Care, Finishing, Pressing and Packaging
Scope
Pressing, finishing, stain removal, care labelling and packing.
Core rules
- Pressing: heat, steam, pressure and time; use a press cloth on wool and synthetics; vacuum cools and sets.
- Iron dot temperatures: 1 dot 110 C, 2 dots 150 C, 3 dots 200 C.
- Care symbols: wash tub, triangle bleach, square dry, iron, circle dry clean; letters P, F, A.
- Finishing: trim threads, inspect, spot-clean, fold, tag, polybag, carton. Pressing defects include shine, scorch, moire and water marks.
- Spotting: identify water-based versus solvent-based stains; test on a hidden area.
- Packaging must protect from moisture and transit damage; barcode and size must match the packing list.
Worked example
A polyester shirt needs pressing. Reasoning: polyester is thermoplastic, so high heat will glaze or shrink it. Set the iron to low-medium (about 110-150 C), use a press cloth, press dry with minimal steam, and cool before folding. A scorch cannot be reversed.
Traps
Ironing wool directly at high heat; packing damp garments; missing or wrong care label; pressing over a zip or button; using a dirty soleplate.