How to Iron Wool | A Complete Guide And Temperature Setting

Wool is hypoallergenic and a natural insulator, as you may have known, but did you also know that it can keep you warm even in the coldest months? Wool clothing has advantages beyond being comfortable but requires special care. Especially when ironing, because it doesn’t do well with high heat. It is a delicate material so you have to be very careful.

Before you start ironing, check the care label on your garment to know how to iron wool. If there isn’t one, read through the instructions carefully. They might tell you exactly how much heat to use. And remember to follow the directions precisely.

A Pro tip: If you want excellent results, try investing in a nice steaming iron. Moisture Sets well with the wool.

Now let us continue with the primary way of ironing wool.

Things you will need For Ironing Wool

Padded Ironing Board
A piece of cotton cloth
Water spray
Stiff Hanger
Steamer or Steaming Iron

Steps To Follow For Better Results

1: Arrange Your Items

Gather your items before starting because you can save some time. If there are any scorch marks that you want to remove, keep distilled water and vinegar on the side.

2: Set up the Ironing Board

For ironing wool clothing, a padded ironing board is suitable. You can also use a wool mat to iron your woolen material if you need more space for an ironing board. Here are some more on Ironing Board Size Guide you might like.

3: Plug in Your steamer and set the temperature

Take the iron, connect it to the switch, and pre-heat it if the label gives permission. Iron the wool fabric at a light temperature on dot 2 of the iron, which is about 148C or less. High temperatures can cause scorching and make the surface shiny.

A shiny surface appears on the fabric due to high temperature, indicating the burning of the threads. Such a garment doesn’t give a refined look. Pushing down on wrinkled areas with your iron is preferable. Wool has the propensity to stretch when damp and warm. Lift the iron several times and replace it in a different location, applying Steam as you go.

4: Lay the Garment Flat after turning it to the wrong side

It’s crucial to keep in mind to flip the inside of the wool garments. Even if you’re using a pressing cloth, you should always press your wool fabric from the wrong side. You’ll lessen the garment’s shine, mainly if the iron is hot.

5: Apply Steam or dampen the wool

Steam is always a fantastic alternative if you decide to iron an article of clothing made of wool. Wetness adheres well to thread, and dry heat produces worse effects. Set the iron to the “wool” setting.

Ensure that the steam iron well has water in it. Moisture or dampness will prevent scorching, as dryness makes it worse. The most appropriate method of ironing wool is to turn on the steam press option. You can also spray some water as it prevents scorching. Applying dry iron onto woolen fabrics could result in discoloration.

6: Place your mesh or pressing cloth over the fabric

Use an ironing pad made of wool or felt for pressing or ironing quilted pieces. It irons the item from both sides as a result of heat retention.

7: Apply pressure while pressing with sturdiness

Keep straightening the fabric with your hands and apply gentle pressure while pressing for a smoother finish.

8: Keep Straightening the fabric with the help of your hands

Avoid making broad strokes and circles when using the steam iron. A controlled ironing motion stops the fabric from expanding out of proportion and losing shape.

9: Hang it on the hanger

A sturdy and stiff hanger could help maintain the shape of the garment.

10: Let it air dry

After ironing, put it down to settle for a while for your knitwear to crease-free. After that, let it air dry for some time.

Some More Tips From the Experts

You should set the iron on 2-dot heat setting. In the worst instance, if the temperature is too hot, it can result in burn marks or discoloration.
To gently resize and reshape the garment, lay it flat.
Read the warning label on the fabric attached to every piece of clothing.
Search for the wool safety measures.
To achieve a more refined finish, steadily reduce the intensity while maintaining a cotton cloth.
Woolen clothing does not require ironing, but washing may cause wrinkles that need ironing.
Spraying some water and creating Steam could be excellent for a smooth finish.

Shrinking of wool

Even though wool uses a chemical treatment to withstand the washing machine, it still shrinks in the dryer. The dryer combines heat and movement to dry your clothing, even in a low-heat setting. By reducing heat, there will be no shrinking.

Ironing Wool Suit

Ironing a suit can make its life short. The hot steamy iron with a clean soleplate and appropriate wool setting is maintained. It will remove wrinkles and will make your suit look presentable. Remove wrinkles with moisture, and do not use a dry iron. Another critical step is to Invest in proper suit hangers. Flimsy metal hangers for shirts will make the cloth thin.

Things to avoid while pressing wool

Do not set the temperature high because, in worst-case scenarios, scorching or even discoloration.
A slow pressure is vital as it will not make the fabric shiny.
Do not iron items with a caution label that says “do not iron”.

Removing Scorching Marks

Excessive heat can leave scorching marks by fusing the fibers and causing burning. The surface of the wool becomes shiny, leaving scorching marks.

You can remove scorching marks using these tricks:

Vinegar sponging

Vinegar has the property to remove shiny surfaces. Sponging the area with vinegar can bring effective results.

Buffing it Off

Buffing the affected area with an emery board can help remove scorches.

Using Hydrogen peroxide

A diluted solution of Hydrogen Peroxide can be helpful on light-colored wool. However, one should make a small test to check the results..

Gently clean the area with a white, clean cloth. By blotting with clear water, thoroughly rinse. Repetition may be necessary; let the fabric completely dry by air-drying.

Frequently Asked questions

Yes, you can steam-press a woolen coat. Steam makes wrinkle or crease removal easy for a woolen material. Woolen coats can get creased if they hang in the closet for a long time. A steam press with a light Pressure ironing makes them wrinkle-free.

Steam does light pressuring ironing to make clothes wrinkle-free. Keep the iron on the dot two and the fabric straightened with your hands after every press. This procedure can bring good results.

Although wool is less likely to wrinkle than cotton or linen, wearing the item can still cause creases. Especially if you sit in a chair or a car for an extended time, wool gets wrinkled when storing it.

We can frequently revive a wool garment with Steam alone if it is only mildly scrunchy and wrinkled. Instead of a steamer, you can put your garment somewhere humid, like a steamy bathroom.

The threads will relax and release the wrinkles with the help of heat and moisture. Use a damp pressing cloth instead of a steam iron. Use a dry iron and carry on as usual. Avoid using a printed or colored towel. The moisture and high heat may cause the dye to transfer to the wool. Use a white cotton towel, a piece of muslin, or a white handkerchief without a pressing cloth.

A steamer is preferable for ironing wool since moisture sets nicely and removes wrinkles immediately. To avoid heat damage when pressing wool, attempt to turn the fabric inside out on the other side.

You can frequently revive a wool cloth with Steam if it gets any wrinkles. Put it somewhere humid, like a steamy bathroom. The fibers will relax and release the wrinkles with heat and moisture.

To avoid mildew issues, let the fabric dry before you store it. You shouldn’t crush the dress if you hang it in a closet with lots of space for air circulation. Cover the item with a cotton bag for long-term storage to keep dust from collecting on the shoulders.

Conclusion:

Many people find that hanging a wrinkled wool garment in a humid climate will relax the natural fibers. It can negate the need for ironing. Gently remove deep wrinkles from a woolen fabric. You should use a steam iron if it doesn’t work.

About Author

Emma Glubiak is a freelance and blogger with a passion for all things related to home, kitchen, and clothes. With years of experience writing informative and engaging content, Emma has honed her skills in delivering compelling articles that resonate with readers.