Ironing Tools: 10 Things You Need to Iron Clothes

Do you iron your clothes? Wrinkle-free fabrics and tumble dryers make ironing almost a lost art. Yet, some of your clothes still need a bit of smoothing before you can wear them. That’s where your ironing tools come in.

Whether you iron daily, weekly, or once in a blue moon – the right tools will help you get professional results. Before you build your toolkit, it’s good to brush up on the basics of ironing.

All set? Great! Now we’ll look at the tools of the trade – essential ironing accessories and equipment. Ten things to have in your toolkit for ironing success.

Let’s get started.

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Ironing Tools of the Trade

My mother is an expert seamstress. When I was a girl growing up in Texas, she had a home sewing and alterations business. She also took in ironing for extra income.

Mom used her money to boost the grocery budget and buy treats for my brothers and me. She worked hard for her family, and I took notes.

Although I didn’t inherit my mother’s sewing talent, I learned how to iron by watching her do it. She taught me how to press clothes and table linens, and she introduced me to her ironing tools of the trade.

The Lost Art of Ironing

How many modern moms teach their kids how to iron? In today’s world, many people don’t even own an iron. The fabrics that make our clothes comfortable also make everyday ironing a thing of the past.

But ironing is still a useful skill to have. It’s also very soothing! Just ask Alexandra Stoddard – an author, designer, and celebrator of life:

I find it soothing to take something wrinkled and make it smooth. It feels anticipatory. It’s what I do before a celebration. And nobody bothers me when I’m ironing.

Alexandra Stoddard

As someone who works at home, I rarely wear clothes that need ironing. Here in Florida, we live in T-shirts and shorts. Before he retired, my husband wore hospital scrubs to work. But they went straight from the dryer to hangers, no ironing needed.

While ironing is not routine in my household, I do iron our dress clothes for church and special occasions. I also press our table linens and the curtain panels that dress our windows.

Unless you don’t mind paying for dry cleaning, you might have to plug in your iron once in a while. Ironing takes a bit of time and effort, but having the right tools can make it easier and even fun!

Ironing Tools and Accessories

Are you ready to bring ironing into YOUR homemaking routine? Before you begin, make sure you have all the right tools on hand. Here are ten essential ironing tools and accessories.

1. Versatile Steam Iron

It goes without saying, but … your iron is the most important item in your ironing toolkit. I use a versatile “steam-spray-dry” iron with permanent press settings. It works very well for basic pressing and touch-ups.

If you’re shopping for a new iron, this Black and Decker professional steam iron is a good choice. It is a top rated steam iron on Amazon, and it’s about mid-range in price.

Heidi – a Savoring Home reader with a big family to care for – recommends the Rowenta professional steam station. It’s excellent for heavy-duty tasks, but it’s expensive. You might want to add it to your Christmas 🎄 wish list.

2. Protective Pressing Cloth

A pressing cloth is another important ironing tool. It’s the cheapest (less than $10, or free) and most used item in your ironing toolkit.

A pressing cloth protects fabric. It prevents sheen, scorching, and melting of natural or synthetic fibers. It can save your favorite dress shirt as well as your iron’s sole plate.

You can buy a pressing cloth – like this no-melt ironing sheet from LoopsLiving – at Amazon. Or, you could use something you already have at home. A square of white cotton muslin is the typical, and most used, pressing cloth.

My mom used a flat cloth diaper for her ironing needs. A thin, white kitchen towel also works well. Place the cloth between the fabric and the iron, and press your clothes as normal.

3. Padded Ironing Board

An ironing board is not necessary for ironing, but it sure makes the job easier! I use an adjustable ironing board with metal T-legs that fold for easy storage.

My ironing board was an inexpensive Walmart buy. It has a solid fabric cover with a foam pad underlay. Elastic edges and cloth ties help ensure a good fit.

If luxury is your thing, see this stylish ironing board from Brabantia. According to one Amazon customer, it’s “the Lamborghini of ironing boards.”

4. Ironing Board Cover

My ironing board came with a fabric cover in basic blue. Grey is another common color for ironing board covers.

For a more stylish look, you can find ironing board covers in almost any color or pattern. This one from Gorilla Grip has eight elegant designs.

