Ironing Sport Coats: A Quick Guide

Ironing a sports coat can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a straightforward process. It is important to first check the jacket for any stains or spots, as heat will set these in and make them harder to remove. The next step is to set up the ironing board and check the suit's label to determine the correct heat setting for the fabric. Linen and cotton jackets can be ironed at high temperatures, synthetic fabrics like nylon and silk polyester should be ironed at cool temperatures, and wool and polyester blends fall in between. Once the correct temperature has been set, it is important to place a cloth between the iron and the jacket to protect the fabric and prevent shiny spots. The jacket can then be laid flat on the ironing board and ironed in sections, with particular attention paid to pockets, lapels, and sleeves.

Check for stains and spots

Before you start ironing your sports coat, it is important to check for stains and spots. The heat from the iron will set stains permanently into the fabric, so it is best to spot-clean your jacket before you begin.

Firstly, check the care label. This will tell you what type of fabric your jacket is made from and the manufacturer's recommendations for how to clean and care for it. The care label is usually found inside the neck collar. If the label says 'dry clean only', you can still iron your jacket, but you will need to modify the process slightly.

If your jacket is made from wool, rayon, silk or linen, you may need to take it to a professional dry cleaner to remove stains. If it is made from cotton, polyester, nylon or acrylic, you may be able to remove the stains at home.

For washable fabrics, you can try blotting the stain with water. Use a clean washcloth or paper towel, and lightly blot the stain. Do not scrub or rub the stain, as this can cause it to set and spread. If the stain is new, this method may be enough to remove it.

If your jacket is stained with an oil-based substance, such as salad dressing or lipstick, you will need a different method of removal than for water-based stains like tomato sauce or coffee. For oil-based stains, blot the stain with a clean, white rag to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. If the stain is dry, dampen the rag and blot it again. Then, apply a drop of clear liquid soap, such as dish soap, to the rag and blot the stain until it comes out. Rinse the rag and blot the jacket with plain water to remove the soap residue.

For water-based stains, you can try using vinegar or lemon juice. Their acidic properties are effective at removing most stains and will also kill germs. However, do not use vinegar that contains 'the mother', as this may further stain your jacket. Instead, opt for distilled white vinegar.

If water, vinegar, or lemon juice are not enough to remove the stain, you can try a stronger cleaning agent, such as a chemical-based stain remover. However, always test these products on a discreet area of your jacket first, as they can sometimes cause additional stains.

Remember, the golden rule of cleaning stains is to act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain.

Set up an ironing board

To set up an ironing board, start by checking that your iron is clean. If not, use a damp cloth or a baking soda paste to wipe down the iron's plate. Next, fill your iron with distilled water if it has a steam function. If not, fill a spray bottle with water to spritz your coat while ironing.

Now, set up your ironing board near an electrical outlet if your iron is not cordless. If you don't have an ironing board, lay a bath towel (folded in half) on a flat surface that won't be damaged by heat, such as a granite countertop.

Once your ironing board is set up, place a cloth on the board to protect your sport coat while ironing. A cotton rag or towel will work, but a muslin or drill cloth is best.

Check the suit's label

Checking the suit's label is the first step to take when ironing a sports coat. The label will tell you what type of fabric your sports coat is made of and recommend the best heat settings or instructions for ironing.

Different fabrics require different heat levels. Synthetic fabrics such as nylon, silk, polyester, and acrylic should be ironed on a cool setting. Wool and polyester blends are best ironed on a warm setting, while linen and cotton can withstand hot temperatures. If your sports coat is made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres, it's best not to use an iron.

If your sports coat is labelled "dry clean only", you can still iron it yourself. Use a product like Dryel, an at-home dry-cleaning product, and put the jacket in your traditional dryer to achieve the same results as a professional dry cleaner.

However, keep in mind that this method may leave your jacket with a lot of wrinkles, so you will need to iron it afterward. If you decide to iron a "dry clean only" sports coat, make sure to place a cloth or towel over the jacket to protect it from direct heat. Use the lowest heat setting and gradually increase the temperature if needed.

Clean the iron

To clean your iron, you will need the following: distilled white vinegar, baking soda, distilled water, cotton swabs, cotton balls, a sponge, an old toothbrush, a cloth (such as an old towel or a microfiber cloth), and a descaling product if there is any hard water buildup.

First, unplug your iron and let it cool down. Then, mix one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar with three-fourths cup of distilled water. Pour this mixture into the iron's water reservoir. Plug in the iron, turn it on, and wait for it to heat up. Once it's heated, press and hold the steam button on the highest setting to move the vinegar-water mixture through the iron. Repeat this process two to six times to ensure the inner workings of the iron are clean. When you're finished, unplug the iron and wait for it to cool down. Once it's cool, dump out any remaining mixture from the iron.

To clean the soleplate, or the bottom of the iron, saturate a clean cloth in distilled white vinegar and place it on your ironing board. Then, with your iron still unplugged and cooled down, run the iron over the cloth several times. The vinegar will lift any gunk off the soleplate, and the steam created will help to remove any remaining residue. Once you're done, turn off the iron and wait for it to cool down again. Finally, wipe down the soleplate with a damp, clean cloth.

If you have burn marks and grime that remain on the soleplate after this process, try an alternative cleaning method. Mix equal parts baking soda and water until it forms a paste. Then, use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to scrub the paste onto the soleplate and steam vents. Finally, clean off the paste and grime with distilled water and let the iron dry completely before using it again.

Another method for removing stubborn buildup and stains is to use a mixture of vinegar and salt. Dampen a paper towel or cloth with distilled white vinegar, and dip a corner into baking soda or coarse salt. Buff the soleplate clean, then wipe it with a damp rag or paper towel.

Remember to always use distilled water when cleaning your iron, as tap water may contain minerals that can clog the vents and cause damage. Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools when cleaning your iron, as these can create unwanted scratches.

Prepare the sleeves

To prepare the sleeves of a sports jacket for ironing, you'll need to follow a few steps. Sleeves are the trickiest part of the jacket to iron because of their shape and the fact that you have two layers of fabric and lining to deal with.

Firstly, lay the sleeve down on the board and smooth out any large wrinkles in the fabric and the lining by hand. If you are using a sleeve board, insert the board into the sleeve so you can rotate the sleeve around the board. If you don't have a sleeve board, you can substitute a cylindrical container to keep the sleeve's shape while you iron. A rolled-up thick magazine or a cylindrical cardboard tube covered with a cotton towel before insertion will do the trick.

Next, lay a damp cloth over the sleeve. This will help to protect the suit fabric and make pressing easier.

Frequently asked questions