Ironing your clothes might seem like an outdated task these days to some people, but you can never go wrong with crisp, smooth attire to start your day. Using an iron board is needed for effective ironing, as it enhances the process and prevents common issues like fabric over-drying. It’s astounding to see just how well a simple appliance like the Nori Press can transform your everyday clothes. But how do dry irons work? How does it hold that much power? Read on to learn how to use a dry iron.
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What Are Clothing Irons?
Clothing irons are small appliances that use high temperatures, typically between 250℉ to 360℉, to remove wrinkles and creases from clothes.
To do this, irons loosen the ties between the molecular chains within the polymer fiber materials. Using the weight of the device and the heat, the iron straightens and stretches out the fibers. As a result, when the clothing cools, it takes on a new shape that is free of wrinkles and creases. When you iron clothes, it is beneficial to do so while they are slightly damp to achieve the best results and avoid scorch marks.
These devices were created in the 1800s and were continuously used throughout the following centuries. Multiple variations came out of the original design, and today, we have many different types and styles of clothing irons.
The two most common types of irons today are steam irons and dry irons. There are several differences between these two devices. However, a major one is that steam irons come with a water tank while dry irons don’t. Another key difference is that dry irons rely on heat and pressure, whereas some steam irons don’t require as much direct contact with the material.
Determining which appliance to use depends on a lot of factors, such as what material you’re using and what look you’re going for. However, at the end of the day, both serve their intended purposes well.
What is a Dry Iron?
A dry iron is a type of electric iron that uses heat to remove wrinkles and creases from clothes without the use of steam. How does a dry iron work? Unlike steam irons, which have a built-in water tank to produce steam, dry irons rely solely on high temperatures and pressure to smooth out fabrics. This makes them particularly effective for pressing certain types of fabric that are sensitive to moisture and heat, such as silk and wool. Additionally, dry irons are often priced lower than steam irons, making them a cost-effective choice for many households. Whether you’re looking to remove wrinkles from a delicate blouse or a sturdy pair of jeans, a dry iron can help you achieve a crisp, tidy look.
How Do Dry Irons and Steam Irons Work?
So, how do dry irons work? While steam irons rely on steam to omit wrinkles, dry irons primarily use high temperatures and weight to smooth them out. When trying to understand how dry irons work, it’s important to recognize the ways that their features and structures work to aid the dewrinkling process.
Using a padded ironing board or a protected firm surface can significantly enhance the ironing experience and results.
Here, we highlight the key features of dry irons and how to use a dry iron.
Temperature Settings
Dry irons are simple to use and therefore come with very few but important features. One of the main features you'll find are varied temperature settings. Here's how to use a dry iron.
When ironing your clothes, it's imperative that you apply the right amount of heat to your clothes. Some materials, such as wool and denim, require more heat because they're thicker and hold stubborn wrinkles.
Meanwhile, other materials such as silk and satin require less because they're thinner and more delicate. Since irons can go up to extremely hot temperatures, applying too much could result in scorching or other forms of damage to your clothing.
Many dry irons come with the basic heat settings that include low, medium, and hot. However, modern-day versions have come out with more detailed and specific heat settings. Rather than struggling to figure out which level is appropriate for each type of clothing, The Nori Press has six fabric-specific heat settings: Poly, Silk, Wool, Cotton, Denim, and Linen.
This makes it easy for you to iron all your clothes quickly and efficiently. With this type of setting, you can transition from one item of clothing to another without needing to wait for your iron to cool down in between. Because of this, you also don't have to iron your clothes in order from delicates to thicker fabrics. All you have to do is switch the setting, and you're good to go.
Structure
Structure plays a huge role in the function of a dry iron, given that it relies on heat and pressure. Traditional clothing irons come with a longboard where the clothing sits as it's pressed over by the hot appliance. They were designed in a way that allowed them to be set down and propped up when not in use, which ensured that the hotplates don't touch anything that could potentially be damaged.
Modern irons, however, come in slightly different forms. For example, the Nori Press resembles the structure of a hair straightener, which allows for easier and quicker ironing. The clothing fits in between the two hot soleplates, which then apply pressure through the clamping mechanism. This structure allows for both sides of the clothing to be ironed simultaneously, rather than ironing one side after the other.
The device is compact, which is a plus for when you're traveling. But it also has elongated arms so you can reach across your garment while ironing, plus a pointed tip for other hard-to-reach areas. All of that in cumulation with one another makes for a highly effective, wrinkling removing device.
Soleplates
Soleplates are the parts of the iron that come in direct contact with the clothing and are therefore considered one of the most important parts of the device.
Since the soleplates are responsible for applying the heat to the clothes that remove the wrinkles, it's important to get a material that has good thermal conductivity. You want it to be hot enough for the iron to do its job but not so hot that you damage the material, which can be a tricky thing to balance.
