Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics that can be easily damaged by heat and steam. Therefore, it is important to know the fabric of your dress before attempting to iron it at home. If your dress is made from natural materials like silk, taffeta or chiffon, it is best to iron it without steam and on a silk setting. If your dress is made from synthetic fabric, like polyester, crepe or satin, it is safer to use a steamer than a traditional iron. However, if you do not have access to a steamer, you can use an iron on a low heat setting with steam. Always test your iron on a small, discrete area of your dress before ironing the whole thing to ensure you don't damage the fabric.
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What You'll Learn
Iron without steam if you're unsure of the fabric
If you are unsure of the fabric of your wedding dress, it is best to iron without steam. Some fabrics, like silk, wool, or polyester, should not be ironed with steam. It is always better to ask the store owner or designer about the fabric and the best way to iron it.
If you are certain that your dress can be ironed, hang your dress with the hemline at least 5 inches off the ground. Start at the side seam, iron down to the waistline, and then towards the hem. Then, use a skirt hanger to hold the bottom of the train. Once this is done, place the dress in a bridal bag and hang it across the room with a hanger to avoid further wrinkles.
If your dress is made of a delicate fabric, it is best to avoid ironing it directly. Instead, use a washcloth or towel and place it over the fabric before ironing. This will protect the fabric from burning or melting. You can also use a garment steamer instead of an iron. Hold the steamer 6-10 inches from the dress to avoid damaging the fabric.
It is important to note that some fabrics, like tulle, are very lightweight and can be easily melted by an iron. In this case, it is better to use a handheld steamer or the ""hot bathroom" method. Hang the dress in the bathroom and run the shower with hot water for 15-16 minutes to fill the room with steam. The steam will soften the fabric and ease out the wrinkles.
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Use a towel between the iron and fabric to avoid burning
If you're ironing a wedding dress at home, it's important to be cautious to avoid damaging the dress. One way to do this is to use a towel between the iron and the fabric of the dress. This is a good idea if your wedding dress is made of delicate fabric such as tulle, which is similar to plastic and can easily melt. By placing a towel over the fabric before you iron it, you can help prevent the tulle from melting or burning. It is also useful if you are ironing on a surface that could be damaged by heat or steam, such as wood.
It is recommended to use a natural fibre towel, such as a thick cotton towel, preferably white, to avoid any colour transfer between the towel and the dress, especially if you are using steam. If your towels are not thick, stack two or three thinner towels to create a base. Make sure the towel is large enough to accommodate the iron when you need to set it down; otherwise, you can use a kitchen potholder or oven mitt as an iron rest.
If you are ironing your wedding dress on a wooden surface, it is advisable to put a layer of waterproof plastic under the towel for added protection. This will help to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood and causing damage. You can also use a towel-wrapped breadboard to balance the ironing plank over your knees, which can be useful if you have limited space.
In addition to using a towel, there are other precautions you can take to avoid burning your wedding dress. It is essential to check the fabric of your gown and adjust the iron's settings accordingly. When in doubt, it is better to iron without steam, especially if your dress is made of silk, satin, or tulle. Water droplets from the iron can stain certain fabrics, so it is recommended to start with a t-shirt to test for any leakage.
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Iron inside out, starting with the bodice
To iron your wedding dress at home, start by turning it inside out. This is especially important if your dress is white, as it will prevent any accidental stains or marks from the iron. Begin with the bodice, placing a soft towel over the ironing board to avoid creating wrinkles on the other side. If your dress has many decorations and embellishments, this method will be the most effective.
When ironing, always ensure the iron is set to the correct temperature for the fabric of your dress. If you are uncertain, check with the store owner or designer. It is also recommended to test the iron on a small, inside area of the dress to ensure it is not too hot and will not damage the fabric. Some fabrics, such as silk, satin, and taffeta, should be ironed without steam. For these fabrics, it is crucial to avoid water droplets from the iron, as this can cause stains.
If your dress is made of tulle, take extra care as this fabric is similar to plastic and can easily melt. Always place a towel or washcloth between the iron and the tulle to protect it. Additionally, use the high steam setting to effectively remove wrinkles from this delicate fabric.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the fabric of your dress, you can safely iron your wedding dress at home, ensuring it looks its best for your special day.
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Don't iron tulle, it may melt
If your wedding dress is made of tulle, it is important to be cautious when ironing it. Tulle is a delicate fabric often used to make wedding veils, costumes, and ballet tutus. It is lightweight and similar to a light netting, which cannot withstand heat and will damage the fabric.
Tulle is made of material that is basically plastic, and direct contact with an iron could easily melt it. Therefore, it is recommended to use a handheld steamer or hang the dress in a steamy bathroom to remove wrinkles. If you do not have access to a steamer, you can try filling your bathroom with hot steam by turning on a hot shower. The steam will relax the fabric and remove the wrinkles.
If you must use an iron on tulle, it is crucial to take extra precautions. Set the iron to the lowest temperature to avoid the risk of melting or scorching the fabric. Always use a pressing cloth, such as muslin or thin cotton fabric, to shield the tulle from direct heat and prevent potential damage. This layer acts as a protective barrier, distributing the heat evenly and safeguarding the fabric from melting or burning.
When ironing, execute gentle and sweeping motions to prevent overheating and preserve the fabric's integrity. Apply smooth and continuous strokes over the pressing cloth, ensuring you do not press the iron directly onto the tulle. Keep the iron about an inch above the fabric and hover it over the wrinkles for a few seconds. Regularly check beneath the pressing cloth to ensure the tulle is not damaged.
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Steam silk and satin on a low heat setting
If your wedding dress is made of silk or satin, it is best not to iron it with steam. However, you can steam silk and satin on a low heat setting. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, fill the steamer's water tank with fresh, clean water. Make sure there is no old water in the tank, as this can stain the fabric. Turn the steamer on and wait for it to heat up. If your steamer starts to spit or drip hot water, use a cloth to wipe the mouth and wait for it to stop before proceeding.
Next, turn your wedding dress inside out and hang it up near the steamer. Satin is a delicate fabric, so it is best to steam the dull backside rather than the glossy front.
When you are ready to steam, hold the steamer 3 to 6 cm (1-2 inches) away from the fabric and use long downward strokes from the top of the dress to the bottom. Continue steaming until the fabric is completely wrinkle-free.
If you are working with a thicker type of satin, such as 25 momme silk satin, you may need to get the steamer a little closer to the surface and steam from the front side to remove stubborn creases.
For steaming silk, it is important to ensure that the temperature does not exceed 120°C to protect the delicate fabric. Always use a press cloth (an additional piece of fabric) between the steamer and the silk to protect the garment.
By following these steps, you can safely steam your silk or satin wedding dress at home on a low heat setting.
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