What makes the most difference to ironing?

[StandUpPirates]

Took some photos of Dc and you can see every crease in their t-shirts 😳
I've dug the iron out (MIL's old one) and my flimsy ironing board with equally old cover.
Ironing on steam setting cotton even though most clothes say level 2. T-Shirts don't look much less creased than before

What is most important when ironing? If I replace something should it be the iron, the board or would a decent cover be enough to make a difference?

Get someone else to do it 😆

I dry things on hangers, they only need a minimal press then if you've straightened the seams and collars.
I'd really recommend a steam iron if you cab stretch to it, one of the ones that sort of sits on a steam generator...the name escapes me. The clothes do get fairly damp though, so need an air before they go into the wardrobe.

I don't tend to have to iron, DH does his work shirts and I use crease release spray on anything else.

But we have a thick ironing board cover (one of the metallic ones) and a steam generator iron and it's a breeze to do anything. The iron really does make a difference.

A good flick while they're still wet helps.
I used to work at La Senza and used a steamer to 'iron' the silky negligees etc, that thing was magic.

Agree with pp - hang them up on a hanger straight out of the washing machine and they’ll dry with minimal creases (I do this and don’t iron at all 😂)

Try:
• reducing your spin speed to 800 rpm
• remove clothes promptly from the washing machine
• give them a really good ‘whip shake’ (so you get a crack like a whip)
• hang them on hangers to dry
• give them a gentle stretch to get them back into shape while damp

I do this and DONT iron!!

I don’t iron - only for vip occasions or when hemming an item. So I happily use a thin towel inside a pillowcase on the worktop for an ironing board substitute. A decent iron is a must, more important than a board. (imo). although I do own a sleeve board which is good.
I also tend to do the damp cloth and press iron approach to things like ironing collar and tie shirts rather than using the steam function on the iron. Then hang them up.

Don't tumble dry or leave things screwed up for a long time in an ironing pile and get a steam generator iron.

I dry pretty much everything on the line so they hang dry but still look awful.
I assumed my iron was a decent one as MIL bought it and she's an ironer!
I can see the pattern of the board through the cover so maybe I should start by replacing that?

I have limited storage - the ironing board is used as our bedroom doorstop and the iron has to go under my bed.

Yes, steam generator iron makes the difference. Halves ironing time, lots of steam - so some things you can just blow with the steam. Not so heavy to use.

Irons do get tired and fail. It might have been a good one when new, but possibly needs replacing now. Or a really good clean? Slightly damp clothes iron better than board stuff line dried items. With things like shirts there is a hierarchy in which bits you iron first, for efficiency and to prevent creasing bits you’ve already ironed.

I wouldn't bother, personally...

But since you are, try ironing when they are slightly damp and not bone dry. And or get a spray bottle and spritz with water.

This 😉

I hang mine on line outside and pop into dryer when they come in just for 5 mins or less in small batches. All creases gone. I keep a close eye on time. Do the same in Winter except clothes rack inside in utility room. Only iron shirts but working from home means less shirts.

Iron whats one of them

Very very dilute fabric softener in a spray bottle, spray on hanging clothes and you can smooth many creases out by hand. Also works as an ironing spray on stubborn creases.

Came here to say this. I invested jn a steamer and will never iron again. It works but better, is much easier, and can also be used to avoid regular dry cleaning or washing or delicate items. And to clean curtains, rugs etc, so will pay for itself in no time.

I don't read the labels. Everything cotton ironed on the highest setting.
Turn down for anything else.
I have a big steam station thing as i iron loads and it breezes through it.

If u can see the pattern on the board. Just get a new ironing board cover with the padding like £10 wilko etc

I don’t bother with the steam iron any more, too much faff. I just use a plant spray bottle to mist anything that’s very dry - which is many of my summer things in cotton, linen or a mix.

What is ironing? What is an iron?

I don't iron and doubt I ever will again.

I set the washing machine to spin at 800rpm rather than the full speed of 1400. Get everything out promptly at the end and give each item a good shake and stretch as I hang it on the line/clothes horse.

If any creases remain I just pay them no attention and they drop out when wearing the item anyway.

What is this crease release you speak of?? I think I might need it in my life!

@EdBallsDay ,

Would you mind telling me which steamer you bought please?

Where to begin.

Hang clothes on hangers to dry
Have a wide boarded Brabantia ironing board
A mid range steam generator iron
Most importantly get the cleaner to do it.

To be fair dh is the ultimate fuss pot so add a suit press and hand steamer. He is meticulous about hanging his jacket, steaming and pressing the trousers inside. The jacket gets hung in the morning, the trousers hang on the wardrobe door to air until evening. He gets a thrill about putting in his collar stiffeners every week, into his perfectly pressed shirts. Likes his pants pressed too. Anyone fancy swapping?

Steam generator iron.