There are a few different types of materials used for soleplates. Each one has its pros and cons; however, the one we recommend is aluminum. The Nori Press is made with two non-stick aluminum plates built for durability and easy use. The wonderful thing about this non-stick material is that it can reach a high enough temperature without the risk of scorching—something you'll really appreciate when you're in a rush to iron your clothes before work!
Additional Features And Designs
Some dry irons, especially the more modern ones, come with additional features that make them work much more efficiently than the standard style.
A lightweight dry iron offers ease of use with features like a long cord for better maneuverability and a 360 degrees swivel, making it suitable for various fabrics and enhancing user experience.
One feature that has a lot of variation to it is the cord. Today, there is a growing popularity with cordless devices, as they allow for less restricted movement. With cordless irons, all you have to do is turn on the device, wait for it to heat up, and then you can move around as freely as you want.
The downside to this is that these devices can only retain heat for a few minutes at a time. If that doesn’t suit your needs, another alternative is selecting an iron that has a very long cord. The Nori Press, for example, comes with an eight feet long power cord, so you can easily maneuver around your space without having to reheat the iron every few minutes.
Another wonderful feature that a lot of irons nowadays have is immense versatility. That is, you can buy a steam iron that can also double as a dry iron! This is especially beneficial for those aiming to reduce the number of gadgets they own, especially if they’re living in a small place.
The Nori Press has this ability, and its small, portable size makes it even better! Additionally, The Nori Press comes with built-in tilt sensors to ensure automatic shut off after ten minutes of no movement, so you no longer have to fret about whether or not you unplugged your device when you left your home!
Key Components of a Dry Iron
A dry iron typically consists of three main components: the metal soleplate, the handle, and the temperature control dial. The soleplate is the part of the iron that comes into direct contact with your clothing. Made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel, it heats up to apply the necessary warmth to remove wrinkles. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use, allowing you to maneuver the iron smoothly over your garments. Lastly, the temperature control dial is crucial for adjusting the heat settings to suit different types of fabric. Whether you’re ironing delicate silk or heavy denim, the temperature control dial ensures that you apply the right amount of heat to avoid damaging your clothes.
Preparing Your Clothes for Ironing
Before you start ironing, it’s essential to prepare your clothes to ensure the best results. Here are some tips on how to use a dry iron and to help you prepare your clothes for ironing:
Reading the Care Label
Always read the care label on your clothes before ironing. The care label will provide you with guidelines on how to iron the garment, including the recommended temperature setting and any special instructions. Follow the heat settings on your iron and always start with the lowest temperature recommended. This will help you avoid applying too much heat, which can damage your clothes.
Tips For Easy Dewrinkling Stubborn Wrinkles
The dry iron itself only does half of the work of removing wrinkles—the other half comes from you. One of the best tricks for creaseless clothes is using water. Adding moisture to your clothes just prior to ironing the aids in the process of getting those flawless-looking outfits of your dreams. Keep a spray bottle handy to mist water onto fabrics for better ironing results.
Materials such as cotton and wool are poor conductors of heat, so when you press a dry iron on them, the heat doesn’t get distributed evenly, resulting in a more wrinkled appearance. However, water is a great conductor of heat, so when sprayed onto clothing, the water molecules seep in between the fibers, so when you iron it, the heat is distributed more evenly.
If you want to spruce it up a notch, we’d recommend spraying your clothes with our Facial Fabric prior to ironing. This solution has a subtle fragrance that is blended with a deodorizing technology to remove any unwanted odors. So not only do you get an improved ironing performance, but also a fresh scent on your newly de-wrinkled clothes.
Cleaning Your Iron
Keeping your iron clean is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the soleplate and remove any debris or stains. For tougher stains, mix baking soda and water to create a paste, and gently scrub the soleplate. Rinse the soleplate with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly before storing your iron. A clean soleplate ensures smooth gliding over your clothes and prevents any unwanted residue from transferring onto your garments.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your clothes are properly prepared for ironing and that your iron is in good working condition. Remember to always use a dry iron on slightly damp clothes for the best results, and avoid using too much heat, which can damage your clothes.
Iron Your Clothes Today
So, how do dry irons work? From the magic that unfolds behind the scenes of the iron to the simple steps that you can take, dry ironing has never been easier! Now that you know how to use a dry iron, you'll be rocking a wrinkle-free look all day and every day.
Dry irons have an amazing history and still help us achieve perfect clothing today. However, steam irons are also fantastic and a must-have. Looking for a combination iron that can do heat and steam? It's time for the wrinkles to meet their match. Shop the Nori Press today!
Sources:
How to Remove Scorch Marks (5 Effective Methods) | Oh So Spotless
Why Do Clothes Only Get Ironed Flawlessly When Sprayed With Water? | Science ABC
How to Clean an Iron: 11 Ways to Tackle an Iron Bottom | Architectural Digest
