How to properly care for items that cannot be ironed: helpful tips.

Sometimes, the labels on our favorite garments indicate that ironing is prohibited. But what should you do if the fabric appears wrinkled after washing, and conventional ironing is not an option? There are alternative methods that effectively remove creases without using a traditional iron. Elegant woman shares tips on how to care for such items without causing damage, along with which fabrics require special attention during maintenance.

Fabrics That Shouldn't Be Ironed

Before you begin treating a fabric, it's crucial to know which materials should not be subjected to direct heat from an iron. Here are a few examples:

• nylon – highly sensitive to temperature, so ironing can damage the fibers;
• acrylic – can deform and lose shape at high temperatures;
• silk – while it looks great after ironing, high temperatures can lead to loss of luster and damage to the fabric;
• down jackets and coats – ironing can affect the filling and disrupt the material's structure.

How to Treat Fabrics That Cannot Be Ironed

If your item requires ironing but you want to avoid the risk of damage, there are several alternative methods:

• using the steam function of an iron: many modern irons come with a vertical steaming feature, allowing you to work with items without direct contact. This prevents overheating the fabric, as steam gently smooths out creases;

• steamer: this is the ideal device for such situations. It effectively removes wrinkles from fabrics without damaging their structure. For the best results, use the steamer at maximum power;

• manual methods: if you don't have specialized equipment, you can hang the item above hot water or in a steam room. The heat and moisture will help the fabric relax.

Additional Tips:

• after treating the items, be sure to leave them for a few minutes to dry;

• remember that for fabrics that may shrink (like cotton), it's best to avoid any high-temperature exposure, even with steam;

• if you're ironing delicate fabrics, always use a low-temperature setting and avoid direct contact between the iron and the fabric, relying on the steam function instead.