Wrinkle Free / Wrinkle-Resistant

June 17, 2022June 5, 2022

How to Use Steam Iron Effectively? | Gear up to destroy those wrinkles

white steam iron removing the wrinkles from a white shirt through steam

You bought a steam iron worth $50 to $150 thinking it is a solution to all your ironing problems? But even after buying the most expensive steamer out there, we still do not get the crisp fabric we need, that’s mainly because we don’t know how to use steam iron effectively.

And let’s see what are the steps that we do wrong and how can we get all the results that we expect without any harm.

What is a Steam Iron?

There are two types of irons available on the market. Over time people have preferred steam iron over dry iron.

Now the question arises: what is a steam iron, and how does it work? The basic principle is that this iron steams your clothes while ironing them.

a handheld steam iron ironing a number of clothes on a hangar

A heating plate is present under the soleplate, and there are holes present at the bottom of the plate. The water tank sprays the mist onto your clothes, and the hot plate irons your clothes.

The steam from the soleplate helps to change the structure of the fabric fibers, which ultimately helps in ease of ironing and saving time.

How to Effectively Steam Iron Clothes?

Ironing can be a little daunting but if you follow these simple steps, you can get the best results from your iron.

Here are the steps you need to follow to let your iron do its magic.

1. Set up your Board or Prepare a Hangar

An ironing board is a good way to use your iron effectively. The iron stand helps absorb any extra heat and gives you the required amount of support to iron your clothes.

You can also hang your clothes on a rod to keep them steady.

2. Fill the Water Tank

It would be best if you filled in the water tank of your iron so that it sprinkles the water on your garment. Keep in mind that to neither overfill nor underfill the water tank.

3. Garment label and Temperature Setting

Like another iron, you need to read the label of your clothes. Check for any instructions for ironing. Some labels would tell iron at a specific temperature; some will tell whether you can steam it or not.

4. Ironing

On a hanger: Give your clothing a little pull on the lower end to straighten the fabric (don’t pull too hard, or it will come off the hanger or loose the right shape) and iron the clothing from top to bottom, barely touching it.

On the board: Pull the clothing over the board, starting on one side. It has to be completely flat. Now press for some steam and move the iron over it without making any wrinkles. If the fabric is quite hard, you go from the middle to the ends. With softer materials, try not to “move” the fabric too much – use little pressure and go from the outside to the inside.

Repeat for all sides / parts =)

How to Dry Iron with a Steam Iron?

Empty your water tank before plugging in the iron.
Plug the iron and let it preheat according to the temperature indicated for the fabrics.
Iron as you regularly do.

Do you non iron shirts can also be steam ironed? Yes, it is true, you can learn how to steam a non iron shirt!

How to Maintain your Steam Iron?

You need to maintain your iron to iron your clothes efficiently.

Here are a few ways by which you can maintain your steam iron.

a steam iron on an ironing board with a stain on the soleplate.

Distilled water: It might sound like an extra effort, but it will do a lot of good for your steamer and help you iron your clothes effectively. Use only distilled water for your steam iron as it has the right amount of hardness. Tap water in your area might be too hard to be used and may clog your iron.
Empty the water tank: It is a necessary step for you to empty the tank after every use. If any water is left, it will lead to buildup that will damage your iron in the long run.
Clean the soleplate: Every Now and then, clean the soleplate if there is any buildup on the outside to avoid any burning of clothes and get that crisp on your clothes.

Bottomline

Steam iron can prove very effective if used and maintained in the right way. You can enjoy the sleek and wrinkle-free finish on your clothes by following some simple steps without spending money on dry cleaners and professional steam ironing.

June 3, 2022June 15, 2022

Are Wrinkle Free Shirts Safe to Use? Let’s breakdown the Myths

Wrinkle-free shirts are produced using wrinkle-resistant material, generally cotton or a cotton-rich combination. When you use wrinkle-free shirts, it prevents wrinkles from your shirts while sitting or applying a seatbelt.

