# Ironing Canonical page: https://everydaygarmentcare.co.uk/ironing/ Publisher: Everyday Garment Care Find the right iron, board and amount of steam for the clothes you actually press. Updated November 2026 ![A blue cotton shirt on an ironing board in a bright utility room]() ## Start with the job you need to do Compare the equipment first, then follow the guide for your garment or working space. For everyday pressing ### [Steam irons]() Compare controls, tank size and the cleaning routine for a regular basket. **Compare steam irons** For longer sessions ### [Steam generators]() Check base fit, refilling and the handpiece before making room for a separate tank. **Compare generators** For a small work surface ### [Tabletop boards]() Match the pressing deck and folded package to a stable surface and storage gap. **Find a compact board** Explore the full topic ## All ironing guides [Search every guide]() ### Choose an iron Compare the tank, controls and storage that suit your usual ironing load. - [Steam generator irons]() - [Steam irons]() - [Cordless irons]() - [Lightweight irons]() - [Automatic temperature irons]() ### Find a board Check the pressing surface, rest and working height before choosing a board. - [Tabletop boards]() - [Boards for steam generators]() - [Wide boards for bedding]() - [Wall-mounted boards]() - [Sleeve boards]() - [Measure your board]() - [Set the working height]() ### Press clothes well Work through a garment in a sensible order and choose the finish its label permits. - [Steam generator vs iron]() - [Iron a cotton shirt]() - [Iron a linen shirt]() - [Press a trouser crease]() - [Iron a printed T-shirt]() - [Use a pressing cloth]() Choosing & using ## Choose an iron and board for your routine ## Start with how much you iron If you press a couple of shirts at a time, start with a conventional steam iron. It stores as one piece and there is no separate tank or hose to set up. If you regularly work through a stack of cotton or linen, compare a generator’s refill arrangement and handpiece weight. The base gives you more water to work with, but it needs a stable place of its own. A [garment steamer]() is useful for a different job, such as easing hanging creases from a garment whose label permits steam. For collars, cuffs and sharp trouser creases, the flat surface of a board gives you something to press against. [View on Amazon]() For a narrow shelf ### Philips PerfectCare Compact GC7842/46 The base is 19.3 cm wide, with a 1.5 L tank and automatic temperature for ironable fabrics. Good for Good for regular ironing when cupboard width is tight and you can take a jug to the base for refills. Bear in mind The tank stays in the base. Check the 1.2 kg handpiece and allow room for the base and hose. - 1.5 L, fixed - 120 g/min - 400 g - 19.3 × 37.3 × 22.3 cm ## Make the board part of the decision Measure the pressing surface, open footprint and folded size separately. 1 ### Pressing surface The usable top for sleeves, shirts and longer garments. 2 ### Open footprint The floor space needed with the legs fully extended. 3 ### Folded size The height, width and depth of the gap it will go in. A tabletop board may suit shirts if you have a stable, heat-resistant surface at a comfortable height. A freestanding board gives you a choice of working height and can offer more room for long garments. If you already own a generator, check that the board maker permits that kind of base. Measure its feet and check the support’s stated load limit with a full tank in mind. A wide pressing surface tells you little about the size or strength of the iron rest. ## Check the label before setting the heat The dots on the iron symbol indicate the maximum soleplate temperature. Check the garment’s instructions for steam as well as heat, especially with prints, trims and mixed fabrics. [GINETEX care symbols]() explains the markings. If the appliance is spitting or leaving deposits, see the [spitting and marks guide]() before using it again on a favourite garment. ## Explore another topic [Steamers]()[Indoor drying]()[Fabric care]()[Care & fixes]() ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need a steam generator for occasional ironing? For one or two garments, a conventional steam iron is often simpler to set up and store. A generator becomes more appealing when a separate water tank and lighter handpiece suit regular batches. Check the whole unit’s storage size before choosing. ### Can every ironing board hold a steam generator? Check the board maker’s stated rest type and limits. A rest described for a conventional steam iron may be unsuitable for a separate generator base. Compare the base feet, filled weight and support area with the exact board instructions. ### Does more steam always give a better result? Published steam figures describe output, while your result also depends on the garment, heat setting, technique and pressing surface. Read continuous steam and short boost figures separately, and stay within the garment label’s limits. ### Which measurement matters when buying a board for a small home? Measure the pressing surface, the complete open footprint and the folded height, width and depth. A board that fits a cupboard can still block a door when open, so mark out its working space too. ### Where should I start if my iron leaves marks? Stop using it on a favourite garment while you identify the cause. Check whether the mark comes from the soleplate or the steam holes, then follow the exact model’s cleaning instructions. The care and fixes guides cover surface residue, water spitting and steam-system maintenance. **Affiliate disclosure.** If you buy through a product link on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. [How our links work]().