How to Iron Clothes Without an Ironing Board?

If you don’t have access to an ironing board, you can still get the wrinkles out of your clothes with the help of your iron alone.

In order to iron your clothes without an ironing board, all you need is a smooth, flat surface. It can be anything from a hardwood surface to carpeted flooring, a tile surface, a countertop, a coffee table, or a dining table; any flat, hard surface will do.

Moreover, you can use your beds and kitchen tops to iron your clothes if it is feasible.

It’s no surprise that for centuries, ironing was done on flat surfaces.

The only difference is that ironing clothes are now easier thanks to the ironing boards that are becoming increasingly popular these days.

For added safety, you can lay a towel or a thick, unbleached cotton sheet over these surfaces to resist heat, and then start ironing as usual.

What spaces can be utilized for ironing?

Let’s find some available space to iron your clothes effectively. Furthermore, let’s see how we can set up these spaces for this task specifically.

Here are some ideas for how you can use the space you have at home to iron.

Floor surface

For ironing, you can use a flat surface like your wooden or carpeted floor or a tiled floor.

These spaces will require the below settings to prepare for ironing your garments effectively.

• Simply lay a large bed sheet or a thick cotton sheet over the carpet to prepare your ironing area.
• Sort your garments and arrange them as per their type.
• Now, dedicate enough space for ironing comfortably.
• For added safety, you can lay a large towel over the bed sheet and start placing the garments over it one by one for ironing.
• Now, start ironing the usual way.

Raised surface

You can choose a raised surface such as a countertop, dining table, or kitchen top (if there’s ample space on your kitchen counters).

Most of the above options give you about the same amount of space, so you can get started if the options are feasible.

To prepare the surface, you can lay a bed sheet or a cotton cloth over the table and start ironing on it.

Just make sure that you clear any objects from the surfaces before laying down a cotton sheet or a thick towel.

If possible, dedicate a space to place your iron after ironing every garment.

Note: You can also buy a heat-resistant sheet made for ironing at a store near you or online.

Coffee table

Another option for quickly ironing small garments in a short amount of time is to use coffee tables. It won’t occupy larger spaces in your home.

Moreover, they are easy to move from one place to another as per your comfort.

Some coffee or dining tables include wheels, so make sure they are stiffly placed and do not move when ironing your garments.

Bed

Using beds is the most preferred choice in many households that do not have access to ironing boards.

Most people find their bedrooms the most comfortable space for ironing garments.

With that said, be very careful, as most people make the mistake of leaving the hot surface of the iron on the bed.

You will end up damaging the bedsheet or any other sheet layer in no time.

If your bed or mattress is too soft or fluffy to balance the surface, then you should avoid ironing garments over it.

Also, make sure to lay a thick cotton sheet over your bed for safety and effectiveness.

You can place an ironing pad or towel over the bed and then iron your clothes as you normally would.

Apart from ironing pads, you can buy an ironing blanket as a protective layer that can be placed over the surface.

Likewise, you can use a sheet of plywood or cardboard and then place a towel over it.

Can you use cardboard as an ironing board?

Using cardboard as an ironing board can be a great idea if you don’t have access to an ironing board or don’t have enough space to store or accommodate one.

To make your own DIY ironing board at home using cardboard, here are some easy steps to follow:

Step 1: Arrange a cardboard

Try to find a piece of cardboard that’s at least as big as the item of clothing you want to press.

Step 2: Arrange for a towel or thick cotton sheet

The next step is to wrap the cardboard with a thick towel or cotton sheet.

Step 3: Staple it

Secure the towel or cotton sheet to the cardboard by stapling it.

Step 4: Place it on a flat surface and use it for ironing

Place the board on a flat surface and use it for ironing your garments as you normally would.

Can you iron on a wooden table?

A wooden table, a tile floor, or a bathroom or kitchen counter can be a good alternative to an ironing board.

However, you should be very careful while using a wooden table for ironing, as it can easily get overheated.

Before you start ironing, you should cover the table with a thick cotton sheet or some other heat-resistant material.

How do you remove wrinkles without ironing?

Let’s be honest; we are all busy in this fast-moving world.

And it’s quite possible that you may not have an ironing board or iron handy.

If that is the case, here are a few options that might work for you.

Steaming

Using steam is a great way to remove wrinkles without using an iron.

Steam not only helps to remove wrinkles but also sanitizes the clothes.

With that said, a steamer isn’t necessary, the steam from a shower can do the trick just as well.

Simply, hang your clothes in the bathroom while you’re showering, and it’ll remove most of the wrinkles.

Use your dryer

Using a dryer is a great way to remove wrinkles without using an iron.

If you have a wrinkled piece of clothing, throw it in the dryer with a damp towel and let it dry on low heat for 10 minutes, then take it out and hang it up.

Remove wrinkles using hair straighteners

A hair straightener, or flat iron, can also be used to remove wrinkles from your clothes, especially the collar areas.

Simply set the temperature to low heat and gently press the hair straightener over the wrinkled areas.

Hot pot

Hot pots can also come in handy when it comes to removing wrinkles without using an iron.

Boil the water inside the hot pot and flush it out once it’s hot enough to be ironed.

Next, move the hot pot over the wrinkled areas as if you were using an iron to remove wrinkles.

While doing so, just be careful not to use this method on sensitive clothing items such as vinyl or clothes with plastic embellishments.

Wrinkle removing spray

Wrinkle-removing spray is another great way to get rid of wrinkles without using an iron.

Simply, spray the wrinkle remover on your clothes, and it’ll work its magic.

A word of caution

For ironing, always use a place that is well-lit (brightly lit), has good airflow, and has an outlet that your electric iron can plug into.

Additionally, use a wooden or granite (tile) block to place your iron during the process of ironing, and make sure to place the iron in a standing position.

If you place or leave your iron (soleplate surface) over fabrics for an extended period of time, the heat will damage the fabric.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to iron clothes at home, especially if you don’t have an ironing board.

Floor spaces can be good for ironing larger items, and other spaces mentioned above can be used for ironing different kinds of clothes.

It’s recommended that you place towels, cotton sheets, ironing blankets, or pads as a layer of protection and for even ironing.

Lastly, do not leave your iron in a flat position over your garments or any other surface for an extended period of time, as this can be hazardous.

Frequently Asked Questions