It doesn’t mean that you can use them directly after drying them. It just keeps your shirts wrinkle-free when you’re wearing them.

It prevents wrinkles not just from laundering, but also from everyday use. A wrinkle-free shirt is an ideal buy for saving time while dressing up for a day.

It is also good to use when you have a long day, and also you want to look nicer till the end of the day, but are wrinkle free shirts safe to use?

4 Adverse Effects of Chemicals in Wrinkle-Free Shirts

Wrinkle-free shirts have many benefits, but it also can have toxic effects on your skin. The material used in wrinkle-free shirts might damage your skin. To know about that effects, keep reading.

white dress shirts on hangars in front of bright sunny window.

1. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a chemical that is primarily present in wrinkle-free shirts. But it can also cause various skin problems with you. Mostly, the clothes famous for being wrinkle-free are mystical by such compounds.

The thread from which their processing occurs is soaked in this compound so that they appear clean and pressed. Experiments also prove that formaldehyde causes skin irritation when we use them.

2. Surfactants

Surfactants are another chemical. It is weirdly present in the clothes. Many factories and manufacturers are using surfactants in their clothing manufacturing. Surfactants help them in scouring, dyeing, and finishing their clothes.

They’re frequently using it for antistatic, detangling, and soothing purposes. Surfactants are not as hazardous to people as other chemicals.

But a chemical that affects human skin and is dangerous to marine life.

3. Phthalates

Phthalates are commonly present in athletics, sportswear, and extra polymer embellishments. These Phthalates are a type of plasticizer for use in printing.

It is helpful to employ rubber components to print pictures and trademarks on clothes. They have also been connected to hormonal changes and be harmful. But exposure only doesn’t seem to be that bad. Don’t worry, it will get better!

4. AZO dyes

Most manufacturers use AZO dyes regularly in the dying process in textile production. They include quantities of p-Phenylenediamine, which can induce skin reactions and rashes, most abundant in black and brown pigments.

Some dyes include mercury-containing hues, which can injure the body and tissues.

bundle of white dress shirts hanging on a rod with hangers.

How to protect yourself from these Chemicals?

It is indeed difficult to compromise on the ease of wrinkle-free clothing. But we have an excellent solution for the users of wrinkle-free clothing.

Now, manufacturers are also providing formaldehyde-free clothing with wrinkle-resistant characteristics that are now available.

Still, do yourself a favor, look through your wardrobe, and check if you have any wrinkle-free clothes. If yes, look up the product to discover if they utilize it in their clothes.

Before putting on new outfits, it’s a smart option to rinse them. You can quickly eliminate the high percentage of formaldehyde before something reaches your body used by this method.

Also, before you buy anything, could you give it a good sniff? Keep that on the shelf if it has a high artificial odor.

Final words

So, yes! Wrinkle free fabrics are safe to use. We hope this post will be helpful for you to understand the side effects of wrinkle-free shirts.

But don’t forget to wash your clothes before wearing them if you are using wrinkle-free ones.

March 6, 2022June 5, 2022

What is the difference between Non-iron and Easy-iron shirts?

ironing piece of cloth on a grey matt but what is the difference between easy iron and non iron fabric

Are you tired of ironing your dress shirt every day? Of course, you are! It is one of the most daunting tasks in the morning. And that’s where non-iron and easy iron shirts come on the table, but wait, aren’t they the same? Nah, let’s see what the difference is between non-iron and easy-iron shirts.

Although people tend to stick with traditional ironing and there is no harm in regular ironing, if you tend to iron in the wrong manner can affect your clothes.

Therefore, either if you don’t want your clothes to lose their structure or don’t like ironing, I can help you out with non-iron or easy-iron shirts.

What does Easy iron mean?

Whenever someone hears easy iron clothes, the first thing that pops in mind is that it’s easy, but how?

