Ironing is a dreaded and often ignored task, but keeping your clothes looking sharp and presentable is essential. Whether prepping your wardrobe for a busy week at the office or planning a special event, knowing how and when to iron can make all the difference. Of course, sometimes ironing should be left to the professionals—you wouldn’t want to ruin your expensive suit or dress, would you? So, we’ll also discuss when it’s best to hire a dry cleaning and ironing service near you to keep your clothes pressed without stress.

When to Iron At Home

For many, ironing at home is a part of their regular laundry routine. Here’s when to take the task on yourself:

  1. Basic Everyday Wear. Casual clothing items or daily wear like uniforms are generally made with cotton, linen, or denim, which are all safe to iron at home. As long as you follow the care label, a quick press will easily smooth out wrinkles.
  2. Touch-ups Before an Event. A last-minute crease can happen when you’re getting ready for a big event. If you know the basics of ironing, handling a small touch-up is an easy fix.
  3. Fabrics with Ironing Instructions. Some fabrics respond to ironing better than others. If your clothes come with specific instructions on how to iron them, these are typically fine to iron at home. Before you start, make sure that your iron has the proper settings (low heat, steam, etc.) that match your care label.

Tips For Ironing Clothes At Home

Ironing is a simple task that makes a world of difference in keeping your clothes looking neat and presentable. However, it’s also easy to ruin certain items if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some tips from your friendly dry cleaning and ironing service in Joliet, IL:

  • Never leave the iron in one spot for too long, as it will scorch the fabric.
  • If you’re unsure about how a fabric will react, test the iron on a small, inconspicuous area first.
  • If you don’t have an ironing board, covering a flat, study surface with a clean towel can work for cotton and linen materials.
  • Start your ironing session with your most delicate items to avoid too much heat coming into contact with the material.
  • Use a pressing cloth, a clean cotton cloth placed between the iron and fabric, or turn clothing items inside out to protect your delicate items.
  • For thicker fabrics, use the steam function first to remove stubborn wrinkles. For wool and denim items, always iron inside out.
  • Hang or fold your ironed clothing immediately to avoid creating new wrinkles.
Worker at dry cleaning and ironing service in Joliet IL pressing dress shirt

When to Hire A Professional Dry Cleaning and Ironing Service

Ironing is a useful skill to master, yet there are still some situations where it’s risky to do yourself. Some garments and fabrics simply demand more attention and expertise. Hire a dry cleaning and ironing service for:

  1. Delicate or Expensive Fabrics. Silk, wool, cashmere, and satin are just a few examples of fabrics that can easily be damaged by a home iron. Especially with high-end materials, improper heat settings or techniques will cause lasting damage. A professional ironing service knows exactly how to treat delicate fabrics, ensuring they stay in great condition.
  2. Garments with Complex Structures. Items like suits, dresses with pleats, or anything with intricate details should be handled by professionals. These garments require special techniques to maintain their shape and structure, which is difficult to achieve with at-home equipment.
  3. Clothes with Embellishments. This is also true of any beaded, sequined, or embroidered garments. A professional dry cleaning and ironing service has the tools to carefully iron around embellishments without causing harm.
  4. Business and Formal Attire. For that crisp, polished look, professional ironing is a game-changer. Business suits, formal shirts, and similar items require expert attention to achieve a clean, wrinkle-free finish that’s often hard to replicate at home.

The Benefits of Using Professional Dry Cleaning and Ironing Services

Many people turn to professional ironing services for their most important garments because of the wide range of benefits:

  • Consistent Results. Professional dry cleaning and ironing services use advanced equipment that ensures a perfectly pressed finish every time.
  • Saves Time. Ironing doesn’t always fit into busy schedules, especially if you have piles of clothing to press. Outsourcing your ironing saves you hours of tedious work.
  • Garment Preservation. Professionals know how to treat special fabrics with care, extending the lifespan of your clothing.
  • Convenience. Drop-off and pick-up services make it easy to stay on top of your wardrobe needs without the hassle.

Call In Valet Cleaning For Professional Dry Cleaning and Ironing

Ironing doesn’t have to be a stressful chore if you know when to handle it yourself and when to leave it to the experts. For everyday wear and basic fabrics, at-home ironing saves you time and money. But when it comes to delicate fabrics, complex designs, or formal attire, professional ironing services offer the expertise and equipment to keep your clothes looking their best.

If you live near Joliet and need professional dry cleaning and ironing services, Valet Cleaning is here to help! Whether it’s your business wardrobe, a special occasion outfit, or delicate fabrics, we’ll ensure your clothes come back looking flawless—so you can always look your best. We also offer alterations and wash and fold services to help you with every aspect of your wardrobe!