Ironing, household chemicals and thrift

There are three ways of ironing: dry, damp and with steam. In dry ironing the clothes are ironed on the right or wrong side; in damp ironing water is sprinkled on the clothes or they are wrapped in a damp towel; in steam ironing the iron’s steam function is used; fabrics that shrink must not be steamed. Before ironing, read the garment’s care label, because different fabrics need different temperature and moisture: synthetic fabrics at a warm setting, from the lining side; silk is not wetted (drops leave stains) and is ironed from the wrong side; wool is ironed carefully through a damp cloth at about 150–165 °C. A man’s shirt is ironed starting with the collar, then cuffs, sleeves, hem and back. A jacket is ironed through gauze, and knitwear is steamed without pressing. Work with an iron only under an adult or the teacher: the sole plate is very hot and steam also burns. Use a stable ironing board, stand the iron upright on its heel when not in use, keep the cord away from the hot plate, fill with water only when unplugged, and unplug before leaving; never leave an iron switched on.