Accidental scorches occur in both novice and experienced ironers, but with the use of an ironing cloth, you may avoid these potential tragedies.
You’re one of the lucky ones if you haven’t yet burned a pair of clothes.
When you’re working with an appliance that can achieve temperatures of up to 445 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s easy to make a mistake. A pressing cloth has saved many a day in this situation!
What is the purpose of a pressing cloth?
A pressing cloth is a piece of cotton or synthetic mesh that acts as a barrier between your garment and the iron’s hot soleplate. It’s mostly used to prevent burning or shine when ironing sensitive materials.
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Is There a Difference Between Pressing and Ironing Cloths?
Yes. A pressing cloth is the same as an ironing cloth.
The only difference, I suppose, is the ironing process they employ.
Ironing is the process of moving the iron back and forth while pressing keeps the steam iron stationary over a single area.
When using a steam iron for clothing or stitching, both procedures employ the same protective barrier to avoid burns.
When Should You Use an Ironing Cloth?
An ironing cloth should be used when working with delicate textiles like silk, wool, and mixed fabrics, including synthetic, artificial fibers that are more prone to burning, shining, or melting.
Benefits of Using a Pressing Cloth
- Pressing cloths protect clothing from burn stains and shine.
- They shield the iron from metal buttons and zippers, which might damage it.
- When using starch, they prevent residue buildup on the iron’s soleplate.
- When sewing and crafts, they protect the iron from sticky deposits.
- Avoiding unintentional garment damage saves money.
Types of Pressing or Ironing Cloths
Cotton is the best fabric for an ironing cloth, but synthetic polyester mesh alternatives are now available that are inexpensive, effective, and let you see the clothing through the mesh.
Ironing towels are also used to protect the iron from sticky residues in sewing and crafts.
1. Muslin Cloth
A basic cotton cloth is known as muslin cloth. It’s a plain-woven cotton fabric that can tolerate high heat, making it perfect for ironing or pressing cloth.
It’s widely available in fabric and sewing supply stores.
2. Old Sheets or Pillow Cases
The financial savings of using what you already have around the house is obvious, and you can even trim the ironing cloth to the size you desire.
A single old bed sheet may also be used to make numerous pressing cloths.
It is not required to sew in an edge. If you iron over it, this can get in the way and produce a ridge or depression in the garment.
Pillowcases, as well as clean cotton dishcloths or tea towels, are already a good size. When ironing more delicate materials, all you need is a barrier to bear the brunt of the heat.
I appreciate that you can dampen a cotton pressing cloth to assist iron away creases, even though most current irons should need a blast of steam.
3. Mesh Ironing Cloths
The fact that a mesh ironing cloth is transparent appeals to me. You can see where you’re ironing and make sure the cloth is flattened properly.
It also helps steam to permeate the fabric, allowing for quicker progress through an ironing pile.
A mesh ironing cloth is a low-cost solution that is also very easy to care for.
It can be easily cleaned by tossing it in the washing machine, and it can be folded away to save room.
4. Parchment Paper for Sewing and Pressing
If you’re ironing an appliqué onto the fabric, you can use parchment paper from the shop, but a tiny piece of cloth will do just as well.
Make sure you’re not using wax paper. There is a difference between wax paper and parchment paper.
Wax paper melts when exposed to heat, whereas parchment can resist temperatures up to 450°F (origin).
5. Teflon Pressing Cloths for Crafting
Teflon pressing cloths are widely used in sewing and craftwork to protect the iron’s soleplate from residue generated by fusibles, starches, and other sticky materials.
What Happens if you Don’t Use an Ironing Cloth?
You risk harming delicate textiles by exposing them to the direct heat of the ironing plate if you don’t use an ironing cloth. When ironing garments, there are a few options for preventing shine.
An overheated iron can compress the fibers in natural textiles, resulting in uneven or glossy areas on the garment. This can be reversed in some circumstances.
If you don’t have an ironing cloth and aren’t sure what temperature to use to eliminate creases from a garment, set the heat down low, iron the fabric inside out, or use steam alone while pulling on the clothing until the wrinkles disappear.
Final Thoughts
An ironing cloth is quite useful to have on hand if you iron regularly.
If you’re not sure if clothing can withstand the direct heat of the iron, lower the temperature and use the ironing cloth as a precaution.
A word of caution: the ironing cloth is not an impenetrable barrier on which to place the iron face down. To avoid any fire dangers, keep basic ironing care and safety in mind.