To achieve that crisp, flawless finish on your items, ironing might be something that you need to do before you go out. Maybe your clothes have been sitting on the floor, or you just didn’t fold them when they came out of the dryer, but you need them wrinkle-free regardless.
But what if you don’t have an ironing board? Can you still iron your clothes without one? Yes, for sure. While an ironing board is the standard for ironing, there are a number of additional techniques you can use to get the same results without one.
Following are some methods for how to iron without an ironing board:
Employ a flat surface
In your house, locate a flat surface like a table or the counter, and spread out a towel or piece of cloth on it. You can iron on the resulting smooth surface. Make sure the ground is firm and capable of bearing the weight of the iron.
Using a bedÂ
If your bed is big enough, you may use it as a surface for ironing. Iron on top of a towel or piece of cloth that has been laid out on the bed. This technique is especially useful if you need a larger area to work on and have a lot of items to iron.
Rugs work decently wellÂ
If you have a thick carpet, you may place a towel or a piece of cloth on top of it to use it as an ironing surface. The carpet will offer the iron a cushioned, slick surface to slide across. To prevent the carpet from being harmed, only use a low heat setting.
Use a wooden floor
If your floor is hardwood, you can use it as a surface for ironing by placing a towel or piece of cloth on top of it. This technique works best if you have a steam iron, since the steam will help the creases disappear. You protect the floor; just be sure to use a low heat setting.
Grab a steamer or use a hot shower
Without a board, you can iron your clothing if you have a steamer. Simply hang your garments up and use the steamer to smooth out the creases. For fragile materials that can’t handle an iron’s heat, this approach is extremely useful.
If you don’t have a steamer, you can hang your clothes up on the shower rod outside of the curtain so they don’t get wet and blast super hot water and close the door. The bathroom will get all steamy and automatically steam your wrinkles out.Â
Even though these techniques might not leave your clothing with the same crisp finish as ironing on a board, they can nevertheless make you appear smooth and wrinkle-free. Don’t forget how important it is to follow the care instructions on your clothes and use the right heat setting for the fabric.
Even though an ironing board is a common piece of ironing equipment, you don’t need one to get your clothes to look smooth and wrinkle-free. Use a flat surface, a bed, a carpet, a hardwood floor, or a steamer are some other options. To prevent your clothing from being harmed, be sure to follow the care instructions on it and use the right heat setting for the fabric.
FAQ
What can I use instead of an ironing board?
If you don’t have an ironing board, you can use a variety of alternatives, including:
- a tabletop or other flat, sturdy surface. Before ironing, make sure the surface is spotless and clear of any dirt.
- a tidy, level bed. To avoid burning or harming the cloth, just place a towel or other protective covering between the iron and the bed.
- a big cardboard piece that is flat. If you’re ironing a large item, such as a bedspread or curtains, this can be extremely helpful. Just make careful to put something between the iron and the cardboard to prevent damage.
How do I prevent scorching or burning the fabric when ironing without an ironing board?
Use the following advice while ironing without an ironing board to avoid scorching or burning the fabric:
- For the cloth you are ironing, set the iron to the recommended temperature. To choose the right heat setting, consult the care label on the item or a fabric guide.
- Put a barrier between the iron and the material you are ironing. This might be a press cloth, towel, or piece of muslin.
- Avoid keeping the iron stationary for too long. To prevent any one spot from becoming overheated, move it repeatedly across the fabric.
- When ironing on a flat surface, avoid using steam. The cloth may become moist from the steam, which might also cause scorching or burning.
Can I iron without an ironing board if I have a steamer?
If you don’t have access to an iron and an ironing board, you can, in fact, use a steamer. By spraying a jet of steam over the cloth, steamers assist to soften and eliminate creases. Simply put the item on a hanger, then run the steamer over it from top to bottom, beginning at the top. To prevent burning or scorching, hold the steamer at least 6 inches away from the fabric.
Are there any fabrics that I should avoid ironing without an ironing board?
It may be better to avoid ironing textiles without an ironing board if they are particularly fragile or prone to burning or scorching. These consist of:
- Silk: Silk is a fragile fabric that can burn or scorch easily when pressed at high temperatures. If you must iron silk without a board, preserve the fabric by using a press cloth and a low heat setting.
- Wool: Wool is a fragile fabric that is easily damaged or charred when pressed at high temperatures. When ironing wool without an ironing board, use low heat and a press cloth.
- Lace or embroidery with fine details: Lace and needlework can easily be harmed by high-heat ironing. When ironing without an ironing board, use a press cloth and a moderate heat setting to save these sensitive textiles.
