How Laundry Shops Deal with Ironing Shine Marks on Garments

In daily operations, laundry shops may encounter such a problem: some parts of garments (trouser legs, knees, cuffs, and collars) develop shine marks after ironing. They reflect light like a mirror. This greatly affects garment appearance. This phenomenon is noticeable on dark fabrics (such as blue and black).

What’s the real cause? Actually, this is an ironing shine effect. Fabric surface fibers are damaged and flattened by friction, heat, and pressure. Abnormal light reflection forms the ironing shine effect. Simply speaking, the surface fibers or fabric pile is damaged. Can this situation be restored? Yes. This article will introduce some restoration methods.

Ironing Shine Mark Removal

According to the garment ironing shine mark levels and fabric types, take different restoration methods.

● Slight ironing shine marks

Don’t worry about mirror-like shine marks on garments. Spray a small amount of water on the shiny areas. Set the steam iron to a medium heat mode. Place a clean cotton cloth on the garment. Then gently iron several times. Garments usually restore their original appearance. 

● Serious ironing shine marks

If shine marks are noticeable, use some baby powder to remove them. Apply it evenly to the shiny areas. Leave them for about 5 minutes. Then adjust the iron to steam mode. Do not let the iron directly contact the garment. Keep the iron a distance from garments. Direct steam back and forth over the shiny areas. Finally, gently flatten garments with a pressing cloth. Garments can restore their original state. 

● Cotton scorching 

If cotton garments develop slight scorching or ironing shine marks, gently rub with some fine salt. Salt helps remove scorch marks and shine marks. Then clean garments with water. 

● Silk garments

For ironing shine marks on silk garments, a baking soda paste can be used to remove scorch marks. After moisture naturally evaporates, use low-temperature ironing with a wet pressing cloth. Shine marks can be removed.

● Wool garments

For wool fabrics, scrub with a soft brush first. This enables shine marks to lose gloss and expose the underlying fabrics. Then use a needle tip to gently prick areas without pile. This helps lift the pile. Finally, iron along the direction of the pile with a wet protective cloth. Garments can restore their fabric appearance. 

● A general method—vinegar treatment

Use cotton buds to dip in a little diluted vinegar solution (vinegar:water≈1:3). Gently clean the shiny areas. Then place a wet cloth on the garments and iron. If the ironing results are not noticeable, repeat this operation. Properly extend the wetting time or increase the vinegar solution concentration.

Garment Ironing Methods

To avoid ironing shine marks on garments, proper prevention is essential. 

● Check ironing labels

Fabric types and recommended ironing temperature are clearly noted on each garment care label. For example, most chemical fibers cannot withstand high temperatures. Among natural fibers, silk and wool should be kept away from heat. But cotton and linen are heat-resistant. Before ironing, carefully check labels to adjust the temperature. 

● Keep iron clean & smooth

An unclean iron base with fiber and starch residue easily damages fabrics. Regularly use a wet cloth to clean an iron soleplate. If an iron is not smooth enough, drop a little colorless and odorless oil or wax on clean towels. Then iron a few times. This makes ironing easier. Garments are not prone to forming wrinkles. 

● Follow recommended ironing temperatures

- Leather garments

Use a low-temperature mode. It is necessary to place a cotton cloth on garments. Remember to move the iron quickly and evenly. 

- Knitted garments

They easily become distorted. Avoid heavy pressure. Just gently press and iron.

- Down coats

It is not recommended to use an electric iron. Fill an enamel cup with boiled water. Hot press with a protective cloth to remove wrinkles. This cannot damage fabrics and develop shine marks. 

- Chemical fibers

Strictly use a low-temperature ironing method.

- Dark or easy-to-shine fabrics

Place a white wet cloth on garments to iron. This is an effective way to avoid ironing shine marks.

● Other ironing techniques & preparation

Keep the ironing board stable. And use a heat-resistant cover.

The water storage capacity of an iron should be moderate. Prevent garments from getting wet caused by excessive water. 

Most garments support steam ironing. But it is not suitable for those parts with fusible interlining.

For garments which are prone to shine marks, it is suggested to use a heat-resistant cover or a protective cloth.

Scorching & Yellowing Treatment Methods

Besides ironing shine marks, excessive iron temperatures lead to garment yellowing or scorching. Different fabric types have different treatment methods. 

- Cotton

Promptly add fine salt and gently scrub. Then let them dry and clean.

- Silk

Apply baking soda paste on it. After drying, iron with a protective cloth. 

- Wool

After scrubbing, use a needle tip to prick the pile. Then iron along the direction of the pile with a wet protective cloth. 

- A general method

Drop a little vinegar solution on shiny areas. Then iron with a protective cloth. After cleaning, shine marks can be greatly reduced.

Conclusion

In a word, laundry shops should remember these three points: iron with a protective cloth, control the temperature, and identify fabric types. The above three methods ensure safe garment ironing. 

Q&A

Q1: How can a new laundry shop configure laundry equipment?

A1: A new shop usually requires dry cleaning machines, washers/wet cleaning machines, dryers, stain removal tables, ironing tables, garment conveyor lines, and management systems.

Q2: Which machine should a new laundry shop choose, a wet cleaning machine or a washer? 

A2: A wet cleaning machine. It is highly automated. So it has a low labor dependency.

Q3: What is the warranty period for Kingstar wet cleaning machines and dryers?

A3: The complete machine has a two-year warranty period.