Many people believe that conventional cotton fabrics need to be ironed regularly, but with the introduction of durable, luxurious Egyptian cotton fabrics, this practice has changed. Egyptian cotton is a special type of cotton that is developed in Egypt, and known to be highly durable, resilient, and sturdy enough to hold up to strong washing cycles.
What is Egyptian Cotton?
Egyptian cotton is a type of cotton fabric with a longer fiber length than normal cotton. Long fibers make it incredibly soft and durable – they are known to be more absorbent than normal cotton fabrics and are often denser than conventional cotton fabrics. Egyptian cotton is particularly sought-after in bedding products because it creates a comfortable sleep experience without causing allergies or skin irritation.
Egyptian cotton is also popular in clothing and apparel due to its luxurious feel and superior quality. It is known to be more breathable than other fabrics, making it ideal for warm climates. Additionally, it is known to be more resistant to fading and shrinking, making it a great choice for those looking for long-lasting clothing items.
Advantages of Ironing Egyptian Cotton
The advantage to ironing Egyptian cotton is that it can help remove wrinkles, creases, and even minor stains. It can usually be safely heated without damaging the cloth, thanks to the long fiber quality and careful construction of the luxurious fabric. Ironing can also help make the fabric look crisper, taking away any dullness or limpness it may have acquired after multiple washes.
Disadvantages of Ironing Egyptian Cotton
Ironing Egyptian cotton can be time consuming and it’s not something that has to be done often. It also doesn’t always give the desired effect as wrinkles may still remain after ironing. Over-ironing can also be damaging since this special fabric is incredibly sensitive. High temperatures can shrink the fabric, alter its shape, or even cause it to fray.
How to Iron Egyptian Cotton
It is important to set the heat level for the iron accordingly. The general recommended guideline for ironing the fabric would be to set the heat level at the lowest possible. When ironing the fabric, it is a good practice to begin with the backside and finish on the front side. This creates an even heat distribution throughout the fabric. Additionally, apply steady pressure while pressing the fabric with the iron rather than pressing repeatedly which may damage the fabric.
Best Practices for Ironing Egyptian Cotton
Begin by preparing the fabric – prewash and dry the cotton on a low setting. Once the fabric is ready for ironing, it is important to use a spray bottle to lightly mist the fabric with water before continuing on with the ironing process. This helps reduce static, allow for a smoother finish, and makes the cloth more pliable for a better finish. There are also certain products like chlorine and starch that are sometimes used to further reduce wrinkles when working with this type of fabric.
Benefits of Not Ironing Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton does not necessarily require ironing and some people may opt to not use an iron at all. Without having to go through the time consuming procedure of ironing every time you have to wear a shirt or dress made out of this type of fabric, more time can be spent on other tasks and activities instead. Furthermore, by not having to worry about setting the temperature correctly, making sure everything looks perfect, or even burning the fabric with an excessive heat setting of the iron can add more set value.
How to Remove Creases from Egyptian Cotton without Ironing
A few simple tricks like filling a container with hot water and steam can help get rid of light creases in your Egyptian cotton fabrics without having to use an iron. You can also use a damp washcloth or towel with a soft cloth over it and lay it on top of any light creases for a few minutes for best results. For heavier wrinkles or creases, you can use wrinkle remover sprays that safely work on Egyptian cotton fabrics.
Popular Egyptian Cotton Products That Don’t Need Ironing
For those who don’t want the hassle of ironing their Egyptian cotton fabrics, there are plenty of non-iron products available in the market these days. These include clothing such as button-down shirts, blouses, skirts, trousers, and even underwear. Popular bedding items include pillowcases, sheets, duvets, quilts and comforters that don’t need an iron to look crisp and smooth.
Tips for Keeping Egyptian Cotton Wrinkle-Free
For those who don’t have time to iron their Egyptian cotton frequently, there are several tips to follow that can help keep it wrinkle-free. Taking extra care when washing and drying is essential – using gentle cycles and never over-stuffing it into a washing machine or dryer will help reduce wrinkling. It’s also important to avoid hanging or storing damp clothing; this will encourage creasing. If there are any creases visible after washing, you can use a damp cloth and an iron set at a low temperature to remove them without damaging the fabric.
