For some of us, good ironing is an art-form, for others it’s simply another chore. Whichever category you belong to, you only need a few tricks to get satisfying results, and not just with your ironing. A well ironed piece of clothing looks better and is also easier to put away again. So, here are a few useful tips for everyone. Beginners can discover the basics they need to make a good impression and those with more experience can put their skills to the test.

• Adjust the ironing board to your own height so you can comfortably move your arm.
• It’s essential to carefully check the ironing instructions that are compulsory on every label.
• Use your hands to spread out the garment on the board as this will help you to iron it: if the material becomes accidentally creased, you can use the steam jet to put it right.
• Always iron every part of the item from the inside outwards. Square-shaped or bulky items such as sheets, curtains and tablecloths should be pulled over the board gradually as you iron them, making sure that they don’t touch the floor
• It’s easier to iron cotton and linen garments that are still slightly damp, or that have been dampened using a special spray bottle.
• Begin with more resistant and bulkier items, followed by trousers and shirts and then finish with more delicate and difficult pieces of clothing, gradually lowering the temperature.
• Avoid ironing over any stains (as this would cause them to become irremediable), over buttons or zips.
• Silk and velvet should be ironed inside out; wool and other delicate or synthetic materials should be ironed by placing a cotton handkerchief or a special iron cover between the iron and the item of clothing.
• Any pieces of embroidery should be ironed inside out, laid out over a towel.