Clothes sticking to the iron: Housekeeping tips

If you iron your clothes regularly, then at some point you might notice that your clothes stick to the iron.

It can be quite irritating and uncomfortable, and it can also damage your clothes sometimes.

Here are a few reasons for that.

Heat and Steam

When you use an iron, it heats up to a high temperature. The soleplate (the flat, metal part of the iron) transfers this heat to the fabric you're ironing. 

In some cases, the heat can cause the fabric to temporarily stick to the hot metal surface. 

This is more likely to happen with fabrics that are sensitive to high temperatures.

Moisture

Many irons have a steam function that sprays a fine mist of water onto the fabric you're ironing. 

This moisture helps to relax the fabric's fibers and remove wrinkles. 

However, if the fabric is too damp or wet, it can become more prone to sticking to the hot iron soleplate. 

Sticky Residue

Over time, residue can accumulate on the iron's soleplate. This residue may come from starch or fabric softeners used in previous ironing sessions. 

When the iron heats up, these residues can become sticky and cause the fabric you're ironing to stick to the iron's surface. 

Heat-Sensitive Fabrics

Some fabrics, like synthetic materials or delicate fibers, are more prone to sticking to the iron due to their sensitivity to high heat. 

These fabrics may melt or become misshapen when they come into direct contact with the hot soleplate.

Conclusion

To prevent clothes from sticking to your iron, ensure the fabric is not overly wet, adjust the temperature setting on your iron based on the fabric type, and maintain a clean soleplate by regularly removing any residues. 

If you're working with heat-sensitive fabrics, use a pressing cloth or a thin cotton fabric as a protective layer between the iron and your clothing to avoid direct contact.
 

• Related news:
• ironing
• clothes
• tips
• 31 October 2023

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