More important than design is quality. An ironing surface gets a lot of wear and tear, so it’s important to chose the right cover. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Thick fiber material increases durability. Thick foam padding prevents grate patterns on your clothes. Silicone coating resists scorching. And heavy felt lining helps a cover hold its shape.

{The product pictured above is Amazon’s Choice in ironing board covers.}

5. Ironing Pad / Blanket

Don’t have a padded ironing board yet? This plush ironing pad from Dritz provides a soft, smooth surface for your board. In a pinch, you can use a folded bath towel.

A portable ironing blanket is also handy when an ironing board is unavailable. Ironing blankets transform any flat surface – table, counter, dryer – into an ironing board.

A portable ironing pad is ideal for small spaces and for travel. It is especially valuable for people who live in studio apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, or tiny houses.

6. Sleeve Ironing Board

A sleeve ironing board is a small, tabletop version of a classic ironing board. Its tapered head and slim design make it easy to iron sleeves, backs, collars, and other awkward shapes.

A sleeve board is the perfect companion to your standard ironing board. Besides sleeves and touch-ups, it is useful for sewing or craft projects.

7. Tailor’s Ham / Pressing Ham

A pressing ham, or tailor’s ham, is a firm-packed, ham-shaped cushion for pressing and sewing. Its three-dimensional surface helps you iron collars, waistlines, darts, sleeves, and cuffs.

A good pressing ham has two sides – one cotton and the other wool. The cotton side is for cotton, linen, and other fabrics that need higher temperatures. The wool side is for wool, synthetics, and blends that need lower temperature settings.

I’ve used a pressing ham to iron clothes with puffy sleeves, embroidery, and smocking. If you don’t have this ironing tool, a rolled bath towel will also do the trick.

8. Refillable Spray Bottle

Even with a good steam iron, a spray bottle can make ironing a lot easier. Cotton, linen, and other natural fiber fabrics iron better when they are damp.

I use a spray bottle every time I iron these types of fabric – to dampen my pressing cloth or the fabric itself. This glass spray bottle from Sally’s Organics is ideal to use for ironing water.

It also works for essential oils, homemade cleaners, vinegar mixes, and plant misting. What’s more, it’s a step toward reducing the use of plastic.

📖 READ – What You Need to Know About America Recycles Day

9. Scented Ironing Water

The minerals in tap water can damage your iron, so it’s best to use bottled water for steam ironing. But don’t use distilled water – it will cause your iron to drip and spit. Instead, use spring water in your iron and spray bottle.

To make your clothes smell especially nice, use scented ironing water. The Laundress adds the same fresh scents to their ironing water and spray starch. See fragrance details below.

10. Laundry Spray Starch

Ready to fall in love with ironing? Laundry spray starch cuts your ironing time AND adds a layer of resistance to soils and wrinkles. It works best on linen, cotton, and cotton blends.

The Laundress adds a fresh, classic scent to their laundry starch. Jasmine and lily of the valley mingle with citrus, sandalwood, and sweet musk. Lavender is also popular with their customers.

Wrapping It Up

It’s true that most clothes today are made from fabrics that don’t need ironing. If you remove clothes from the dryer as soon as they’re done – and fold or hang them right away – wrinkles don’t have time to set in. Shower steam works well for some clothes. And if you’re lifestyle is casual like mine (t-shirt and shorts), there’s no call for ironing.

That said, there are still times when you need something more than wash-and-wear. Whether it’s a wedding, job interview, or Sunday church, you want to look polished and put together. The right ironing tools can make the task easier and even fun.

So, should the need arise – happy ironing! ◻️

Related Posts

• 9 Ways to Make Clothes Ironing Fun, Easy, and Productive
• Dust If You Must: Something to Ponder at the End of the Week
• How to Iron Clothes: 7 Tips for Successful Clothes Ironing

Now It’s Your Turn

Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. Do you iron your clothes? Apart from the iron, what’s your favorite ironing tool of the trade?

Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.

Blessings, Annette

📋 NOTE – You are reading “Ironing Tools: 10 Things You Need to Iron Clothes.” First published in November 2019, it was updated and republished in October 2022.

Photo Sources

• Getty Images Pro | Canva | License
• Amazon Home and Kitchen

Reference Sources

• Better Homes and Gardens
• The Laundress
• Making a Home