The expert ironing tips that will have your clothes crease-free in SECONDS (including a clever way to remove scorch marks and using bobby pins for pleats)

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Ironing might be a tedious task, but it has to be done to keep our clothes looking crisp and presentable.

The good news is that there are a few useful ways of making this most dreaded of domestic chores quicker and easier.  

Expert Home Tips has compiled clever ways to avoid common mistakes when tackling a pile of ironing - including a handy hack that will rectify any stray scorch marks.

Ironing might be tedious but there are some ways to make it easier - and quicker. Here are the best hacks on the internet  

USE THE ENTIRE IRONING BOARD

Be sure to make use of the ironing board in its entirety by placing long items of clothing in 'landscape' position across it. 

Use the thinner end of the ironing board to get to creases near armholes. Simply place your top over the end - while being careful not to stretch it - and then iron out the crevices.

REMOVE SCORCH MARKS 

If you manage to scorch your clothes whilst ironing then don't fear. Expert Home Tips says using white vinegar can help.

They advise dipping a clean cloth into the liquid and wiping it over the affected area. Make sure to wipe a clean part of the cloth each time to avoid spreading the mark. Afterwards, wipe again with clean, cold water.

If you live in area where there is hard water, it will help to boil the water before you put it in the iron

USE THE CORRECT TECHNIQUE

It might sound obvious but there is, in fact, a technique to ironing - and it involves long, straight strokes.

Don't wiggle the iron around, as this causes the fabric to stretch and can result in awkward creases, which are hard to get rid of.   

BOIL YOUR IRONING WATER

If you happen to live in an area where there is hard water then it might be beneficial to boil the water before you add it to your iron. 

Without boiling, you run the risk of blocking up the iron, thus leading to stains and reduced efficiency.   

IRON AROUND DECORATIVE OBJECTS 

It is always best to avoid zips and buttons but embellishments such as sequins, glitter or very fine lace should also be ironed around.

Most of the time, they don't require ironing - if you can't avoid it turn the garment inside out and switch your iron to a low temperature.

When ironing shirts, start from the outside 

TURN GARMENTS INSIDE OUT  

If you've ever noticed a slight sheen on your clothing after ironing, it is caused by the excess heat. 

To avoid this from now on, try ironing garments inside out whenever you can as it will protect the appearance of your clothes.   

IRON IN THE RIGHT ORDER 

When ironing tricky objects like shirts, Expert Home Tips says to start from the outside and work your way in.

Start, for example, with the collar and cuffs and then iron in from there.   

USE BOBBY PINS FOR PLEATS 

When attempting to tackle a tricky pleated item of clothing, secure the pleats in place using bobby pins.

This means you can concentrate on your ironing technique rather than having to focus on moving the pleats each time.

BANISH CREASES WITH DIY SPRAY 

Some creases are quite ingrained into garments and it can be hard to get rid of them by ironing.

Expert Home Tips recommends making a spray from white vinegar and water. Mix it up and spritz it over areas with particularly bad creases. Once you go over them with the iron again, they should be easy to smooth out.

Expert Home Tips recommends starting with a cool temperature and then gradually increasing

IRON FROM COOL TO HOT 

Before you begin to tackle a pile of creased clothes, try organising them into three piles: delicate, medium and durable.

Work your way up and start with the delicates on a low temperature, and use a hotter temperature later on for the more durable piece. This is helpful because irons take a while to cool down.   

LINE AN IRONING BOARD WITH ALUMINIUM FOIL 

Another top tip that will cut down your time spent ironing is lining the board with aluminium foil.

This is a heat conductor and the heat, Expert Home Tips says, will mean the foil ‘irons’ the other side of the garment when you pass over it. This removes the need for ironing on both sides and gets great results.

IRON COTTON GARMENTS WHILST DAMP 

Creases in cotton can be hard to iron out, but there is a way to tackle them.

Make sure to try and iron them when they are still damp, as the heat will create steam when it hits the water, thus helping the creases to fall out.