Easy iron or quick iron means a fabric that is pretty easy to iron than regular fabric. It is specifically treated with formaldehyde, which makes it hard for the creases to stay on your clothes.

Also, with easy iron fabric, your overall ironing gets much easier, and you can iron it within halftime.

What does Non-iron mean?

On the other hand, we have non-iron clothes that don’t require ironing at all; wait, what?

Yes, non-ironing clothes are made from a specific wrinkle-free fabric that makes permanent bonds with the fibers while the clothes are made.

Hence, creases are much more difficult to appear on the clothes.

non ironing fabrics doesn't need ironing. — Non-iron clothes Need No Ironing

Difference between Non-iron and Easy iron Shirts?

Easy iron and non-iron shirts seem similar, but there are some keen important differences; if you want to choose any of them, you have to learn more about both of these fabrics.

Cutting of Fabric

In the case of easy-iron shirts, the fabric is cut and stitched like a regular shirt. There are extra spaces.

While in the case of a non-iron shirt, the streams are kept as little as possible. Since extra fabric on each piece is more prone to creases, which are the enemies of non-iron shirts.

Chemical Treatment

Both of the fabrics are tainted with formaldehyde, but does it mean they are the same? Not, exactly!

The easy-iron shirts are sprinkled with small amounts of formaldehyde alone; their purpose is to make ironing easy and less time-consuming.

On the other side of the coin, non-iron shirts are made to quit the hassle of ironing altogether. These shirts are dipped in formaldehyde for long hours with few other chemicals.

Time to Dry

Easy iron shirts contain small amounts of formaldehyde, due to which they take less time to dry than a regular shirt.

However, a non-iron shirt takes even less time to dry after a wash than an easy-to-iron shirt, thanks to formaldehyde and strong bonds between the fibers of non-iron shirts.

Which is better, a Non-iron or Easy iron shirt?

Here comes nothing; which is the better option out of two?

Undoubtedly, both of them hold their position, and it is not easy to select any of them as a better option since both have their pros and cons.

However, I would suggest a non-iron shirt over an easy iron shirt since it’s better in several ways.

Still, for you, it all narrows down to your personal preference, as yes, there is a lot of unproven backlash against non-iron shirts, but there is no scientific evidence.

May 16, 2021November 23, 2022

What is wrinkle free fabric? A guide for wrinkle free clothes.

wrinkle free fabrics in a furnished hotel room

What if a person arrives at the meeting and has a lot of wrinkles on his shirt? What would be your thoughts? Definitely, he looks a bit messy and untidy, right? The same goes for you if you head into a meeting and have those harsh creases over you. So, we thought, what if there is a solution, which can help you from these problems? And we have found wrinkle-free fabric that can save your day.

A wrinkle-free fabric is simply something that is prone to vivid creases. Although they are not wrinkle-resistant entirely, which means they can still catch some creases, they are easier to iron. Hence, they can save you surplus time for sure.

Moreover, wrinkle-free fabric is usually made from polyester and cotton (65/35% ratio), which can especially be treated to prevent any wrinkles and save you surplus time and effort in the caring process. However, with time, we can see more advancements in the future relating to wrinkle-free fabric (such as increasing the immersion time can give you more wrinkle-resistant characteristics).

White cleared wrinkle free shirt wore by a girl whose reading a book.

Are wrinkle free shirts safe?

This is one of the most asked questions when it comes to fabrics. Are these wrinkle-free fabrics safe? You can see a hoax over the internet that claims wrinkle-free clothing is carcinogenic, but you might not be aware of what is going on here.

Non-iron fabrics and Formaldehyde

Most people confuse wrinkle-free fabrics with non-iron fabrics that are treated with formaldehyde. And you will be surprised to know that wrinkle-free fabrics have significantly reduced to no levels of formaldehyde. Instead, they aren’t prone to creases, just easier to iron.

