Wool is a natural fiber that requires special care when laundering and ironing. The texture and composition of wool makes it prone to shrinking and felting when exposed to high heat or agitation. Following proper techniques for ironing wool garments will help preserve their shape, size and appearance. With some simple steps, you can smoothly iron wool items without causing damage.
Prep the Wool Fabric
Before ironing wool, it’s important to properly prepare the fabric. Here are some tips:
- Check the garment label – Look for any special washing, drying or ironing instructions from the manufacturer. Follow these closely.
- Hand wash or use a gentle cycle – Machine wash wool on the gentle or delicate cycle in cool water. Use a wool-safe detergent. Avoid fabric softeners which can leave residue.
- Don’t overload the washer – Wash only 1-2 wool items at a time. Overcrowding can cause agitation damage.
- Limit spin cycle – Excessive spinning can felt wool fibers. Opt for a low or no spin if possible.
- Dry flat – Lay wool garments flat on a drying rack or towel. Allow to fully air dry. Do not machine dry.
- Steam or press – Use a steamer or iron on a low heat setting to remove any remaining moisture or wrinkles after air drying.
Properly preparing wool prior to ironing is key to preventing shrinkage or distortion issues.
Adjust the Iron Temperature
One of the most important steps in ironing wool is using the right iron temperature setting. Here is what to keep in mind:
- Check the wool item – Thinner wools like lightweight clothing may require lower heat than thick wool like coats. When in doubt, start with a lower temp.
- Select the wool setting – Most irons have a specific wool or low heat wool setting. Use this for all wool ironing.
- Use a lower heat – If your iron does not have a wool setting, choose a low (1-2) or medium-low (2-3) heat instead of the high heat cotton/linen setting.
- Set the temp – Adjust the iron’s thermostat to match the desired setting. Allow it fully heat up before ironing.
- Use steam – The steam function can help provide shape without applying direct dry heat.
Avoid high heat when ironing wool fabrics. Stick to the manufacturer’s wool setting or use medium-low heat to prevent scorching. Start at the coolest setting needed to remove wrinkles.
Choose a Press Cloth
Using an intermediate press cloth when ironing wool is highly recommended. A press cloth helps:
- Prevent shine – The cloth helps minimize the sheen that can occur from ironing.
- Protect fabric – It provides a protective barrier between the iron and the wool fabric.
- Diffuse heat – Press cloths diffuse and distribute the heat more gently over the fabric.
- Reduce friction – Wool fibers can catch on the iron plate. The cloth reduces this friction.
For best results, opt for a lightweight, smooth press cloth like cotton, silk or a wool/silk blend. Dampen the cloth lightly before ironing. Avoid textured cloths that could imprint on the wool fabric.
Iron on the Inside
When ironing a wool garment, always start on the inside or wrong side first:
- Turn garment inside out before ironing.
- Press inside seams flat first. Use the tip of the iron for hard-to-reach areas.
- Work from the seams out toward the edges.
- Flip right side out and touch up outer edges if needed. Avoid over-ironing the outer fabric.
Ironing the inside helps set the shape and prevent stretching. Reserve the outer side only for quick touch-ups to avoid creating shine. This inside-out method protects the wool fibers.
Go With the Grain
Wool fibers can frizz or distort if ironed against the natural direction of the grain. Follow these tips:
- Locate the grain – Wool fabric has a natural grain running parallel with the selvage edges. Identify the direction.
- Iron with the grain – Always iron back and forth in long motions following the grain of the fabric.
- Don’t press across – Avoid ironing across the grain as this can cause fibers to separate.
- Watch plaids – With plaid wool fabric, iron both diagonals in the same direction.
- Note heavy wrinkles – For creases or stubborn wrinkles, lift and reposition the fabric to iron with the grain.
Following the grain maintains the texture and finish of the wool for best results.
Use a Pressing Motion
The ironing motion you use is important when working with delicate wools:
- Avoid pushing and pulling – Pushing or dragging the iron across the fabric can cause distortion.
- Use a vertical motion – Gently lift and lower the iron up and down in a light bouncing motion instead.
