10 Fabrics You Should Never Iron at Home

At first glance, ironing might seem like a straightforward task. However, when it comes to certain fabrics, applying the wrong heat or pressure can lead to irreversible damage. From scorch marks to melted fibres and distorted textures, the risks are often underestimated.

At Dry Cleaning Junction, we understand that fabric care is both an art and a science. With professional-grade equipment and expert handling, we ensure every garment is pressed safely and impeccably. In this blog, we reveal the 10 fabrics you should never iron at home—and explain why entrusting them to specialists is a smart decision.

1. Silk: Luxury That Requires Careful Handling

Silk is prized for its lustrous finish and softness, but it is one of the most heat-sensitive fabrics in your wardrobe. Even brief exposure to an overheated iron can result in permanent burns, shine marks, or water stains.

Expert care ensures flawless results.
Professional technicians use steam cabinets and padded presses that evenly distribute low heat without direct contact, preserving the silk’s natural sheen and drape.

2. Velvet: Plush Fabric, Prone to Flattening

Velvet, with its dense pile and rich texture, is notoriously difficult to iron. Direct pressure can easily crush the fibres, leaving behind shiny patches and flattened areas that cannot be restored.

Specialist methods protect the pile.
Professionals use velvet boards, steaming from beneath, and no-contact techniques to relax creases while maintaining the fabric’s depth and softness.

3. Leather and Suede: Natural Materials, Easily Distorted

These materials are highly sensitive to heat. Even a light press from a domestic iron can cause shrinkage, hardening, discolouration, or damage to the natural oils in the fabric.

Preservation requires advanced tools.
At Dry Cleaning Junction, leather and suede garments are refreshed using steam tunnels and reconditioning treatments that maintain their texture and shape without risk.

4. Chiffon: Light as Air, Easily Scorched

Chiffon’s delicate and transparent weave, especially when made from silk or polyester, is highly vulnerable to heat. Even ironing at a low setting can result in melting or deformation.

Handled with precise temperature control.
Trained professionals use indirect steaming and buffer layers to gently release wrinkles while safeguarding the fabric’s fragile structure.

5. Linen (Without Proper Technique): Crisp Yet Unforgiving

While linen is often considered ideal for ironing, it requires careful moisture management and temperature control. Overheating or dry ironing can cause fibre damage or browning.

Professional-grade steam pressing delivers results.
Using optimal humidity levels and powerful steam systems, experts press linen to perfection—achieving crispness without compromising fabric integrity.

6. Tulle and Netting: Delicate Structures at Risk

Often used in evening wear, wedding dresses, and children’s clothing, these lightweight fabrics can easily warp, stretch, or melt under the pressure of a home iron.

Professional steaming retains shape and volume.
Advanced steaming systems apply low-pressure vapour to gently lift wrinkles while preserving the fabric’s structure and flow.

7. Beaded and Embellished Garments: Fragile Details, Big Risks

Sequins, embroidery, rhinestones, and metallic threads do not respond well to heat. Direct contact with an iron can result in warping, melting adhesives, or discolouring decorations.

Precision care ensures embellishments remain intact.
Professionals isolate delicate areas, use protective cloths, and steam press around details to smooth the garment without disturbing its design.

8. Rayon: Beautiful Yet Unpredictable

Rayon mimics the appearance of silk or cotton but behaves inconsistently under heat. Home ironing can cause shrinkage, shine spots, or a complete loss of shape.

Experienced handling prevents distortion.
By managing moisture content and controlling heat application, professionals can refresh rayon garments without compromising fit or finish.

9. Spandex and Stretch Fabrics: Easy to Melt, Hard to Fix

Common in gymwear and figure-hugging clothing, spandex and elastane blends are extremely sensitive to heat. Ironing can damage the elasticity or melt synthetic fibres altogether.

Controlled steaming preserves stretch and structure.
At Dry Cleaning Junction, we refresh stretch fabrics using contact-free vapour systems, eliminating creases without degrading the material.

10. Acetate: Lining Material with Hidden Hazards

Found in suit linings, dresses, and occasionwear, acetate can appear smooth like silk but reacts poorly to high temperatures, often melting or puckering under a home iron.

Specialist care avoids fibre breakdown.
Our professional team uses calibrated equipment to deliver uniform results at safe temperatures, maintaining the garment’s look and longevity.

The Consequences of Incorrect Ironing at Home

Ironing isn’t always forgiving. Using incorrect settings or techniques at home can result in:

• Scorch marks, shine, or water stains
• Melting or fibre breakage
• Shrinking or stretching
• Loss of texture or pile
• Destroyed embellishments or trims

Unfortunately, in many cases, this damage is irreversible.

Why Trust a Professional Ironing Service?

At Dry Cleaning Junction, we offer more than just wrinkle removal. Our ironing service is built on expertise, precision, and care:

• Fabric-specific protocols – Every item is assessed individually
• Temperature and moisture control – No guesswork, just consistency
• Expert team – Highly trained professionals handle your garments
• Custom preferences – Folded, hung, starch options, and delicate care
• Free collection and delivery – Convenience you can count on

Perfect for Households, Professionals & Businesses

Our ironing service is ideal for:

• Busy individuals who need a polished look
• Families juggling uniforms and delicate items
• Bridal parties or formal events
• Small businesses in hospitality, beauty, or retail
• Anyone who values time and quality garment care

A Smarter Way to Care for Your Clothes

Some garments are simply too valuable or fragile to risk ironing at home. If you’ve ever questioned whether a fabric is safe to press, that’s reason enough to leave it to the experts.

With Dry Cleaning Junction, your clothing is in safe hands. We use only the most suitable techniques for each material, ensuring everything is returned to you looking immaculate and professionally finished.

Book Your Professional Ironing Today

From chiffon to velvet, leather to rayon—we take care of the fabrics that require a professional touch.

• Serving customers across the UK
• Free pick-up and drop-off service
• Book one-time or recurring services

Let us handle the heat—so you don’t have to.