How to Iron Polyester Fabrics? Step by Step

There are several natural and man-made fabrics used these days, and ironing these different fickle fabrics can be a challenging task. When it comes to ironing polyester, there are certain rules and considerations one has to take care of.

As it is a heat-sensitive material, it requires extra maintenance and this is why learning how to iron a polyester fabrics becomes essential. This extra care would make your polyester item look newer and better.

Can I Iron Polyester Fabric? It is the most frequently asked question as Polyester is a thermoplastic material and so the Polyester fabric can melt at high ironing heat. But the answer to this query is Yes! You can iron any Polyester item, including shirts, pants, curtains, dresses, etc. but with extra care, accurate temperature setting, and good quality iron or steam

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What is Polyester?

Polyester is a man-made material and is considered one of the most popular fabrics in the world due to its durable, breathable, and versatile properties. This versatile fabric can be used for the fabrication of all types of things such as clothing, industrial use, home furniture, technology, insulation, etc.

Rules to Iron Polyester

When we speak of ironing, there are specific rules for different materials. For example, to iron cotton, a high temperature is required, while to iron a polyester material, it is important to regulate the temperature to low or medium heat. This article is the ultimate guide that will help you in understanding how to iron and care for your Polyester.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Iron Different Polyester Items

It can be a little tricky to iron polyester, but with the right precautions, you can iron polyester pants, dress shirts, jackets, skirts, suits, ties, tablecloths, curtains, flags, and even priceless prom dress, wedding dresses or graduation gowns.

Every single item needs different care and ironing techniques. This is the ultimate step-by-step guide to iron different polyester items.

Ironing Polyester Dresses

To start with a polyester dress, first, observe the care label of your garment to comprehend the best temperature and steam settings for the dress.
Next, you can remove the extra attachments from the dress, such as a belt or tie wrap.
Subsequently, the important step is to turn the dress inside out.
After turning the dress, spread the garb flat onto the ironing board.
Put a moist thin towel or cloth over the dress. This is quite helpful in getting out the fickle wrinkles without damaging the polyester fabric.
The next step you have to execute is to plug and turn the iron on and set it at the right temperature as we have already instructed.
Always start with the sleeves and collar of your dress. Also, keep in mind to iron in the upward direction.
Make your direction down, but the iron must point upwards. Linger it in vertical movements, so your ironing can be in a single direction.
Now change your dress side and iron the back.
At last, hang your dress up as soon as you have completed your ironing.

Ironing Polyester Curtains:

To start with the Polyester curtains, lay them flat on an ironing board, or you even spread them on the blanket for maximum protection.

Here again, you have to check the material’s care label to note the recommended temperature settings. It will probably be “warm.”

Subsequently, plug your steam iron in after turning it on and set it to the warm setting. Let the curtains be heated up.

Lay a thin towel or cloth over the curtains to keep the Polyester safe from direct heat. Iron over this thin material instead of directly applying it onto the curtains.

Iron or steam these curtains until all wrinkles are gone. You can begin from the top of the curtains and work your way down, going width ways.

As soon as you have completed the ironing section, allow it to cool and then move to the next section of your curtains along with the ironing board.

The curtain wrinkles are often quite stubborn, so it is better to apply steam or spray the fabric with water before you iron over it again.

Instantly, hang on these curtains to let gravity pull out the stubborn wrinkles.

Ironing Polyester Pants:

Usually, dress pants are a work of a polyester blend, so initially, you must check the care label for temperature and steam settings.

Spread the dress pants on the ironing board. You have to do one leg at a time.

After plugging-in and turning on the iron, set the apt temperature according to the sensitivity of the material.

Start with ironing the pocket linings of the pants.

Subsequently, keep a moist cloth or towel over the trousers.

This way, you will not apply direct heat to the fabric.

Iron the top and waistband of the pants. Lift and press as you go instead of smoothing the iron over the cloth.

As you move to the leg of the pants, fold it at the crease for a professional finish. Press and lift the iron down the leg.

Next, you have to iron the cuff of the dress pants

Repeat the same steps for the next side.

You can also get rid of the new wrinkles if there are any at the seat and front of the trousers. You can eliminate them while still ironing over the moist cloth.

After completion, hang the dress pants immediately.

Ironing Polyester Flag:

To start with a flag, first, check the heat level of your iron by ironing on a small corner part of the flag and note if any damage occurs.

Subsequently, you must follow the instructions on how to care for Polyester.

The temperature of the iron should accurately be set and a pressing cloth must again be utilized.

That pressing cloth is important as it keeps the Polyester protected from being burned or damaged.

Start from the middle of the flag by pressing and lifting the iron.

Linger on from the middle to each corner of the flag until it becomes free from all the wrinkles which occur due to the folding of Polyester.

Keep ironing it in vertical motions until all wrinkles are removed.

As soon as you finish the ironing of the flag, hang it on a stick to keep its ironing maintained.

What is the Appropriate Way to Iron Polyester?

Though the polyester fabric is a wrinkle-free material, it still can get wrinkled after washing, if packed in a suitcase for too long or when it gets stuck below the chair. So, it becomes important to iron it. The key is to regulate the right heat temperature on your iron which can be from low to medium, turn the cloth inside out if you can, and damp it with a spray or moist cloth to get the job done right.

What is the Safest Temperature to Iron Polyester?

Generally, Polyester is ironed at a temperature of 300F (148°C), but it is better to keep it a little low than 300F. One can get the wrinkles out from the dress or other items even at 270 degrees F. As the majority of irons we employ in our homes might not be that expert and have the precise temperature setting in degrees, it is better to keep the temperature in a low or medium setting.

Is it Right to Steam Polyester?

Absolutely! In general, the polyester fabric can attain benefit from steaming in several ways. But even though it is a durable fabric, Polyester requires extra care. Steaming on Polyester can be executed in two different ways. One way is to employ the steam function on your iron, and another way is to run the steamer on your hanged polyester fabrics.

General Instructions to Keep in Mind Before Steaming or Ironing Polyester.The following instructions will help you in ironing or steaming the Polyester with maximum safety.

Always check the care tags of curtains and clothes or other polyester items which you are going to steam or iron.

With either appliance, steamer, or iron, first, examine it in an inconspicuous part of the fabric.

Never leave a clothing iron or steamer unattended.

Switch off both appliances, iron or steamer, when not in use. Also, it is better to unplug them from the wall.

Utilize distilled water in both steamer or iron to avoid lime or hard-water build-up.

Hold the iron or steamers upright to let water condensation drip back into the unit.

Do not leave an iron face down on any material.

Never let your children use either steamer or iron.

Always hold the steamer facing away from you at a distance, as the steam can burn your skin.

Unplug both the steamer or iron when you are adding water to them.

Do not immerse either iron or steamer in water to clean.

Give extra attention to the low-water light on iron or steamer. Try not to use it without water.

Conclusion:

Ironing polyester can be tricky but not impossible. By following the above mentioned tips and proceeding with a good quality iron with all the safety precautions can make your polyester material look fresher and better with a crisp finish.

Nancy Smith

I am a content strategist and the administrator of this website. Professionally, I am an assistant Electronics professor at the University of Chester. I love to read about my profession and have a lot of interest in various home electronics appliances. Freely contact us if you have any queries regarding steam irons and other electronic devices.