What Can You Put on an Automatic Ironing Machine? A Garment and Fabric Guide

Most people buy an automatic ironing machine for their shirts, then discover it handles a lot more than that. Here is what works well, which settings to use, and the few things you should keep off it.

The short answer

The Scanovus Automatic Ironing Machine 4.0 is designed for shirts, t-shirts, polos, blouses and trousers, and it also dries shoes with the included rack. The shirt form adjusts to fit sizes up to 3XL using the side zippers: the more you open them, the larger the form becomes.

Garment by garment

Shirts

This is what the machine does best. Put the shirt on damp, straight from the washing machine, fold the collar up, clip the front, back and sides, and set the time and temperature. It comes off dry and wrinkle-free in around 8 to 12 minutes.

Polos and t-shirts

Both work well. Because the fabric is softer than a shirt, a lower temperature is usually enough, and they dry quickly.

Blouses

Blouses are often made from lighter or more delicate fabrics. Use a low temperature and check the care label first.

Trousers and jeans

The machine works with trousers too, including jeans. They dry smooth from the inside instead of creasing on a radiator or an airer.

Jumpers and knitwear

Customers use it for pullovers as well. One wrote that they get "perfectly ironed shirts, T shirts and Pullovers every time". Use low heat, and check the care label, since some knitwear should only be dried flat.

Shoes

With the included rack, the machine dries shoes and trainers, which is handy after a wet commute or a walk in the rain.

Choosing the temperature

The touch panel lets you set both time and temperature. The simple rule from our setup guide is: low heat for delicate textiles, higher heat for cotton. When in doubt, start lower and add a few minutes rather than turning the heat up.

What to keep off the machine

• Anything the care label says not to tumble dry or heat, such as some wool, silk or garments with special finishes.
• Garments with loose embellishments, like sequins or glued-on decorations, which may not like warm air.
• Anything too small or too large for the form. If a garment does not fit snugly, it will not be stretched smooth.

Tips for the best result on any garment

1. Start with damp fabric. If it has already dried, mist it with the atomizer first.
2. Adjust the zippers and telescopic rods so the garment fits snugly.
3. Use the clips to keep the fabric taut.
4. Smooth collars, cuffs and seams by hand before you start.

Wondering how it compares with an iron or a steamer? Read our side-by-side comparison.