Don’t fear linen! Embrace it and all its incredible features. Follow these simple steps and you will have the most well-kept linen around.
Most people regard ironing as a chore. But ironing linen can become a less intimidating task if you follow these simple steps from Ulster Linen.
Ironing your Linen
- Damp is key! Do your ironing when your linen is damp. Steam ironing dry linen is less effective than dry or steam ironing dampened linens. Sometimes a professional steamer is the only appliance that provides enough steam to remove wrinkles from heavier linens. The steam from a household iron might not be enough. If linen is taken out of the dryer or off the line while still damp and then ironed immediately, the chore ceases to be a chore at all.
- Can’t iron right away? Don’t worry! Store your linen items in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer from 6 to 24 hours before ironing. This will make them easier to iron when you are ready and will prevent mildew.
- Check check check! Be sure to check that the soleplate of your iron is clean and smooth for quicker and easier ironing. If you have a steam iron, check for mineral deposits, which can cause brown spotting. Check your ironing board and its cover. For speedy ironing, use well padded boards with smooth heat-reflective covers.
- To spray or not to spray? This is personal preference, try it both ways and see what you prefer! Use spray starch (if desired) and iron with a steam iron at a medium to hot setting. Starch provides extra crispness, particularly to napkins to be folded into fancy shapes. For a softer look, select spray-on fabric sizing instead. In a pinch, smooth things over with spray-on wrinkle remover.
- Iron 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.
- Choose a temperature setting compatible with the fabric weight. Pure linen can withstand the highest temperature setting on your iron. Always test an inconspicuous corner first.
- Iron linen until smooth but not dry. Once wrinkles are gone, hang the linen item until it is bone dry.
Ironing Specialty Linen
- Follow the same rule, start with damp linen.
- When ironing embroidered linen, keep the embroidery stitches rounded and dimensional by pressing item on the wrong side atop a soft towel.
- Use a press cloth to safeguard delicate lace and cutwork. A press cloth also helps to avoid pressmarks over seams, hems and pockets.
- Place a table next to the ironing board when ironing large tablecloths. Roll finished sections of the cloth over the table rather than letting it pile up under the ironing board.
- Minimize creasing ironed tablecloths by rolling them around a tube or hanging them.
Look at that! Now you are ready. Reference this blog anytime you have questions! Be sure to tune in next week to learn how to launder your Ulster Linen! We break it down for you!
Do you have more questions about ironing your linen? We are here to answer your questions! Being a 4th generation business, Ulster Linen has immense linen knowledge and history that has been passed down through the years. It is because of this reason that we are one of the top providers for quality linen and your one stop shop for a truly superior product.
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