A good steam iron is also important. Be careful to lower the temperature for synthetics like nylon. These can melt all over a hot iron and ruin it so it will not glide until properly cleaned.

Proper lighting and a clean, washable rug under the front and middle of the board is also important, so that long trousers, long items are not wiping the floor while you work on them.

Use distilled water or water from a Brita filter in your iron to extend its useful life by preventing deposits; also prevents staining of white items, fancy dresses from impure tap water.

I learned the hard way about this as a Navy Corpsman. One time I was ironing a sparkling white uniform and in a hurry. The spray starch fell off the wobbly board and the cap busted off when it hit the floor. It started spinning around in circles, spraying startch everywhere.

I grabbed the sprinning spray starch and pointed it into the rug I used for keeping whites off the floor while ironing and held it there until it expiated itself. Then I smelled something burning…I had left the very hot iron on my brand new white uniform, now having a very brown, iron-shaped scorch. Muttered expletives…I did not have another clean set of unironed whites and the clock was ticking. I had to touch up yesterday’s uniform and hurry to work after cleaning up all the mess.

You have to get the temperature right. The spray setting for water comes in handy. I recommend always using the steam. Linens and cottons like hot, but this is not necessary for wrinkle-free mens shirts, turn it down a bit.

For wool suits and thick items use lots of steam, keep the clean water refill bottle handy.

That’s my experience, important to follow, especially if you have a lot of ironing.