How to Iron Wool: 7 Steps to Preserve Clothes

1. Arrange the Ironing Board

   Use a sturdy, padded ironing board when pressing wool.

2. Gather Ironing Supplies

   You'll have the best results by using a steam iron. It has a well to hold water and vent holes that allow steam to escape from the iron and penetrate fabrics.

   When ironing, use a pressing cloth to prevent shiny marks and scorching on the wool. This piece of fabric is used as a protective shield between the face of the iron and the item you're ironing. You can purchase a pressing cloth at a fabric store or online.

3. Choose the Iron Setting and Temperature

   Put the iron's setting on "wool." Make sure that you have water in the steam iron well. If your iron doesn't have a wool setting, select the right iron temperature for wool (300 degrees Fahrenheit).

4. Turn the Garment Inside Out

   Always turn your wool garment inside out and press on the wrong (opposite) side of the fabric, even when using a pressing cloth.

5. Place the Pressing Cloth

   Lay a dry pressing cloth over the wrinkled section that needs attention.

6. Apply Moist Heat to the Fabric

   Never iron wool with dry heat only because the fabric will easily scorch, so make sure the steam setting is on. Iron on top of the dry pressing cloth; use steady pressure, and don't leave the iron in one spot for more than 10 seconds. Keep moving the pressing cloth to other wrinkled areas as you iron the entire garment.

7. Hang the Garment to Dry

   When you're finished, turn the freshly ironed garment right side out. Hang it from a sturdy hanger, or place it flat on a drying rack to dry completely before wearing. Laying flat or hanging will help prevent deep wrinkles that form in damp wool worn before drying.

How to Fix a Scorch Mark

Excessive heat can cause the surface of the wool to become shiny or scorched. First, shiny marks develop because the wool fibers are fused, creating a sheen on the surface. Scorching is the next, more damaging step caused by a too-hot iron that begins to burn the fibers. But not to worry: There are three ways to fix a scorch mark.

Sponge With Vinegar

If you forgot to use a pressing cloth and your wool fabric has shiny marks, try sponging white distilled vinegar onto the affected area on the garment's surface to help lift the fibers. After sponging, rinse the area thoroughly by blotting with a cloth dipped in water, and then allow the garment to air-dry.

Buff It Away

If the wool is slightly scorched, stop ironing, and allow the fabric to dry completely. Start by lightly rubbing the scorched area with an emery board to buff away the burned ends of the wool.

Dilute and Remove

A diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide and water may help remove scorching for light-colored wool. Don't use this on dark-colored wool, however, and test the solution on a hidden area, like a seam or hem, first to be sure there's no color change. Mix 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup water. Use a clean white cloth to scrub the area gently. Rinse well by blotting with clear water. Allow the fabric to air-dry completely, and repeat if needed.

How Often to Iron Wool Clothes

If a wool garment is only lightly rumpled and wrinkled, it can often be revived with steam alone. If you don't have a clothes steamer, simply hanging the garment on a sturdy hanger in a humid environment like a steamy bathroom may be enough. The heat and moisture will help the fibers relax and release the wrinkles. However, if wool clothes have deep creases, ironing is necessary.

Storing Ironed Wool Clothes

Allow freshly ironed wool clothes to dry completely before storing to prevent problems with mildew. Hang in a closet with plenty of room for air circulation so you won't crush the clothing. For long-term storage, cover with a cotton bag to prevent dust from settling on the shoulders of the garment.