Even though polyester is a synthetic material that’s designed to resist wrinkles, this fabric can get wrinkles if you wear it for too long, wash it incorrectly, or store it the wrong way hanging in your closet.
Proper care and laundry techniques can help keep your polyester clothing wrinkles-free. But when the inevitable strikes, can you iron polyester? Keep reading to find out.
Can You Iron Polyester?
Yes, you can iron polyester but you need to do it carefully. It takes some special measures to protect this material from the direct heat delivered by an iron, but it shouldn’t be too hard to safely iron polyester.
That being said, you shouldn’t iron polyester if you’re not confident you’ll be able to closely follow the proper steps.
How Can You Iron Polyester?
Here’s how to safely iron polyester:
- First, you should turn the clothing item inside out. If this isn’t possible like with curtains, for example, then just flip them to the wrong side.
- Next, you want to get your iron heating up, but make sure you choose the correct temperature setting. If your iron doesn’t offer a specific setting for polyester, adjust it to medium heat.
- Then, you should grab a moist pressing cloth and a spritz bottle. Make sure you keep it damp while you iron.
- Once your iron has reached the proper temperature, apply short and quick strokes to the clothing while being firm at the same time. Do not linger too long in one spot; you can still damage the fabric even with the pressing cloth.
Safely ironing polyester will take some practice, but your clothes will always look sharp once you get it down.
What Happens if You Use the Wrong Temperature to Iron Polyester?
If you use too high a temperature, the heat may ruin your clothes. This is why you should choose the polyester setting on your iron.
If you can’t find one on your iron, always avoid going too hot as too much heat can easily burn the material.
Can You Use Only Steam to Iron Polyester?
Yes, there are a few ways to iron polyester using only steam and not an actual iron.
Using a Steamer
First, your best bet is to use a steamer that’s meant specifically for de-wrinkling clothes.
Run the steam wand over the fabric while slightly tugging on the wrinkled areas to smooth it out. Avoid pulling too hard so as not to stretch the garment.
Using a Dryer
You can use a dryer but only if the care label on the clothing allows it.
First, pretreat the fabric with fabric softener (if indicated on the label) or plain water (if the label doesn’t allow fabric softeners).
Then, put the clothes in the dryer along with a damp towel (to help produce steam) and turn on the dryer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
If there are still wrinkles showing after the first 15 minutes, you can run the dryer for an extra 10 minutes.
Wrap Up
So can you iron polyester? Well, yes you can. As long you’re careful and follow the proper instruction, you should be able to do it safely,
