For many people ironing is a chore… here's how to keep it to a minimum.

1. Many items can be taken off the line and folded away or hung on clothes hangers without the need for ironing.
2. Buying drip-dry fabrics reduces the need for ironing.
3. Using fabric conditioner in the final rinse of the wash cycle makes items easier to iron.

General ironing tips

1. Follow the instructions on the care label.
2. If you sort articles into piles of cotton and synthetics before starting to iron, you will only have to alter the temperature once.
3. The temperature of the iron takes time to change when you alter the setting.
4. The indicator light shows when it has reached the right temperature.
5. When lowering the heat setting, wait for the light to come on and then go off before ironing your clothes.

How to avoid shine and iron marks

1. Use a well padded ironing board (especially for wool).
2. Iron inside out whenever possible. Always iron delicate fabrics, inside out on a low temperature setting.
3. Use a press cloth such as a clean pillow case. For some fabrics, e.g. wool, use steam or press with a slightly damp cloth, using light pressure.

Ironing different fabrics

Cotton - Iron slightly damp on the right side with a hot iron
Linen - Iron damp on the wrong side first, then on the right side to bring out the sheen, especially damasks and light-colored linens. Iron dark linens on the wrong side only.
Silk - Iron slightly damp on the right side with a warm iron.
Wool (knitted) - Press dry or nearly dry on the wrong side with a warm iron or steam.

Keeping your iron in tip-top condition

It is also important to look after your iron. Here's how...

• Keep the flat ironing surface clean with a special sole plate cleaner (available from hardware stores) If you have a steam iron, check for mineral deposits, which can cause brown spotting.
• If you are using starch to stiffen your clothes, iron the starched items quickly. Do not have the iron too hot, or the starch will burn in to the bottom of the iron
• If synthetic fabric such as nylon is accidentally melted onto the sole plate, do not allow the iron to cool down, or it will set hard! Turn the thermostat to 'hot' and carefully use paper to wipe away the soft melted fabric, then clean the iron while the ironing surface is warm. As the iron will be hot, special care should be taken during this process