Why iron clothes?
Ironing is no fun, but it is necessary. Ironing clothes is important as it helps to remove wrinkles, thereby making your clothes look neat, fresh and presentable. In addition, it also helps to disinfect clothes by killing bacteria and germs present on them. Although, ironing can be a chore, everyone wants to wear clothes that are wrinkle-free and look good. But what if you don’t have an ironing board? Here are some alternative ways to iron clothes without an ironing board.
How to iron clothes without an ironing board?
Ironing boards can be space-consuming, expensive and not always feasible. But instead of relying on one, here are some ways you can iron clothes without one:
- Use a towel: Place a towel on a flat, clean surface such as a table or countertop. Then iron your clothes on the towel. The towel acts as a cushion and keeps your clothes from slipping around while you iron. Ensure the towel you use is clean, damp and lint-free.
- Use a flat surface: Look for a large flat surface, such as a table or desk that’s heat-resistant. Cover the surface with a thick cloth and iron your clothes on top.
- Use a pot: Fill a pot with hot water and let it come to a boil. Remove the pot from heat and wrap a clean towel around the outside. Then press your clothes on the wrapped towel, creases will disappear, and the damp heat of the towel will help eliminate wrinkles.
- Use a hair straightener: Flat irons used for straightening hair can also work in place of an iron. They are smaller and can be used to iron small sections of clothes such as collars, cuffs, and hems.
- Use your hands: Hang your clothes on hangers near your bathroom while you bathe. The steam and heat produced from your shower will help eliminate wrinkles. You can also use your hands to smooth out wrinkles and flatten areas that need ironing.
Tips for ironing without an ironing board
Before you begin ironing on a flat surface, make sure it is clean and free of any debris or sharp objects that could damage your clothes. Here are some tips to help guide you:
- Use a spray bottle: Instead of dampening your clothes, use a spray bottle to mist them with water. This will help eliminate wrinkles more effectively.
- Be careful with fabrics: Some fabrics may be too delicate for direct contact with an iron. Use a towel or cloth to act as a barrier between the iron and the fabric.
- Adjust the temperature: Ensure the temperature is appropriate for the type of fabric you are ironing. Always start on a low setting and work your way up.
- Iron in a well-ventilated area: Ironing can produce a lot of steam and heat, so it’s best to have good ventilation, especially if you’re using a hair straightener.
- Don’t iron clothes that are still wet or damp: It’s best to wait until your clothes are dry or mostly dry before attempting to iron them, wet or damp clothes can cause steam burns or damage to the fabric.
Conclusion
Ironing clothes without an ironing board is entirely doable, especially if you have one of the alternative options mentioned above. It’s crucial to ensure you’re ironing clothes on a clean, flat surface, using the correct temperature and technique to avoid any damage to the fabric. Although ironing may seem like a daunting task, it can be a relaxing experience for some, (especially when you’ve tackled that massive pile of laundry), but for others, it’s a necessary evil. Either way, using these techniques will ensure your clothes look great.
