Benefits Of Ironing

Ironing is the use of an iron, typically heated, to remove wrinkles and creases from fabric and materials. Ironing works by loosening the bonds between the long-chain polymer molecules in the fibers of the material. When the molecules are heated, the fibers are straightened by the weight of the iron, and they hold their shape as they cool down.

Ironing clothing, bedding, and other items is important to keep them looking as pristine as possible. Typically, ironing takes out wrinkles, creases, and folds. Ironing also has a range of other benefits that we shall explore below:

  1. PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE 

Workplace appearance is important because your wardrobe can give others an impression of your professionalism. When an individual values their workplace appearance, they show respect for the company or organisation they work for and the work they do. When attending meetings and other workplace events, prospective and current clients may feel drawn to speak to you just because you look professional and well-groomed. 

A steam iron is the best way to give your clothes a professionally ironed look and feel from the comfort of your own home. The steam from the iron moistens the fibers of the material, making it easier to iron and/or press. Moreover, the steam also ensures that your professional look and appearance are kept sharp throughout the day. Having un-creased clothing will give a fresh, well- maintained impression of your appearance that will make you feel and look a million dollars!

  1. IRONING KILLS GERMS AND BACTERIA 

While you may think washing clothing, bedding, or other items on high temperatures is enough to kill germs and bacteria, you need to think again! This is because some germs and bugs are resistant and continue to live on items after washing. You may also need to bear in mind that not all clothing or other items can be washed on high temperatures as this can cause them damage. Even when clothing is drying outside, it can pick up bugs and other types of bacteria. Ironing, especially steam ironing, kills germs and bacteria to leave your clothing and other items sanitised and germ free. As the steam generated by a steam iron needs to exceed a heat of up to 212 degrees, this ensures that this is enough heat to kill off germs and bacteria and even mould and dust mite. This method also replaces the need to use chemicals that don’t always do the job of sanitising these items. Ironing is, therefore, an effective and efficient all-around method to eliminate germs and bacteria from your laundry pile. 

  1. IRONING PRESERVES CLOTHING

A combination of steam and heat is used during the ironing process to press clothing fibers back into shape after washing and laundering. When items have been professionally ironed and/or pressed, they become more resilient to withstanding wrinkling and creasing for a longer period of time. This occurs during the heating and cooling down phase of the ironing process, which set the fibers into their intended structure and shape. Put simply, professional iron strengthens and refreshes the fibers of clothing and other items, ensuring they are left wrinkle and crease free. 

Ironing also removes and prevents unwanted odours due to how the fibers are encouraged to set during the ironing process. This means that unpleasant odours, which can cause long-term damage to material, can not easily embed within the fabric’s structure. When clothing fibers are set and sealed, they are less likely to absorb odours, allowing them to last longer between washes.

  1. IRONING CAN BE THERAPEUTIC 

Modern-day living can play havoc on stress and anxiety levels impacting on mental well-being. All that rushing around, heavy workloads, combined with managing day to day tasks and routines, can certainly take their toll. Taking time out to relax and switch off is just what is required to calm your soul and restore mental well-being. Ironing, ironically, which is often cited as one of the nation’s least liked tasks, can make a huge difference to our mood and how we feel. It’s the methodical, back and forth, movements that can be so calming and relaxing. As you smooth out those wrinkles and creases in your clothes, you can also metaphorically speaking, smooth out the lumps and bumps in your mind. Ironing can, therefore, be a great way to disconnect from the day to day turmoil and drama of everyday life. 

  1. IRONING AS AN AROMATHERAPY EXPERIENCE 

It has long been proven that scents and smells are mood boosters and enhancers. For a pleasant experience, while ironing, making your own scented water is very simple. For this you’ll need: 

i) A spray bottle 

ii) Distilled water

iii) Essential oil of your preference 

You may be wondering how to choose an appropriate scent for this process? Research has actually shown that different scents can trigger different feelings and responses. Lavender, jasmine, and rose tend to evoke feelings of relaxation. On the other hand, rosemary and citrus tend to be more associated with vitality and energy. 

When you have chosen your preferred essential oil, simply lightly spray your scented solution over the items you intend to iron beforehand, then iron as normal. The steam created by the iron will release the fabulous aroma from the essential oil in your solution. Breathe in deeply to enjoy the experience and relax while you continue the meditative repetition of ironing. Avoid filling your stream iron with your scented water solution as the essential oils , even in relatively small does, can harm your steam iron. Just stick to your spray bottle to dispense your scented water onto your clothing and other items. 

  1. IRONING TO REVERSE SHRINKAGE?

Clothing and other items can sometimes experience shrinkage after washing and laundering. To minimise this from occurring, it’s important to read the care labels of each garment you intend to wash beforehand. Care labels inform you of all you need to know when it comes to looking after your clothing and other items properly. They explain how to wash, dry, and iron items correctly, and they also, importantly, tell you what you shouldn’t do. 

A little tightening of clothing is, however, common and normal after washing and laundering. This can be easily resolved by lightly steaming items to relax the fibers to restore to their original shape and size, if required. Should you encounter a more serious issue concerning shrinkage, then you may require some advice and help from a professional laundry service who may have a solution by offering additional techniques for shrinkage.

To meet all your laundry and ironing requirements for a professional finish, simply contact us at Pressed not Stressed. We cover Chester-le-Street and a range of other service areas!