How To Use An Iron: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Use The Iron » How To Use An Iron: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Use an Iron PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: June 17, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Preparing to Iron
    • |
  • Using an Iron
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 854,197 times.

Ironing your clothes can smooth out the wrinkles and make a garment more presentable. Many clothes are made ready to wear, but you will still find some items that need to be ironed. Be careful: if you use the iron improperly, you might burn yourself or ruin the fabric!

How do you use an iron?

  1. Set the heat level on the iron and wait for it to heat up. Start on the lowest setting and work your way up.
  2. Run the iron flat across the fabric slowly, smoothing out wrinkles.
  3. Flip the fabric over and iron the other side.
  4. Hang the garment up immediately after ironing.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Preparing to Iron

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Make sure that the garment is meant to be ironed. 1 Make sure that the garment is meant to be ironed. Check the tags for ironing instructions. If the tags don't tell you which setting to put your iron, then look to see if they indicate what material the fabric is made of. Many irons order their settings by the type of material: e.g. wool, cotton, polyester.[1]

    Low Setting: Acetate, rayon, silk, and wool. For rayon and silk, turn the items inside out prior to ironing. For wool items, place a damp cloth between the item and the iron.

    Medium Setting: Polyester (slightly damp before ironing)

    High Setting: Cotton (slightly damp before ironing)

  2. Step 2 Set up the ironing area. 2 Set up the ironing area. Use an ironing board, if possible. If you don't have access to an ironing board, then use a flat, sturdy surface like a table or a counter. The ironing board is designed to absorb heat and moisture without taking damage. Make sure that you don't iron on a highly flammable surface. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use an Iron 3 Fill the water reservoir of the iron. If your iron features a steam function, then you may need to add water. Look for a large, detachable water chamber on the top of the tool. Add filtered water nearly to the brim.[2]
    • Make sure that you use filtered water! This may help you avoid calcium build-up in your iron, which could clog the steam spouts.
  4. Step 4 Lay out the garment. 4 Lay out the garment. Arrange the item of clothing so that it lies perfectly flat on the board. Make sure that there are no wrinkles! If you iron over a wrinkle, then you will press a creased line into the fabric.[3]
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Using an Iron

