A Professional’s Guide to Rapid Ironing

Gerri Young, founder of the pick-up laundry service Allo Laverie (212-717-9920), describes how to get a flat-pressed shirt in a minute (or two).

(Photo: Kagan McLeod)

Step 1: Hand-Wash
Gentle, old-fashioned scrubbing creates fewer wrinkles. Drying shirts “flat will ensure a crisp finish.”

(Photo: Kagan McLeod)

Step 2: Don’t Overdry
Stretch the wet shirt and let it dry slightly. “It’s best to start ironing with a damp shirt,” she says.

(Photo: Kagan McLeod)

Step 3: Use Steam
“A touch helps get out stubborn wrinkles or remove any mistakes,” she says. Your iron doesn’t have steam? Use a spray bottle.

(Photo: Kagan McLeod)

Step 4: Be Methodical
“Press a shirt following this order: collar, yoke and shoulder, cuff, then sleeve and body. Start on the left if you’re right-handed, and on the right if you’re left-handed, then work around.”

(Photo: Kagan McLeod)

Step 5: Finish on a Hanger
Hang the shirt and gently crease the collar down with your hands. Button the top two buttons to keep that nice, crisp fold.