Having impeccable clothes, without the slightest trace of creases, is a sign of elegance and care. However, even after careful ironing, unwanted marks often appear when folding and storing. This article reveals the best techniques for effective ironing, including using a garment steamer, and folding tips that will help you avoid wrinkles in your clothes for the long term.
Why do clothes wrinkle after ironing?
Understanding why wrinkles reappear is the first step to preventing them. Several factors can be responsible: residual moisture if the garment is not completely dry, poor ironing technique with an inappropriate temperature or pressure, improper folding with pleats that are too tight, or excessive cramming in the wardrobe that puts pressure on the fabrics.
Ironing techniques that prevent wrinkles
Effective ironing is essential to prepare your clothes for wrinkle-free folding. There are several methods available:
The traditional iron: a proven method
For optimal results with an iron, start by sorting your laundry by fabric type and set the temperature accordingly. It's best to iron while the garment is still slightly damp, as the steam helps relax the fibers. If necessary, use the spray function on your iron. Work on a stable board and iron in the direction of the fabric's grain to avoid stretching it. Avoid overlapping ironed areas immediately; allow the heat to dissipate for a few moments.
The steam iron: a gentle and effective alternative
A steam iron , like those offered by SteamOne, is a great option for gently smoothing out wrinkles, especially on delicate fabrics or hanging garments. The hot steam relaxes the fibers without direct contact, reducing the risk of creases. To use it effectively:
- Hang the garment on a hanger.
- Fill the steamer's water tank.
- Let the appliance heat up.
- Move the steamer head over the fabric, from top to bottom, using slow, even movements.
- For stubborn creases, you can go over the same spot several times or gently stretch the fabric with your free hand (carefully).
The steam iron is particularly useful for jackets, dresses, blouses and curtains, and it often allows you to completely avoid the traditional ironing step for certain types of fabrics, thus simplifying the process of avoiding wrinkles in clothes .
Folding tips for wrinkle-free storage
The way you fold your clothes has a direct impact on the appearance of wrinkles. Adopt these folding tips for wrinkle-free storage :
- Fold immediately after ironing or steaming, while the fabric is still supple.
- Adapt the folding technique to the type of garment:
- T-shirts and sweaters: Fold them in thirds lengthwise, then in half. Rolling them is also an effective option to save space and minimize creases.
- Pants: Align the seams and fold them in half. To avoid a line, insert tissue paper at the fold.
- Shirts and blouses: Button them up and follow the natural lines for folding. Folding guides can help with uniformity.
- Dresses and skirts: Store on hangers. If folding is necessary, limit the number of folds.
- Avoid overtightening the pleats.
Storage tips to keep clothes clean
Tidying up is the final crucial step in keeping your clothes wrinkle-free . Don't overload your drawers and shelves, use dividers to keep things tidy, choose suitable hangers (wooden or padded for delicate items), organize your clothes by category to limit handling, and use protective covers for less-worn items.
By incorporating the use of a steamer into your care routine, applying these ironing techniques and folding tips, and adopting good storage habits, you will maximize your chances of keeping clothes smooth and wrinkle-free, ready to wear at any time.