Common Ironing Mistakes That Ruin Clothes
Ironing is a basic household chore, but it’s surprisingly easy to get it wrong. From scorching your favourite shirt to flattening delicate textures, small missteps can lead to permanent damage. At Dry Cleaning Junction, we’ve seen it all — and we’re here to help you avoid those costly ironing mistakes.
In this guide, we uncover the most common ironing errors and how to prevent them, so your clothes stay crisp, smooth, and damage-free. Whether you’re ironing daily or only before special occasions, these tips will help you iron smarter, not harder.
1. Using the Wrong Temperature Setting
Different fabrics require different heat levels. One of the most frequent mistakes is setting the iron too high — especially for synthetics, silk, and blended fabrics.
What goes wrong:
- High heat on delicate fabrics causes scorching, shiny marks, or even melting
- Low heat on thick materials like cotton or linen won’t remove creases effectively, wasting your time.
The fix:
- Always check the garment care label.
- Use the temperature guide on your iron — modern irons often list fabric names next to heat levels.
- When in doubt, start low and increase gradually.
2. Ironing Over Stains
Trying to smooth out a stained garment? That’s a big no.
What goes wrong:
- Heat sets the stain into the fibres, making it far harder — sometimes impossible — to remove.
The fix:
- Treat and wash stains before ironing.
- Inspect garments under good light before pressing — some stains may not be obvious when dry.
3. Using a Dirty Iron Plate
That brown smudge on your favourite blouse? It might be from a grimy iron plate.
What goes wrong:
- A dirty or sticky iron soleplate can transfer residue onto clothing, causing stains or scorch marks.
- Buildup from synthetic fibres or spray starch makes it worse over time.
The fix:
- Clean your iron regularly using a damp cloth and baking soda, or a specialised soleplate cleaner.
- Never scrape with sharp objects.
4. Ironing Clothes That Are Too Dry
Dry fabrics are more difficult to press, and excessive heat won’t necessarily help.
What goes wrong:
- Deep-set wrinkles remain
- You end up pressing too hard or over-ironing, damaging the fabric texture
The fix:
- Iron while the garment is slightly damp, or use the steam function effectively.
- For extra wrinkle-busting power, use a spray bottle of water on stubborn creases.
5. Pressing Instead of Gliding (Or Vice Versa)
There’s a subtle art to movement when ironing — and it depends on the fabric.
What goes wrong:
- Dragging the iron across delicate fabrics stretches or distorts them.
- Over-pressing heavy fabrics can flatten natural fibres.
The fix:
- For delicate fabrics like silk or viscose: gently press and lift — don’t glide.
- For cotton or linen: glide smoothly with steady pressure.
6. Skipping the Ironing Board
It may be tempting to iron on the bed or a towel, but this is a common error.
What goes wrong:
- Poor heat distribution
- Uneven surface creates new wrinkles
- Potential risk of fire or surface damage
The fix:
- Always use a proper ironing board with a padded, heat-resistant cover.
- Make sure it’s adjusted to a comfortable height to reduce strain.
7. Overusing Steam or Spray
Steam is helpful — but too much can cause problems.
What goes wrong:
- Water spots on delicate fabrics
- Mould or mildew inside the iron if overused and not emptied
- Potential for scorching if the iron spits while on high heat
The fix:
- Use steam moderately and evenly.
- Empty the water tank after each use to prevent mould build up.
- Use distilled water if you’re in a hard water area.
8. Ironing Zips, Embellishments, or Logos
It’s easy to forget these design details while rushing through your pile of clothes.
What goes wrong:
- Melting plastic logos or synthetic prints
- Scratching the iron plate on metal zips or buttons
The fix:
- Iron around embellishments and fastenings, not over them.
- Use a pressing cloth or iron the reverse side when in doubt.
9. Ignoring Seams, Pleats, and Edges
It’s not just about smoothing fabric — ironing is about shaping your clothing.
What goes wrong:
- Misshapen collars or cuffs
- Flattened pleats that should stand out
- Garments looking dull instead of polished
The fix:
- Take extra care on seams, collars, cuffs, and pleats.
- Use a tailor’s ham or a rolled towel for curves and darts.
10. Not Letting Clothes Cool After Ironing
Just like baking, your clothes need time to set.
What goes wrong:
- Freshly ironed clothes crease when folded or hung too soon
- The fabric doesn’t “lock in” its shape, undoing your hard work
The fix:
- Let garments cool completely before folding or hanging.
- Lay them flat for a few minutes if needed.
How Professional Ironing Prevents These Mistakes
At Dry Cleaning Junction, our ironing specialists are trained to:
- Use fabric-specific temperatures
- Avoid over-steaming or over-pressing
- Shape each item with care for a flawless finish
We also handle delicate, high-end, or vintage clothing with precision which can give you peace of mind and professionally pressed results every time.
Conclusion: Press Smart, Not Hard
Ironing might seem simple, but the smallest mistakes can shorten your clothes’ lifespan or ruin their appearance. By avoiding these common errors — or outsourcing to professionals — you can keep your wardrobe looking its best without unnecessary damage or stress.
So next time you reach for the iron, remember: temperature, fabric type, and a little patience go a long way.
And if you’d rather skip the ironing altogether, let Dry Cleaning Junction handle it with expert care. Your clothes deserve it.
