Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a “one-ironing-technique-fits-all” ironing procedure for any sort of cloth. Silk, unlike other long-lasting textiles, requires extra attention, particularly while ironing. Fortunately, caring about your silk things doesn’t have to take up a lot of time; you simply need to take a few additional steps along the way.
Getting the Silk Ready
Step 1 –
Spritz the silk with water to dampen it. Silk is a difficult fabric to deal with, especially because it is softer than other materials. Spray the material’s surface with tap water to avoid scorching, which will make the ironing process run much more easily.
If you iron dry silk, the texture may be ruined. After you’ve cleaned your silk, iron it immediately away. Wait for a while.
Step 2 –
To protect the silk, turn the garment inside out. Because silk is so fragile, try to keep the iron’s contact with the cloth to a minimum. With this in mind, turn the item inside-out to provide further protection for the silk.
When ironing a silk shirt, for example, both the sleeves and the body must be turned inside-out.
Step 3 –
Flatten the silk on your ironing board by smoothing it out. Flatten any visible creases in the cloth using your hands to make it as smooth as possible. If your silk item is really big, like a gown or a dress shirt, you may need to work in sections. If you’re ironing a formal shirt, for example, you may start by flattening and ironing the chest section before going on to the sleeves.
Step 4 –
On top of the silk, place a press cloth. Don’t iron silk directly—it needs a “buffer” of sorts between the iron and the actual cloth because it’s so fragile. This is commonly referred to as a “press cloth,” although it may be any lint-free material that covers your silk. Just a little square of fabric will suffice. To avoid colour transfer to your silk, use a white or light-coloured press cloth.
Instructions for Ironing
Step 1 –
Reduce the heat on your iron to the lowest level. Reduce the temperature of your iron to avoid ruining your silk. Many modern irons have particular fabric settings; if yours has, go to the “silk” setting instead.
If your iron is set to a high temperature, your silk may yellow. If you have a steam feature on your iron, feel free to utilise it.
Step 2 –
Place the iron in the center of the press cloth and press for a few seconds. Don’t be concerned with moving your iron from side to side. Instead, concentrate on keeping it in one spot. Hold down the button for a few seconds. If you continue any longer, you risk accidentally burning or damaging the material. Working in a certain direction may be beneficial depending on what you’re ironing.
Step 3 –
Lift the iron straight up and allow the silk to cool for a few seconds. Before going on to the next area of silk, raise the iron straight off the silk’s surface. Move on to another portion of the material after a few seconds to ensure the substance isn’t too hot.
Step 4 –
This pressing and lifting process should be repeated around your silk. Transfer the press cloth to a different part of your silk item. Lift the iron up and down for a few seconds, moving the press cloth as you go.
Carry on in this manner until the entire garment has been ironed. You don’t have to worry about moving a huge press cloth that covers all of your silk if you’re using one.
Step 5 –
Once you’ve finished ironing your silk, you can wear it, show it, or hang it up. Before removing the silk from the ironing board, let it thoroughly dry and cool. Before wearing or exhibiting the item, turn it right-side-out again.
Hang the silk in a dry, dark room away from natural or fluorescent lights if you aren’t going to use it straight away. If at all possible, have mothballs or other moth repellents on hand.
