Tips for Safely and Efficiently Ironing Acrylic Fabrics: Master the Techniques and Basics

Ironing acrylic garments requires specific techniques and processes to avoid damaging or stretching the fibers. As a synthetic fiber, acrylic has many desirable qualities like quick drying, easy dyeing, and is resilient to shrinks and stretching. Washing and drying your garment is the first step before attempting to iron the wrinkles out.

Begin by setting up the ironing board or an alternative flat surface such as a kitchen table covered in towels. Plug in the adjustable temperature iron and set the heat to the lowest possible temperature, not to exceed 275 degrees Fahrenheit. If the iron is dirty, use rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth to clean the plate.

Turn the garment inside out and lay flat on the ironing board. Moisten a white washcloth with water from a spray bottle; do not over wet the cloth. Place the damp cloth onto the garment and press the preheated iron onto the cloth instead of directly on the garment. Instead of the typical back and forth motion of the iron, lower the iron and then lift. Once you have covered the area, move the cloth to a new area and begin again. Repeat the process on both sides of the fabric as necessary.

After you have finished ironing, hang up the garment or fold and store. It is important to remember not to use a hot iron directly on the cloth as it can melt or stretch the material. Also, avoid using wire hangers to hang acrylic sweaters as these can cause them to stretch.

Acrylic may be a synthetic fiber but by following the right steps and processes, your acrylic garments will look fresh and crisp. With the right care, your acrylic fabrics can last you a long time!