As David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, says, “From a consumer perspective, you are very much in the dark in terms of what clothing is treated with.” He further concluded, “In many ways, you’re in the hands of the industry and those who are manufacturing our clothing. And we are trusting them to ensure they are using the safest materials and additives.”

Furthermore, we don’t mean that formaldehyde (a key component in non-iron fabrics) is safe for everyone. According to GOA, some people might get a prominent skin issue called dermatitis, which might cause itchy and reddish skin, along with blisters.

But according to the accountability office, which is the investigative arm of Congress, several items were evaluated to check the potential health risks of formaldehyde as required by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

You will be glad to know that most of the large wrinkle-free fabrics such as clothing and sheets had low or undetectable formaldehyde levels. However, some of them, which were about 5.5 percent of the total fabrics (primarily wrinkle-free shirts and pants), exceeded 75 parts per million that touch the skin (levels should fall below or 20 parts per million to 300 parts per million).

Which fabrics are wrinkle-free?

Whenever wrinkle-free fabrics are concerned, you would like to know what options you have in that particular fabric. In order to understand these fabrics, we have divided them into broad categories of synthetic and natural fabrics:

Synthetic wrinkle-free fabrics
Natural wrinkle-free fabrics

However, you should note that fabrics aren’t the only thing that determines wrinkle-free characteristics. For instance, some polyester shirts might need ironing regularly. On the other side of the coin, there might be some cotton-made garments such as leggings or tee shirts that don’t need ironing at all.

Synthetic wrinkle-free fabrics

These fabrics are mostly used in the past, and it would not be wrong to call them old ones, but we should add here that in the fashion industry, nothing dies ever entirely. Similarly, synthetic wrinkle-free fabrics still have a lot of demand. To sum up, synthetic fabrics include Nylon, Polyester, and Lycra.

Natural wrinkle-free fabrics

Although these fabrics are not entirely organic instead, these natural wrinkle-free fabrics are made from ratios of natural and synthetic components. However, these ratios can provide certain advantages of comfort with less ironing, of course. Some of the famous combinations include Polyester/Cotton, Cotton/Lycra, or Rayon blends, which are increasing in the market every day.

With that being said, you might like to have a look at our collection of some fabulous evergreen non-iron shirts here.

Can I iron wrinkle free fabric?

Now you are aware of the fact that wrinkle-free fabric is safe (for pretty much everyone). So you would like to learn whether you can iron it or not, right? It can be a tricky question since there are several wrinkle-free or wrinkle-resistant fabrics, but we will make things easy for you.

As a general rule of thumb, wrinkle-free fabrics don’t do well with irons. However, we never said that you couldn’t iron them. The trick is to always go for low temperatures initially and increase if things go smooth. There are some of the fabrics that don’t tolerate iron even the slightest, for instance, polyester.

And in case you have a polyester fabric, you have to put a piece of cloth over it and avoid using iron directly over your fabric. Best of all? You can use this technique not only for polyester, but on every wrinkle-free fabric. You can use this technique and go a little higher on the temperatures. Amazing, right?

How to wash wrinkle free fabrics?

As you might have guessed, wrinkle-free fabrics don’t require intense ironing. However, you still need to wash them properly. The first thing you need to do is to check the instructions on the tag. In case you don’t have the tag, you can try to look up the manufacturer’s website.

If you are unsure: Use a mild detergent. Set the temperature to 30 (max 40) degrees. You can use a regular detergent, but make sure to use less of it. You can also use a liquid detergent. Set your washing machine to the gentle cycle the first time, if that works out, use the normal one.

The next thing you need to do is to dry your clothes. You can use a clothesline or just put it on a hanger. If you want to use a dryer, make sure to use the low-heat setting.

Final remarks

Good to see you down here. Now that you are aware of wrinkle-free fabrics and all the discussions that have attached along with these clothes. Although some people might not get used to them, but they are certainly worth trying. However, we are sure you will be looking forward to getting yours today, right?