steps to help get out wrinkles.
Dampen a thin towel or pressing cloth. It should be placed over the collar or top of your shirt to prevent the iron soleplate from touching the fabric directly.
If there are any fasteners or buttons, consider undoing them beforehand. That will make it easier for you to iron the shirt later on.
The polyester shirt should be laid making sure the inner side touches the ironing board.
Turn the iron on to heat it up. Now you are ready to iron polyester! Start at the edges and work from the outside in (towards the middle).
Step 3: Tackle the Collar and Sleeves First
The sleeves and the collar are the first things to iron when it comes to polyester shirts. Here’s how to handle them the right way.
Sleeves
If they come with cuffs, you will need to open them. It is recommended to protect sleeves and cuffs by placing the pressing cloth/towel over them. This will prevent ruining the fabric due to direct heat to polyester.
After lying out the sleeves, you should smooth them out with your hands. Start ironing from their bottom (cuffs) upward to the shoulders. Do not iron over the buttons because the high heat can make them develop burn marks, come off, or crack.
Collar
Likewise, the collar should be protected from direct heat with a pressing cloth. After opening it flat, iron both the front and back of the collar. Start at the edges and slowly work your way towards the middle to get the best results.
Step 4: Iron the Back of Your Shirt
Next, you need to iron the back. Ensure that every inch of the polyester shirt is ironed by moving it around your ironing board. Be careful with pleats while working around them. Pay special attention to the shoulders.
Step 5: Iron the Front
Flip your shirt over to keep ironing the placket (the front side). It’s best to begin at the bottom. Then work your way towards the shoulders using lengthways movements. Avoid touching the buttons.
Step 6: Hang the Shirt
Don’t wait for the shirt to cool completely and do not fold it to prevent wrinkles from returning. Instead, you should hang the garment while it’s still warm. The gravity will pull out the unsightly wrinkles if any.
Method 2: Ironing a Polyester Dress in 6 Steps
Step 1
Take care of removable features. Once you’ve checked the care label, take away a tie wrap, belt, or other removable features if any.
Step 2
Put the dress on the board/table. Then turn it inside out before laying it flat on your table or ironing board. Turn on the iron. It takes some time to get warm.
Step 3
Don’t forget to place a pressing cloth/towel. Meanwhile, put a moist pressing cloth – use a clean, cotton cloth – or a thin towel over your polyester dress. This way you won’t damage the fabric. Besides, the moisture will also help get out wrinkles.
Step 4
Select the recommended temperature. Once the iron heats up, choose the right settings in terms of temperature and steam.
Step 5
Iron your dress. Consider ironing with upward motions in one direction – either horizontally or vertically. Start at the sleeves and collar. Progressively go toward the bottom area so that your iron is directed upwards at all times. Iron the back of your dress the same way.
Step 6
Hang it up. If you don’t plan to wear your dress right after ironing, hang it immediately to ensure that wrinkles won’t come back.
Method 3: How to Iron Your Polyester Pants
Step 1
First, lay the polyester pants on the board so that the waist area is placed over its pointed end. Make sure the ironing board is not inside both legs of the pants at a time.
Step 2
Turn on the iron, choose the right settings, and let it gets warm. Once it heats up, smooth the pocket linings thoroughly.
Step 3
Take a damp cloth and set it over the pants. Never apply direct heat because the high temperature may cause the fabric to melt.
Step 4
Tackle the waistband first. Rather than smoothing your iron over the polyester fabric, get the waist area pressed. Simply press the iron for a few seconds before lifting it up. Use the same technique until you complete the whole waistband.
Step 5
Then move to the inseams, ankle cuffs, pockets, and legs. Iron them by pressing and lifting the iron to prevent stretches. For an impeccable finish, fold the legs of the pants at the creases. Flip your pants over and repeat the process.
Step 6
Once you’ve ironed both sides, hang the pants up unless you intend to wear them right away. Avoid folding and putting the polyester pants in a drawer.
FAQs About How to Iron Polyester
Can Iron Be Used on Polyester?
Yes, it can, providing that you iron polyester properly and carefully. Ensure that the temperature setting is low or medium to prevent polymer fibers from melting. Polyester is a fabric that can hold up to temperatures between 230°F and 300°F. Follow general ironing tips, too.
How Do You Remove Wrinkles When Ironing Polyester?
Polyester is a fabric that tends to shrink after washing. By steaming the fabric, you can get wrinkles out of your clothes. You may also iron on a medium setting or place the polyester fabric in the dryer to remove some of the wrinkles. Make sure the press setting is permanent.
Takeaway
Now that you know how to iron polyester you will be able to remove wrinkles from your clothes without damaging the fabric.
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