How to Use a Trouser Press: Step-by-Step Guide
A trouser press smooths wrinkles out of a pair of trousers. You slide the trousers in, close and lock the press, and start a timed cycle.
The steps below follow the Corby Use & Care Manual. It covers Corby presses such as the 3300, 4400, and 7700. Other brands may work differently, so check the manual for your own model.
Short answer: empty the pockets, slide the trousers in feet first, lock the press, and start the cycle. Do not dampen the trousers. Below you will find the timer options, safety rules, cleaning tips, and answers about shirts and jeans.
What a Trouser Press Does and How It Works
A trouser press, also called a pants press, has a front board and a cushioned heating pad. You place the trousers between them and lock the press closed. Heat from the pad then smooths the wrinkles.
Corby says its press will not leave a surface shine on the fabric. It also says using the press daily adds to the life and appearance of your trousers.
If ironing has already left shine on your trousers, read how to remove ironing marks.
Before You Start
Run through this short checklist first. Each point comes from the Corby manual.
- Read all the instructions for your model before you use the press.
- Check the garment’s care label and any special instructions before pressing.
- Empty every pocket. Keys, coins, and other sharp objects can damage the heating pad.
- Press one pair of trousers at a time.
- Do not dampen the trousers. The manual says not to, on any account.
- Put a freestanding press on a firm, flat surface.
- Keep the press away from water, and never use it in a bathroom.
How to Use a Trouser Press, Step by Step
These steps match the Corby Use & Care Manual. Your model may have different controls.
- Raise the lever arms and open the press to reveal the heating pad.
- Slide the trousers in feet first, into the base of the press.
- Smooth the trousers into position so the existing creases line up.
- Grip the top of the trousers firmly and gently pull while you close the press.
- Push down on one of the lever arms to lock the press closed.
- Start the cycle with your model’s controls. The timer table below shows how.
- When the cycle ends, raise the lever arms and take out the trousers. Do not touch the heating pad, because it is hot.
The pad is cushioned to take different fabric thicknesses and raised seams, according to the manual. Do not leave the press unattended while it is plugged in.
Trouser Press Timer Options by Corby Model
Controls differ by model. This table follows the Corby Use & Care Manual.
| Model | Cycle times | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Corby 3300 | 30 minutes | Press ON/(cancel) to run the 30-minute cycle. |
| Corby 4400 | 15 or 30 minutes | Select 15 or 30, then press ON/(cancel). |
| Corby 7700 | 15, 30, or 45 minutes | Select a time, then press ON/(cancel). |
You can cancel at any point by pressing ON/(cancel) again. On the 4400, your time choice stays selected for 5 minutes after you cancel, so you can restart.
The manual does not say which cycle suits which fabric. It says some man-made fibers, such as polyester, may need extra pressing. Check your own model’s instructions before you choose a longer cycle.
Freestanding or Wall-Mounted Setup
The manual covers both setups for the 3300, 4400, and 7700. A hanger fits all models.
If you wall-mount the press, the manual says to check for hidden pipes, cables, and other services. Ask a qualified tradesman if you are unsure.
The press must be supported at all three fixing points. Without it, stress on the head can make the unit fail, and the guarantee will not cover that damage.
Which Fabrics Can You Press?
Corby says its press is safe on any material you would normally iron. It also says to check for any special instructions before pressing.
Corby says the natural moisture in natural and mixed fibers helps the pressing process. Some man-made fibers, such as polyester, may need extra pressing.
Do not dampen trousers to help the process. The manual says trousers must not be dampened before pressing, on any account.
For fabric tips, see how to iron polyester. For wool trousers, read how to iron wool.
Can You Press Shirts or Jeans in a Trouser Press?
The Corby manual focuses on trousers. It gives no steps for shirts or jeans, and it says to press one pair of trousers at a time.
It does say the press is safe on any material you would normally iron. It also says to check for special instructions first. Follow your own model’s instructions before trying anything other than trousers.
If your manual does not mention shirts or jeans, use an iron or a steamer for them instead. Check each garment’s care label first.
Safety Rules From the Corby Manual
Follow these rules from the manual every time you use the press. They protect you and the heating pad.
- Never leave the press unattended while it is plugged in.
- Do not touch the heating pad. It gets hot.
- Do not move the press while it is in use.
- Switch off and unplug the press when you are not using it, and before cleaning.
- Check the press and cord regularly for damage. Do not use it if the cord is damaged or the press has been dropped.
- Keep it away from water and out of bathrooms. Never put it in water or other liquids.
- Do not use or store the press outdoors.
- Supervise closely when children are nearby, and do not let children play with it.
- Let the press cool completely before you put it away. Loop the cord loosely, and keep it off hot surfaces.
- Do not repair the press yourself. A damaged cord must be replaced by a qualified person.
How to Clean and Care for a Trouser Press
- Unplug the press. Pull the plug, not the cord.
- Let the press cool completely.
- Wipe the inside of the front board with a dry cloth.
- Do not use polish or cleaner on the inner front board or the heating pad.
- Do not leave the press switched on with the front board open. Corby says this helps the heating pad last longer.
The manual says the press is not user serviceable. If it needs repair, ask a qualified person.
Troubleshooting a Corby Trouser Press
If the press is not heating, unplug it and let it cool. Check the cord for damage, but do not open or repair the press yourself. The manual says it is not user serviceable, so contact your supplier or a qualified person.
Trouser Press vs Iron vs Steamer
A trouser press holds the trousers flat while heat works on them. With an iron, you move it across the fabric yourself.
A steamer uses steam to loosen wrinkles, so you can use it on a garment that hangs up. It may suit shirts and jackets better, so read our guide to steamer vs iron.
A press is made for trousers. To press trousers with an iron instead, read how to iron dress pants.
For other garments, see our guide to removing wrinkles from clothes. More options are in our guide to ironing alternatives.
About This Guide
This guide is based on the Corby Use & Care Manual. BestAdvisorz has not tested these presses. Presses from other brands may work differently, so check your own manual.