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Heat up the iron. 1 Heat up the iron. Turn the heat dial to the setting that is most appropriate for your fabric. Once you've selected a heat level, the metal will begin to grow warm. Let the iron become hot. You shouldn't need to wait more than a matter of seconds.[4]
    • The heat levels are often listed in relation to a certain type of fabric. For instance, cotton responds well to high heat and steam, but some synthetic fabrics might melt or fuse if they're exposed to such temperatures. Do not use an inappropriate setting!
    • Start with a low heat and work up. If you are ironing more than one item, start with the one that uses the lowest setting on the iron. This way, you won't need to let the iron cool down before you continue.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use an Iron 2 Iron the first side. Run the hot flat side of the iron firmly and slowly across the fabric. Smooth out the wrinkles. For the best results, work with the natural folds and creases of the garment.[5]
    • Iron each individual part of the garment separately. For instance, if you're ironing a dress shirt, smooth out the collar, then the cuffs, then the sleeves, then the shoulders, then the placket – and, finally, the main body of the shirt.[6]
    • Do not let the iron rest directly on the garment, lest the fabric overheats. If you are careless with the iron, you might start a fire!
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use an Iron 3 Smooth out the other side. Now, flip the piece of clothing over and iron the other side. Make sure not to flatten any wrinkles or creases into the new side.
  4. Step 4 Hang the clothing immediately after ironing. 4 Hang the clothing immediately after ironing. If you bunch up the garment or leave it laying out, then there's a good chance that it will dry with wrinkles. Hang the fabric on a clothes hanger and let it air-dry.[7]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Is it better to use an iron or a steamer? Susan Stocker Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. Susan Stocker Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Honestly, it depends. Ironing is the best option if you want tight creases and sharp lines, but it requires more care and skill. Steaming is quick and easy, being ideal for blouses and jackets. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 15
  • Question What hand do I use? Community Answer Community Answer Use your dominant hand (the hand you write with), or whichever feels more stable or comfortable. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 22 Helpful 54
  • Question Should I put hot or cold water in the iron? Community Answer Community Answer You should only use filtered or distilled water, which can be at room temperature (or hot or cold). The iron will heat the reservoir to generate steam. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 48
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Work in small patches for hard-to-iron areas on clothing. This might include the sleeves of a shirt or the seat of a pair of pants. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2
  • Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spray the clothing if it dries before you finish ironing. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Place then iron upright when not in use to prevent burns. Thanks Helpful 38 Not Helpful 9
  • Keep the cord loose so that it doesn’t cause the iron to fall off the table. Thanks Helpful 55 Not Helpful 18
  • Pay attention to the iron at all times. Turn it off as soon as possible to keep from getting burned. Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 12
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Iron a ShirtHow toIron a Shirt Iron a Dress ShirtHow to Iron a Button-up Shirt for a Crisp, Clean Finish Iron a Suit JacketHow to Iron or Steam a Suit Jacket at Home Iron PantsHow toIron Pants Iron SilkHow toIron Silk How toIron Synthetic Fabric Iron WoolHow toIron Wool Iron a Polo ShirtHow toIron a Polo Shirt Iron Without an Ironing BoardHow toIron Without an Ironing Board How toGet Wrinkles Out of Polyester How toPress Pants Iron CurtainsHow toIron Curtains Iron a TieHow toIron a Tie How toIron Rayon Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/clothes-captioning-complying-care-labeling-rule
  2. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H415
  3. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H415
  4. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-iron-shirt/
  5. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H415
  6. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-iron-shirt/
  7. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/clothing/how-to-iron-shirt/

About This Article

Susan Stocker Co-authored by: Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. This article has been viewed 854,197 times. 131 votes - 74% Co-authors: 16 Updated: June 17, 2025 Views: 854,197 Categories: Ironing Article SummaryX

To use an iron, start by setting up an ironing board near an electrical outlet. If your iron has a steam function, fill the reservoir with water, then plug in the iron so it can heat up. Next, turn the heat dial to the most appropriate setting for your fabric—if you aren't sure, check the garment's care tag! Then, lay the garment out perfectly flat on the ironing board. Run the hot, flat side of the iron slowly across the fabric, pressing down with slight pressure. Keep the iron moving over the fabric to prevent scorching. If you want to learn how to store your clothing after you iron it, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Russian German French Indonesian Dutch Arabic Chinese Vietnamese Korean Turkish Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 854,197 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Roy Hudson

    Roy Hudson

    Mar 26, 2018

    "Being on my own, I had to learn fast. Thank you, very useful." Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Susan Stocker Co-authored by: Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner 131 votes - 74% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 16 Updated: June 17, 2025 Views: 854,197 Roy Hudson

Roy Hudson

Mar 26, 2018

"Being on my own, I had to learn fast. Thank you, very useful." Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 6, 2017

"I didn't know how to turn it on, so this was useful." Dhilsath Gulam

Dhilsath Gulam

Feb 20, 2019

"This article is very helpful for my school project." Natasha Van Rooyen

Natasha Van Rooyen

Apr 14, 2017

"The pictures and short explanation." Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 31, 2016

"How to use it safely helped." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Iron a ShirtHow toIron a ShirtIron a Dress ShirtHow to Iron a Button-up Shirt for a Crisp, Clean FinishIron a Suit JacketHow to Iron or Steam a Suit Jacket at HomeIron PantsHow toIron Pants

Featured Articles

250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

What Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids Laugh

Featured Articles

Am I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving Quiz30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & Beyond30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)Which of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson) Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for Beginners

Quizzes & Games

Do I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)What's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Tomorrow Styling QuizWhat Should I Wear Tomorrow Styling QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Ironing
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --546

Tag » How To Use The Iron