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Can You Iron Nylon?

Nylon is a synthetic fabric with many beneficial uses. It has a smooth, slightly shiny surface and is the main material used to make pantyhose and tights. While nylon may not wrinkle as easily as some fabrics, it’s still not completely wrinkle-free – so, have you ever wondered if you can iron nylon?

Nylon is relatively easy to care for and can be ironed if extra care is taken to avoid damaging the material. For best results – when ironing nylon, use the lowest heat setting possible and a pressing cloth between the iron and the piece being worked on.

In this article, we will go over the characteristics of nylon and how you can care for nylon items at home. We will include a step-by-step guide for ironing nylon, specifics on how to remove wrinkles from nylon jackets, and nylon flags.

Can You Iron Nylon

Does Nylon Wrinkle Easily?

It wouldn’t be right to say that nylon is wrinkle-free, but it is more wrinkle-resistant than many of its natural fiber counterparts. It’s always possible that nylon items can become wrinkled from wear, especially after being folded or stored in a cramped closet. Nylon won’t become severely creased and crumpled like linen and some cotton fabrics, though – and it certainly won’t become wrinkled as easily as silk can.

Nylon is made from a synthetic polymer called polyamide. It is constructed of filaments made from tons of tiny, twisted threads tightly bonded together. This creates a strong, durable fabric with a smooth surface.

Many nylon fabrics are constructed of a complex weave that provides a soft feel while also helping to keep wrinkles at bay. Some garments that claim to be “wrinkle-free” can be treated with harsh chemicals to help keep them from wrinkling. Pay attention to the specifics of production to keep these toxic substances away from your skin.

Can You Iron Nylon?

The good news is – you can iron nylon. So when a few pesky wrinkles make their way onto those wrinkle-resistant items, an iron can help get things looking great again. As with any synthetic material – extra care must be taken when ironing items made of nylon. Some items, though – such as nylon tights and pantyhose – should never come in contact with a hot iron, and care labels should always be referred to.

Regarding nylon in general, you need to be careful when applying heat – nylon should be ironed gently on the lowest possible setting. In most cases, steam should be avoided since the moisture will conduct heat and increase the overall temperature put on the fabric.

Will an Iron Melt Nylon?

As with many synthetics – nylon is made from a polymer derived from plastic. When ironing nylon, always use a low setting and extra care to ensure the iron is never left for too long in one place. Nylon is vulnerable to damage from heat. If too extreme, heat applied to nylon fabric can cause melting and/or burning.

Nylon is characterized as a thermoplastic – which means it becomes liquid at its melting point. Fortunately, it takes pretty high heat to get nylon to this point, but – once ignited, the nylon fabric will melt – causing a dangerously hot, sticky mess. When ironing nylon, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry – so always use low temps. This could save your skin from a severe burn and your garment from being destroyed.

What Iron Settings Should You Use For Nylon?

Nylon – being a synthetic material – is best ironed dry. Steam or a lot of moisture should be avoided when ironing nylon. Make sure that if the iron you’re using has a steam setting, it is turned off.

You can always iron with an empty water tank just to be safe. That’s not to say a small amount of water can’t be used to make the process go more smoothly or to help get out extra tough, stubborn wrinkles. Use a spray bottle filled with cool or cold water and make sure to use it sparingly.

What Temperature Should You Use to Iron Nylon?

Nylon should be ironed on the lowest setting possible. Synthetic fabrics – in many cases, do not hold up well to extreme heat. If your iron’s dials are measured numerically – nylon should be ironed on the #1 setting.

Some irons will include fabric names – a synthetic or rayon setting may be available choices – either of these options would be what you should use on nylon as well. If there is a “nylon” specific option, use that. If the iron is set by degrees – 275℉ or 135℃ is the preferred temperature for nylon.

How to Iron Nylon – Step by Step Guide

How to Iron Nylon

Ironing nylon is not difficult – but it will take a bit more care and could take a little more time overall. Use the steps below to iron any wrinkled nylon items that need to be smoothed out. Remember – checking care labels for each specific garment before ironing is always a good idea.

  1. Check care labels and follow instructions accordingly. If the label doesn’t include ironing instructions or states that an item should not be ironed – always test a small area in a discreet spot first. The inside of a hem or seam is a good spot to test. If there is no noticeable negative reaction, you can proceed cautiously with the rest of the garment.
  2. Set up the iron. The iron should be set to its lowest setting. This could be a numeral – in which case #1 should be used, a fabric type – select “synthetic,” “rayon,” or “nylon,” or a temperature – in which case you should set the iron to 275℉ or 135℃. The steam function – if offered on your iron – should be turned off.
  3. Turn the garment inside-out and place atop an ironing board. Press out wrinkles with your hand so the item is as smooth as possible.
  4. Use a pressing cloth. Place the pressing cloth – lightweight cotton works well – on the surface of the nylon garment to be ironed. Parchment paper is another option and can be used with a pressing cloth.
  5. Pass the iron over the garment slowly using medium pressure. Move slowly enough that the heat can penetrate through the garment and release the wrinkles. Don’t leave the iron in one place long enough that the heat could damage the fabric.
  6. Use a spray bottle filled with cold water. If there are stubborn wrinkles that won’t budge, use a dry iron and the method above – you can use a small amount of cold water misted onto the fabric.
  7. Remove the pressing cloth and adjust the garment on the ironing board to iron the entire garment.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Nylon

Wrinkles can be released from nylon items using a dry iron on low heat. Alternatively – a handheld steamer can be used to get the wrinkles out of nylon – since the pressure and additional heat from the iron won’t be present here. To get the wrinkles out of nylon, use a steamer – hang the item and, using your free hand, pull the fabric taut.

