Ironing works by applying heat and pressure to the fabric, which helps relax the fibers and remove wrinkles. When you iron clothes, the heat softens the fabric, making it more pliable, while the weight and pressure from the iron's soleplate flatten out the wrinkles. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Heat: When you plug in your iron and set it to the desired temperature, the heating element inside the iron generates heat. The soleplate of the iron, usually made of metal with a non-stick coating, gets hot and transfers that heat to the fabric.
Softening the fabric: Fabrics are made up of long chains of molecules, and these chains are held together by weak forces. The heat from the iron causes these chains to vibrate more rapidly, weakening these forces and softening the fabric. As the fabric becomes softer, it becomes more responsive to shaping.
Pressure and weight: The weight of the iron and the pressure you apply while ironing push the fabric flat against the ironing board or surface. This ensures that the fabric comes into full contact with the hot soleplate, allowing the heat to penetrate the fibers effectively.
Flattening wrinkles: As the heated fabric comes into contact with the iron's soleplate, the combination of heat, pressure, and the weight of the iron relaxes the fibers and helps smooth out the wrinkles. The softened fibers are reshaped under the pressure, making the fabric appear smooth and flat.
Setting the fabric: Once you remove the iron, the fabric starts to cool down. As it cools, the fibers regain some of their rigidity, but the shape of the fabric is now set in the smoothed-out position, effectively removing the wrinkles.
It's important to use the appropriate temperature setting on the iron based on the fabric type to avoid damaging the material. Additionally, always follow the care instructions on your clothing labels to ensure you use the correct ironing technique and temperature for each garment.
Remember that not all fabrics can be ironed at high temperatures. Delicate fabrics may require lower heat settings or the use of a pressing cloth to protect them from direct contact with the hot soleplate.