Ironing the Wool Clothes- Not a Challenge Anymore

We all love wool for its impressive resilient qualities when woven into fabric or knitted. Simply hanging up your wool garment may do the trick, as the fibers are going to relax like that. A humid environment (a steamy bathroom is a good choice) is going to work just fine, eliminating the need for installing the ironing board all over again.

However, you may have to remove the deep wrinkles at times and you need to do it right, in order to protect your wool garment. Ruining the cashmere sweater, you got for Christmas may not be on your to-do list anytime soon.

Let’s see what tips you need to follow for ironing the wool garments and protecting them at the same time.

Use the right type of iron

From all the models out there, the steam iron may be the best option out there. This type of iron comes with a well for holding water and vent holes that let the steam escape the iron, penetrating the fabric. Get an ironing that it strong and tough enough for handling the steam iron. The cover should be able to take the heat, yet breathable enough to let the steam run through.

You should begin by setting the iron on “wool”, making sure that your steam iron well has plenty of water inside. Not all steam irons come with wool setting, but there should be some guidelines for certain fabrics so make sure you follow them.

If you cannot afford a steam iron, you may still eliminate the wrinkles from your wool favorites with a dry iron, adding some moisture to the pressing cloth. Simply wet a clean white woven cotton towel and don’t forget to get rid of most of the water. You should never use a colored/printed towel as it may transfer dye to the wool because of the high heat and the moisture. You may also spritz some cool water on the wool fabric. Use a soft touch and a mist sprayer.

Even though it’s tempting, try not to iron wool with dry heat as it’s simply going to scorch a lot faster.

How to actually iron wool?

You should use a padded and sturdy ironing board. Remember the turn the wool garment inside out. Even if you’re going to use a pressing cloth, you still want to press on the wrong side of your wool fabric. This way, you’re going to reduce the shine from the garment, especially if the iron is hot.

When your wool garment is nubby or really textured, it’s wiser to use a thick cotton bath towel and cover the ironing board. You’re going to avoid the crushing of the surface texture like this. Ironing on the wrong side and using a pressing cloth are fundamental, nevertheless.

You also have to use steady and constant pressure. Don’t let the iron sit for more than 10 seconds in one spots. Once you’re done with the ironing, turn your wool garment right side out. Hang it from a solid hanger so that it dries entirely before wear. This is also going to reduce the risk for some deep wrinkles as well.

Always use the pressing cloth

The pressing mesh or pressing cloth is essential when you’re ironing the wool clothes. It’s good to have it within reach at all time, not only when ironing wool garments. When you’re not using one, you may end up with shiny marks or even scorch marks on your fabric, due to the high heat. The shiny marks appear as the wool fibers bind together from the high heat. Scorching is to be expected as the iron is really hot and simply burns the fibers.

A plain piece of fabric may work as a pressing cloth to place between your wool garment and the face of the iron. You may also get a pressing cloth online or at fabric stores. A white cotton dish towel, a white handkerchief and any cotton fabric may work very well as they’re not going to transfer dye or color to your wool garment.

What if something goes wrong?

If you’re scorching the wool fabric, it’s better to let it dry entirely. Rub the scorched area with an emery board. You may also use a solution made with water and hydrogen peroxide if you have to remove a severe scorch.

When you forget about using a pressing cloth and the results are too shiny, use some white distilled vinegar on the shiny area so that you lift the fibers. Use a cloth dipped in clear water for rinsing and let the wool fabric air dry.