Some people find it therapeutic. Some find it loathsome. Whichever camp you fall into, ironing is just one of those things that needs to be done.

If you’re looking for some tips to make the whole process that little bit easier, you’re in the right place. Follow these pointers, and you’ll be through that pile of ironing in no time.

Use a good quality board and cover

A good, sturdy, and most importantly, flat surface is crucial for ironing. Even a slight dent or bump can iron creases into your clothes. So it’s well worth investing in a proper ironing board. The cover is important too. It should be tight-fitting and clean to give you the best surface to glide over.

Check your soleplate

Soleplate? Just the technical name for the hot surface of your iron. Check that’s perfectly clean before you start, otherwise you might end up marking that freshly laundered white shirt! Give the steam jets a few blasts too before you start, otherwise calcium build-up might shoot out onto clean clothes.

Make sure your garments are clean

Ironing over stains will only make them bed deeper into the fabric. If you notice a stain, throw that item back into the laundry. It’s also a good idea to use a lint roller before you iron to remove any dust and debris from your garment.

Check the care label and use the correct heat setting

Ever noticed a shine on your clothes after ironing? That’s the result of using too high of a temperature. The fibres are melting and leaving a glossy finish! Not ideal. Check your garment’s care label for the correct ironing temperature. For an extra layer of protection for delicate materials, lay a cloth over the garment before you iron it.

Squirt, steam or starch stubborn creases

Over-drying clothes can set in some really stubborn creases (that’s why an iron dry setting on tumble dryers leaves just a little moisture in clothes). A squirt of water from your iron, a blast of steam, or if all else fails, a spray of starch will help get those pesky lines out. 

Turn out pockets 

If you don’t want the outline of your garment’s pockets pressed into the leg, simply turn the pocket inside out before you iron over it.

Iron cuffs, collars and hems on the reverse side

If you want to avoid puckering (where the fabric becomes loose and crinkled) around these areas, iron them on the reverse side first. If you want to make a collar stand, give it a spray of starch, cover with a cloth, them go over the area while pressing the iron down firmly.