Use the wand to allow the steam to flow over the fabric as you stretch it. Move from area to area using this technique until you have covered the entire piece. Don’t allow the steam to pour onto the fabric for an excessive amount of time in any one place. Be sure to keep your bare skin away from the steam flow – hot steam can cause extreme burns quickly!

Hanging a garment in the bathroom during a hot shower is another great way to release light wrinkles from many garments. Hang the item as close to the source of the steam as possible without it getting wet directly.

Be sure to close the bathroom door so the steam will accumulate and stay in the room. Leaving the item for at least ten minutes – possibly longer – will provide the best result.

How to Iron a Nylon Jacket

Nylon jackets don’t tend to wrinkle easily – in most cases. If you find yourself with a wrinkled-up jacket, you can use an iron set to a low temperature to help make the fabric smooth again. Set the iron to its lowest setting and turn off the steam function.

For the best result, the jacket should be ironed on the wrong side. Turn it inside out if you’re working with a thin, one-layered jacket. If the jacket has any fill, you won’t get wrinkles on the outside out from the inside. Instead, work with extra care on the outside of the jacket and be sure to use a pressing cloth. Double-check the contents of the filling material as well to make sure it isn’t something that could melt with the application of heat.

When ironing a jacket, it is easiest to begin with the collar – if there is one – and the sleeves, then move on to the main body. This way, the bulk of the item is less likely to re-wrinkle once you’ve moved on to the smaller detailed areas.

Using a pressing cloth between the iron’s surface and the jacket material – press the iron onto the jacket with smooth, light strokes. Never linger in one spot too long to help reduce the chances of damaging the material. Move along the jacket’s entire surface until all wrinkles have been removed.

Can You Iron Nylon Spandex?

Ironing spandex is not highly recommended. Heat pressed onto spandex can damage the fibers – breaking them, making them less stretchy, and ultimately shortening the lifespan of the garment. Thankfully, most spandex items don’t generally need to be ironed. These garments tend to resist wrinkles when washed and dried as directed. And, since they are usually tight and stretchy – once they are put on the body, any wrinkles that did creep onto the clothes will likely be smoothed out.

If you find it necessary to iron your spandex – do so on the very lowest setting and keep the iron moving at all times. Never press aggressively or leave the iron still in one place. Before you get going on the main event – test a small patch in a discreet area to make sure that ironing isn’t going to cause damage to the material.

Can You Iron Nylon Flags?

Nylon is one of the most common materials used to make flags. It is durable and strong, can hold up to the outside elements – but will also flow beautifully in the breeze and give off a subtle sheen. If you need to get the wrinkles out of your favorite flag, chances are it can be ironed in the same manner as most other nylon items.

How to Get Wrinkles out of a Nylon Flag

Flags are a symbol of personality and pride – they can indicate one’s nationality or alma mater or simply help celebrate an achievement or occasion. Whatever reason you choose to display your flag should soar through the air unwrinkled. Thankfully there are a couple of ways to remove the wrinkles from a flag that has been folded up in storage or one that just needs a bit of sprucing up.

Flags can be ironed using a standard home iron. Though flags are durable, the iron should always be set to low just to ensure the nylon fabric won’t be damaged in the process. A flag with a burn or hole in its middle doesn’t display quite the same enthusiasm as a perfectly smooth one.

Working on the backside is extra protection against the flag being damaged during the ironing process. Lay the flag upside-down over an ironing board – allowing the excess fabric to fall over the side as necessary. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hand and make sure the fabric is as flat as possible before ironing.

Proceed to iron the material with medium pressure over the entire area on the ironing board – keep the iron moving throughout. Use a little water spray on extra stubborn wrinkles or creases. Pull more material onto the board as you finish one area and move on to the next until the entire flag has been smoothed over. Make sure to hang the flag as soon as the job is done, so wrinkles don’t accumulate on any bunched fabric!

Alternatively, a steamer can get the wrinkles out of a flag. The flag should be hung up by one end. Using one hand, pull the material down so that it is taut and wrinkle-free. Use the steam wand in your other hand to allow steam to flow over the area you are holding onto. After one section has been steamed, move on until you have covered the entire surface of the flag. Let the flag remain hanging until all of the moisture from steaming has dried.

Can You Iron a Patch onto Nylon?

In most cases, iron patches onto nylon products is not a good idea. The adhesive used to adhere patches onto other fabrics is activated only by applying extreme heat. The high heat necessary to adhere to the patch will likely damage the nylon fabric, which is why it shouldn’t be ironed onto nylon. Many patches will come with instructions stating that they shouldn’t be used on synthetic materials.

Instead – if you have a patch you love – sew it on! Applying a unique statement patch onto a jacket or bag is an easy and rewarding sewing project. All you need is a needle, thread and a few minutes of your time. Velcro can even be sewn on for easy-to-change patch options. There are also other liquid fabric adhesives – which can be found online or at craft stores – that can be used to apply patches to nylon without heat.

Conclusion

Ironing nylon might not be a cinch – it will take a bit more attention than ironing something like cotton – but it’s not impossible! Thankfully, nylon items tend to resist the most stubborn of wrinkles on their own. But it’s helpful to know that if they do appear – we have some options to get them out.

With the information above, you can be sure that even your outermost layers are kept nice and smooth. You will look your best in a wrinkle-free coat this fall – and when you look good, you feel good.