Iron Temperature Settings Guide

Why Iron Temperature Matters

Using the wrong iron temperature is one of the most common causes of fabric damage. Too hot and you scorch, melt, or create permanent shine marks. Too cool and the iron glides over wrinkles without removing them. The right temperature for each fabric is specific — and most irons make it easy to set correctly once you know what to look for.

How Iron Temperature Settings Work

Most irons have a temperature dial with fabric symbols or dot indicators. The dots correspond to temperature ranges:

• One dot (•): Low heat — approximately 110°C / 230°F
• Two dots (••): Medium heat — approximately 150°C / 300°F
• Three dots (•••): High heat — approximately 200°C / 390°F

The BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron has a clearly marked temperature dial with fabric indicators, making it straightforward to select the right setting for each garment.

Temperature Guide by Fabric

Synthetic Fabrics (One Dot • — Low Heat, No Steam)

Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fabrics have the lowest heat tolerance. High heat melts synthetic fibers, creating a shiny, stiff texture that can't be reversed.

• Polyester: One dot, no steam. Use a pressing cloth for extra protection.
• Nylon: One dot, no steam. Keep the iron moving — never hold stationary.
• Acrylic: One dot, no steam. Very heat-sensitive — consider a steamer instead.
• Spandex/Lycra blends: One dot or avoid ironing entirely — use a steamer.

Silk (One Dot • — Low Heat, No Steam)

Silk is a natural fiber but extremely heat-sensitive. Use the lowest setting, no steam, and always place a pressing cloth between the iron and the silk. Iron on the wrong side (inside) of the garment where possible. Steam can cause water spotting on some silk finishes.

Wool (Two Dots •• — Medium Heat, Steam)

Wool responds well to steam but can be damaged by direct high heat. Always use a pressing cloth between the iron and wool fabric to prevent shine. The steam helps relax the fibers without the risk of scorching.

• Standard wool: Two dots with steam, pressing cloth always.
• Cashmere: One to two dots, pressing cloth, or use a steamer instead — cashmere is more delicate than standard wool.

Polyester-Cotton Blends (Two Dots •• — Medium Heat)

Blended fabrics should be ironed at the temperature appropriate for the most heat-sensitive fiber in the blend. A 60/40 cotton-polyester blend should be ironed at medium heat — the polyester component limits how hot you can go.

Linen (Three Dots ••• — High Heat, Steam)

Linen is one of the most heat-tolerant fabrics and actually irons best at high heat with plenty of steam. Iron while the fabric is still slightly damp for the best result — linen is notoriously difficult to iron when bone dry. The BeautifyBeauties Continuous Mister is useful for keeping linen damp during ironing.

Cotton (Two to Three Dots •• to ••• — Medium to High Heat, Steam)

Cotton is the most commonly ironed fabric and handles heat well. The exact setting depends on the weight and weave:

• Lightweight cotton (voile, lawn): Two dots with steam
• Standard cotton (dress shirts, t-shirts): Two to three dots with steam
• Heavy cotton (denim, canvas): Three dots with steam

Rayon / Viscose (One to Two Dots • to •• — Low to Medium Heat)

Rayon is heat-sensitive and shrinks easily. Use low to medium heat and iron on the wrong side of the fabric with a pressing cloth. Iron while slightly damp.

General Rules

• When in doubt, start lower: You can always increase the temperature if needed. You can't undo heat damage.
• Always check the care label: The iron symbol on the care label shows the maximum safe temperature (number of dots).
• Use a pressing cloth for delicates: A thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric protects against shine and direct heat damage.
• Allow the iron to reach temperature before use: Ironing with an iron that hasn't fully heated produces poor results and may leave water spots from the steam function.
• Iron dark fabrics inside out: Prevents shine on the outer surface.

Quick Reference Chart

• Synthetic (polyester, nylon, acrylic): • Low, no steam
• Silk: • Low, no steam, pressing cloth
• Cashmere: • to •• Low-medium, pressing cloth
• Wool: •• Medium, steam, pressing cloth
• Rayon/viscose: • to •• Low-medium, pressing cloth
• Cotton-polyester blend: •• Medium, steam
• Cotton: •• to ••• Medium-high, steam
• Linen: ••• High, steam, iron damp

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I iron on too high a temperature?

For synthetics: melting and permanent shine. For natural fibers: scorching, yellowing, and weakened fibers. Always start lower and increase if needed.

Should I use steam for all fabrics?

No — avoid steam for silk (water spotting risk) and synthetics (steam can cause distortion at low temperatures). Use steam for cotton, linen, and wool.

Why does my iron leave shiny marks?

Shine marks are caused by too much heat or pressure on synthetic or blended fabrics. Use a lower temperature, reduce pressure, and use a pressing cloth.

Can I iron all fabrics in one pass without changing the temperature?

Not recommended. Sort your ironing by fabric type and iron all items at the same temperature together, starting with the lowest temperature fabrics and working up to the highest. This is more efficient than constantly adjusting the dial.