How to Use a Travel Iron Without an Ironing Board

By: Annabel Love
3 minute read

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How can I use a travel iron without an ironing board?

The freedom of a travel iron is its portability, but its true power is unlocked when you master the art of ironing without a board. This skill transforms any room into a functional laundry space, perfect for hotel stays, small apartments, or quick touch-ups before heading out the door. The ability to de-wrinkle a shirt in your bedroom while getting ready, rather than being tethered to a laundry room, integrates garment care seamlessly into your daily routine. Here is the expert-approved, step-by-step guide to achieving flawless, board-free results.

Step 1: Choose Your Surface Wisely

The foundation of board-free ironing is a stable, heat-resistant surface. 

  • Recommended Surfaces: Look for sturdy, flat areas in your home or hotel room. Excellent options include wooden or tile floors, solid wood tables, stone kitchen or bathroom countertops, and even the metal top of a washing machine or dryer. The key criteria are stability—the surface should not wobble—and flatness, which ensures even heat distribution.

  • Surfaces to Avoid: Never attempt to iron on surfaces that can melt, crack, or warp under heat. This includes plastic tables, glass surfaces, and unstable furniture like folding card tables.

Step 2: Master the Technique with the Nori Press

While these techniques work for any travel iron, the Nori Press is uniquely designed for travel allowing you to remove all wrinkles from your clothes without the need for an ironing board. 

To use it, simply clamp the heated plates over the wrinkled section of your garment. Apply light, consistent pressure and glide the device slowly down the fabric. The slower you move, the more effective the heat and steam will be, reducing the number of passes required. The pointed tip is perfect for detailed areas like collars and cuffs.

Step 3: Prioritize Safety

Working with a hot tool requires diligence. Always follow these safety protocols:

  • When pausing between sections, never leave the iron with its hot plate face down on your garment or protective surface. Always rest it upright on its heel.

  • The Nori Press features a 10-minute auto-shutoff for peace of mind, but it is best practice to always unplug your device immediately after you finish.

  • Allow the iron to cool completely before storing it, and empty any remaining water from the reservoir to prevent leaks and internal damage.

With these expert techniques, you can achieve a perfectly pressed look anywhere, anytime.

Ready to ditch the ironing board for good? Discover the Nori Press and browse our full catalogue of modern garment care solutions. Visit our homepage to learn more.

The Nori Press

The Nori Press

$120.00

Our bestselling steam iron that requires no ironing board.… read more

FAQs

How do I get rid of wrinkles quickly with a travel iron?

Move the travel iron slowly over the fabric, applying light pressure. The slower you move, the more effective the heat and steam will be. Focus on one section at a time, and use the pointed tip for areas like collars, cuffs, and seams.

Can I use a travel iron in a hotel room?

Yes, travel irons are perfect for hotel stays because they are compact and portable. As long as you have a stable, heat-resistant surface like a wooden table or bathroom countertop, you can easily remove wrinkles without needing an ironing board.

Is there a special technique for using a travel iron without an ironing board?

Yes, the technique involves using slow, consistent movements with the iron to ensure even heat distribution. The Nori Press, a travel-friendly iron, is especially effective for this. By clamping the heated plates over the wrinkled fabric and applying light pressure, you can remove wrinkles efficiently.

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