Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check the garment’s care label before choosing an iron setting. Its iron symbol sets a temperature limit; your iron’s manual explains which dial or control matches that limit. Treat fabric charts as general guidance, not permission to exceed the label.
What the iron symbols mean
The Government of Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs defines the care-label iron symbols by maximum temperature: low means no more than 110°C, medium no more than 150°C, and high no more than 200°C. A symbol with fewer dots permits less heat; the limit is not a universal dial number.
- One dot: low, up to 110°C.
- Two dots: medium, up to 150°C.
- Three dots: high, up to 200°C.
- Iron symbol crossed out: do not iron.
See the Government of Canada care-labelling guide for the symbol categories. Follow any written garment instructions as well as the symbol.
General iron settings by fabric
This chart is a starting point only. The garment label and the iron manual take priority, especially for blends, finishes, and delicate construction.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- ANTI-DRIP SMARTSTREAM TECHNOLOGY: Engineered to prevent dripping by maintaining water at the proper temperature needed to generate steam. Volts : 120V. Wattage : 1200W. Requires AC Power. Easy-Fill Translucent Water Tank.
- 3-WAY AUTO SHUTOFF: Get peace of mind with motion-sensitive technology that automatically shuts off the iron if left inactive on its heel, side or soleplate. To clean iron, wipe soleplate and outer surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water.
- TRUEGLIDE NONSTICK SOLEPLATE: The enhanced soleplate is designed to glide smoothly across all fabric types for ease of use. Recommended for fabrics such as Cotton/Wool/Blend/Polyester/Rayon/Nylon/Synthetic.
- SPRAY MIST: This push-button mister helps moisten fabrics to tackle and smooth away deep wrinkles.
- ERGONOMIC COMFORT GRIP HANDLE: comfort grip handle ergonomically shaped to fit hand contours for comfort, while 360° pivoting cord allows for easy maneuverability.
| Fabric or group | General direction | Practical caution |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon, acetate, acrylic, spandex, and similar heat-sensitive synthetics | Low heat; dry ironing or minimal steam only if permitted | Avoid prolonged direct contact. Panasonic advises low heat and no steam for nylon and acetate. |
| Polyester and many blends | Low to medium, according to the label and iron manual | High heat can damage or shine the surface. Consider ironing inside out or using a pressing cloth if allowed. |
| Silk | Low is a conservative general starting point | Iron on the reverse; do not use steam if garment instructions prohibit it. |
| Wool | Medium in many charts | Use a pressing cloth, gentle pressure, and restrained steam if allowed. |
| Cotton | Often medium-high to high | Steam or slight dampness can help when permitted; not every cotton garment tolerates maximum heat. |
| Linen | Often high | Steam or slight dampness can help when permitted. Protect dark fabric from shine where appropriate. |
The Government of Canada groups cotton and linen with high ironing, while polyester, rayon, silk, triacetate, and wool are associated with medium; it lists acetate, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polypropylene, and spandex among heat-sensitive fibers for low ironing. These are symbol categories, not a substitute for the garment’s own label.
Match the label to your iron’s controls
Do not assume a numbered dial or fabric-named setting corresponds to a care-label dot in the same way on every iron. Controls and steam ranges vary by appliance. Panasonic’s manufacturer guidance is: “Check the fabric for specific ironing instruction, always follow manufacturer’s instructions.” Use the manual for your particular model to map the label’s maximum temperature to its control.
Rank #2
- 2X MORE DURABLE - THE #1 US BRAND IN IRONS*—The BLACK+DECKER Cord Reel Iron features a premium stainless steel sole plate for long-lasting durability, offering 2X more durability compared to standard ceramic.
- BURST OF STEAM & ERGONOMIC SPRAY MIST BUTTON: Delivers powerful steam to remove stubborn wrinkles, while the ergonomic spray mist button allows for quick misting. Vertically steam garments on hangers or draperies for professional results at home.
- AUTOMATIC CORD REEL - The automatic cord reel design allows for quick and easy storage, with the cord unwinding and retracting to save space and keep your ironing area tidy; convenient 8-foot cord for added flexibility.
- AUTO CLEAN SYSTEM - The Auto Clean selector keeps your iron running smoothly year after year by utilizing hot water and steam released from the vents. Refer to the user manual for guidance.
