When it comes to ironing clothing made with cloth you aren't used to, knowing what ironing setting you should use is really important. Knowing how to iron cotton is easy, but if you've been wondering how to iron wool in your favorite skirt or how to iron your silk blouse, there are specific instructions that can help make sure you are not only getting a wrinkle-free garment but are also taking extra care of your clothing so it lasts a longer. Whether you use high heat like on cotton, denim, muslin or calico or medium heat like on wool or silk, use our helpful chart to get the most out of your iron so that you are always wrinkle free. 

Special Treatment of Fabrics

Becuase every fabric is different, your ironing technique may need to be adjusted to make sure you don't damage your favorite linen pants or cashmere sweater. Make sure to check the label inside your clothing or linens to see the recommended fabric care instructions, including ironing recommendations. Follow these simple rules if you are missing a label:

• If you are ironing a piece of clothing but don’t know what the fabric is made out of, use the lowest temperature first and test on an inside seam.
• Use a low-temperature setting if you are ironing a fabric blend 
• If you are ironing clothing made of multiple types of fabric, start on a low setting

Natural Fibers

• How to Iron Cotton (denim, muslin, calico, chintz): Iron on high heat while still damp. If the fabric is dry, pre-moisten it with a spray bottle or use the spray button on your iron to dampen the fabric. Use steam and spray if necessary.
• How to Iron Silk: Use a medium heat setting and dry iron inside out. To press a silk tie, lay it on top of a pressing cloth right-side facing down, then press.
• How to Iron Wool (cashmere, flannel): Use a pressing cloth and steam iron inside out on medium heat.

Synthetic Fibers

• How to Iron Acetate: Using low heat, dry iron without steam on the wrong side of the fabric.
• How to Iron Acrylic: With the iron on low heat, dry iron without steam on the wrong side of the fabric. Use spray if necessary.
• How to Iron Nylon: Use low heat and dry iron without steam. Use spray if necessary.
• How to Iron Polyester: Iron while still damp, pre-moisten it with a spray bottle, or use the spray button on your iron to dampen the fabric. Use low or medium heat.

Whether you are ironing linen, silk or cotton, the most important thing is to have an iron that works well and is up to making your clothing or fabric wrinkle-free. Look for an iron that not only has temperature settings but includes specific fabric types so you don't have to guess. A steam or spray feature is also incredibly important. For more tips on ironing and iron types, explore the rest of our Iron 101 series.