- Keep iron raised – Avoid placing the iron’s full weight directly on the wool. Keep it elevated.
- Don’t over iron – Make several light passes rather than bearing down heavily in one area.
The key is to gently press the wool fabric without tugging, over-ironing or causing friction damage to the fibers.
Let Wool Rest
Allow wool time to rest between passes for best results:
- Give it a break – After making a pass with the iron, remove it fully from the fabric and allow the wool to cool slightly before ironing again.
- Don’t overwork areas – Continuously re-ironing the same spot can damage wool fibers.
- Let steam penetrate – When using steam, wait several seconds for moisture to penetrate wrinkles before re-ironing.
- Check appearance – Make sure previous passes have removed wrinkles before applying more heat.
Avoid repeatedly ironing the same wool area to prevent shine, damage or impressions. Give the fabric time to rest and recover between presses.
Finish With Inspection
Once ironing is complete, finish up with an inspection:
- Look for wrinkles – Give the wool garment a final look-over for any creases or wrinkles that need touch up. Handle lightly to avoid imprinting new wrinkles.
- Check for sheen – Inspect for any heat-induced shine, especially on the outer fabric. Use a press cloth and light steam if needed.
- Verify shape – Make sure the garment retains its original cut and silhouette. Steam lightly as needed to refine shape.
- Confirm color – Look for any discoloration or darkening, a sign the iron was too hot.
- Hang properly – Hang or lay the garment flat immediately to set the shape. Gravity can stretch wool if left hanging too long.
Proper inspection ensures you achieve wrinkle-free results without damaging the wool fabric. Your garment is now ready to wear!
Common Questions About Ironing Wool
Ironing wool properly requires precision. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can I iron wool at the highest heat setting?
No, you should never iron wool at the cotton/linen high heat setting. This can scorch or shrink the fibers. Always use the iron’s wool setting if available or opt for a low to medium-low heat.
Do I need to pre-wash wool before ironing?
Pre-washing is recommended since it allows you to remove wrinkles from washing and check for any potential shrinking issues prior to ironing. Preshrunk wool won’t shrink more with ironing.
Can I use the steam function when ironing?
Yes, steam is safe to use on wool as long as you do not apply direct contact from the hot iron plate afterward. The moisture can help relax fibers without damaging heat.
Should I only iron the outer fabric?
No, you should always start by ironing the inside or wrong side first to set the shape. Only do light touch up on outer areas if absolutely needed.
How can I avoid leaving an imprint when ironing?
Use a press cloth between the iron and fabric. Don’t apply too much pressure or hold the iron in one spot too long. Make smooth motions following the grain.
Is it okay to iron over wool buttons or embellishments?
Avoid direct contact between the iron plate and any buttons, sequins, or other embellishments. Use a press cloth and iron around them carefully.
Can I use starch when ironing wool?
Starch is not recommended since it can leave residue that attracts moisture and causes wool fibers to swell. This leads to distortion issues over time.
Tips for Successful Wool Ironing
Follow these top tips for the best wool ironing results:
- Read garment labels and follow all instructions carefully.
- Wash wool fabrics properly before ironing – gentle cycle, cool water temperature.
- Always allow wool items to fully air dry. Never machine dry.
- Use the iron’s wool setting or opt for a low to medium-low temperature.
- Dampen a lightweight press cloth and place over fabric when ironing.
- Iron the inside of the garment first before doing outer touch-ups.
- Make sure to iron with the grain, not against it.
- Use a gentle bouncing or vertical pressing motion. Avoid dragging the iron.
- Give the wool time to cool off the heat between passes.
- Inspect for wrinkles, shine, discoloration or other damage when complete.
Conclusion
From water temperature when washing to iron plate heat, wool requires special handling to avoid distortion or shrinkage. By preparing wool fabric properly, making adjustments to iron settings, using a press cloth, and handling the garment gently, you can achieve wrinkle-free results. Pay close attention to ironing motion, grain direction and checking your work. With these simple tips, you can keep wool items looking their very best for many wears to come. Just remember to give wool the delicate touch it deserves.