- ANTI DRIP SYSTEM: Prevents water spotting at lower temperatures with a steam rate of 13g/min and an easy fill 250ml water tank. You may see water drops in the tank, as all irons are quality tested with water before shipping.
Manufacturer charts can also differ. Rowenta’s approximate examples include silk at about 110°C, polyester at 120–150°C, wool at about 150°C, light cotton at about 180°C, and linen at about 205°C. Those are general examples, not universal garment limits. The linen example is above the Government of Canada guide’s 200°C high-symbol ceiling, so do not combine charts mechanically: follow the garment label and your iron manual.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Handle blends and delicate garments cautiously
For a blend, use the most heat-sensitive fiber
Panasonic recommends choosing a blend setting according to the lower-temperature fiber. If a garment contains fibers with different heat tolerances, do not choose a hotter setting just because one component—such as cotton—usually tolerates more heat.
Rank #3
- 9 Preset Modes: Features a clear-view LCD screen, Stop with the guesswork and don’t burn your clothes; Select your fabric type and always iron with the right heat; Ideal temps for nylon, silk, wool, cotton, jeans, linen and more
- Double Ceramic Soleplate: Harder than stainless steel, super scratch resistant, and more durable and easier to clean; Protect your delicate clothes with a unique double-layer design that ensures even heating of the entire soleplate
- Be Safer with Auto Shutoff: We all get distracted at some point, so don’t put those around you at risk; Motion sensors automatically shut off the iron to avoid danger when it sits motionless for too long; Shuts off after 30 seconds when laying flat and 8 minutes when vertical
- All Pre-Tested: Every Iron is tested by our QC team before leaving the factory so you’re assured quality right out of the box
- Fully Featured: Packs a huge list of features including an LCD screen, fabric presets, water spray and steam bursts, and 1800 watts of pure power so no fabric in your home is too tough to iron
Test discreetly and protect the surface
If the label and manual leave room for uncertainty, begin cautiously and test a hidden area. Panasonic recommends a pressing cloth for wool and ironing silk on the reverse. For synthetics, avoid prolonged direct contact; use a pressing cloth or reverse-side ironing where appropriate and consistent with the care instructions.
Treat steam as a separate choice
A safe temperature does not automatically make steam safe. Check both the garment instructions and the iron manual before using steam. Panasonic advises no steam for nylon and acetate; other fabrics may also have restrictions on their labels.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EVEN STEAM STAINLESS SOLEPLATE: Even steam distribution from heel to tip helps tame wrinkles anywhere on garments.
- SMART STEAM CONTROL - The easy-read control automatically regulates and optimizes steam levels based on the temperature setting you select.
- DUAL POSITION CORD - The cord is designed to toggle down so it stays out of the way while you iron.
- SPRAY MIST AND STEAM BURST BUTTONS - The side-by-side buttons offer total moisture control. One delivers a burst of steam and the other a gentle spray mist.
- EASY-FILL WATER TANK - The 230 ML water tank is designed for easy filling and features a large capacity relative to the compact size of the iron.
Rank #4
- Ceramic Coated Soleplate: Non-stick and glides over all fabric smoothly; harder than stainless steel, super scratch resistant, and more durable and easier to clean
- Faster Heating: Our steam iron reaches max temperature in less than a minute, much faster than traditional irons
- Easy Control Thermostat Dial: Simply select a fabric type and the iron will automatically heat to just the right temperature
- Safety Comes First: This iron comes with a 3-way automatic shut-off system that automatically turns off the iron after 8 minutes if left sitting vertical and after 30 seconds if left horizontal or tipped over
- All Pre-Tested: Every Iron is tested by our QC team before leaving the factory so you are assured quality right out of the box
A cautious order for ironing
- Read the garment label. Check the iron symbol, written instructions, and any instruction not to iron or steam.
- Check the iron manual. Match the label’s maximum temperature to that model’s dial, fabric setting, and steam guidance.
- Sort garments by setting. Group those needing lower heat first so you can work upward without beginning delicate items at a hotter setting.
- Start at the lowest setting the label permits. Let the iron reach that setting before pressing.
- Test a hidden area when uncertain. Use a pressing cloth or the reverse side where appropriate.
- Increase heat only if needed and permitted. Do not exceed the care-label limit or the iron’s model-specific guidance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
