Ironing is one of the least favorite activities of any housewife. This is especially true for bulky and heavy bedding.
Ironing it is sometimes a real torture, especially if there are several sets waiting in line.
From this article you will learn: is it necessary to iron bed linen after washing, is it necessary in principle, what is better to use - an iron or a steamer?
You will also find useful tips regarding the correct ironing, folding and storage of bedding sets, depending on their composition.
Content
Do I need to iron my bed linen?
Ironing bed linen immediately after washing is not strictly necessary. This is just a tip that will help you iron bulky bedding with less effort.
Anyway after washing you need to let the fabric dry a little, there is no point in ironing completely wet bed linen.
If you don’t have time to wait for it to become wet, it doesn’t matter. Dried items should be carefully folded and left to wait their turn for ironing. Subsequently, before ironing, the fabric will still have to be slightly moistened, for example, from a spray bottle.
Why do you need to iron?
The answer to this question should be sought in two categories:
- Medical – in other words, ironing is good for health.Exposure to high temperatures will help get rid of harmful microorganisms (bed mite larvae, bacteria and microbes) remaining on the fabric even after washing. This is especially true for allergy sufferers and people with reduced immunity.
- Aesthetic – it’s much more pleasant to go to bed in a clean, fresh-smelling and ironed bed. It is not only softer and more pleasant to the touch, but also promotes healthy sleep. Even the most ardent opponents of ironing will not refuse to lie in such a bed.
Why and in what cases is it not necessary?
Opponents of ironing bed linen (and not only it) argue that it is a waste of time. They have compelling arguments for this:
- Firstly, they consider ironing a relic of the past;
- Secondly, it takes a huge amount of time and effort, especially if you need to iron several sets of bed linen;
- Thirdly, the smoothness of the fabric remains for only a few nights, and after a couple of days you will no longer be able to distinguish the previously ironed linen from the one that was not ironed at all.
If this is not enough, then there are also the following arguments:
- some materials become electrified after ironing (synthetics, especially polycotton, i.e. a mixture of polyester and cotton in various proportions);
- You may notice that after ironing the fabric absorbs moisture less well. This will not appeal to those who sweat a lot during sleep;
- The aroma from fabric softener disappears when exposed to high temperatures.
You will find 3 arguments against ironing bed linen Here.
How to iron on an ironing board?
When ironing a sheet with corners, iron the sides first. Then roll them inward. Fold the resulting rectangle into four times. Then iron thoroughly on all sides.
Step-by-step ironing instructions:
- Prepare your work area (it may be more convenient for you to iron on a table rather than on an ironing board).
In any case, bedding, with the exception of pillowcases, will need to be folded. Their size should correspond to the surface on which you will iron.
- Straighten out all folds and folds, regardless of whether the laundry is wet or dry. If it is dry, sprinkle it with water and give the water a little time to absorb.
- First, it is recommended to straighten and iron the seams. This will prevent deformation of the entire product during the further ironing process.
- If you want to get the perfect effect of smoothness of the fabric, unfold the product and fold it again with the unironed sides on top. Align the fold lines so that they do not “run away”.
- It is advisable to fold the duvet cover and sheet into four after the main ironing. Iron each side again. Ready!
Temperature recommendations
The temperature regime that needs to be selected directly depends on the composition of the fabric. for ironing bed linen. Always check the label for the ingredients of the product.
The table below shows the most popular fabrics from which bed linen is made and the appropriate ironing temperature.
The right column serves as a hint in what state - wet or dry - it is most comfortable and easy to iron each material:
Material | Acceptable ironing temperature (оС) | Fabric condition |
Pure cotton | 140-180 | Slightly damp |
Cotton with polyester added | 90-120 | Slightly damp |
Linen | 180-200 | Heavily moisturized |
Cotton with linen | 160-180 | Moisturized |
Satin | Up to 180 | Dry |
Chintz | 150-170 | Moisturized |
Jacquard | Maximum 110 | Slightly damp |
Bed linen made from fabrics such as silk, calico, satin, practically do not need ironing. If you still want to iron clothes with this composition, do it at the lowest temperature.
The video will tell you how and in what mode to iron bed linen:
How to quickly smooth with a steamer?
Modern technologies have long served many housewives faithfully. A steamer can really make life much easier for any woman who periodically accumulates a lot of clothes to iron.
It is too large for it to be possible to hang it in the apartment at its full length and steam it efficiently. In the case of bedding sets an iron with a built-in steam function remains indispensable.
How to fold correctly after ironing?
Housewives have come up with an incredible variety of ways to fold and store bed linen after ironing. The main criteria for “correctness” are compactness and preservation of an aesthetic appearance after long storage in a closet.
The classic method involves ironing immediately after washing, while the laundry is still damp. You need to fold the laundry so that you get identical rectangles. Storage is provided in sets, sometimes inside out (to make it more convenient to put on a new bed later).
Marie Kondo, the author of the modern Japanese method, suggests ironing bedding and then folding it into an even rectangle. The duvet cover and sheet folded in this way should be placed in one of the pillowcases.
For greater aesthetics in the closet, fold the edges of the pillowcase in which the bedding set lies. This method is truly the most compact and will especially help those who have little closet space.
You can read about how to iron and fold comfortable and capricious sheets with an elastic band in this article.
Then you need to take the edges of the duvet cover and fold the set halfway. Cover with the second part (top). Fold the resulting structure by one third - you will see how a pocket has formed. Carefully fold the rest of the laundry into it and straighten the fabric.
To better understand how this method works, watch the video:
Ordering services to your home and asking price
Ironing facilities can be found in every city. Often companies offer not only ironing, but washing, dyeing, and even clothing repair. The price for ironing bedding sets is calculated based on for 1 kg., which costs on average from 200 rubles.
Ironing services are also provided by cleaning companies, from which you can order this service at home in addition to cleaning. In this case, the price is calculated for the time spent on ironing, from 250 rubles. 30 minutes ironing.
Instead of ordering services to your home, you can purchase linen that does not need to be ironed. What is it and why does it not wrinkle you can read Here.
Useful tips
When ironing you should know the following:
- choose the correct ironing temperature;
- shake the material before ironing;
- try to iron your laundry wet: it will be more effective and simply easier;
- Clean your iron regularly;
- fold laundry carefully after ironing. This way it will take up little space, and the closet will be tidy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is worth noting that such an unpleasant and tedious procedure as ironing has its undeniable advantages. These include not only health benefits, but also an aesthetic component. After all, every woman wants to be an ideal housewife!