Mistakes & fixes

A sticky patch left on fabric or the iron plate from misapplied fusible web softens when reheated. Press through scrap paper to lift residue off fabric, and clean the iron plate with a hot-iron cleaner.

Melted candle wax or fusible web residue stuck to fabric can be lifted by placing the fabric between layers of brown paper and pressing with a warm iron, letting the paper absorb the melted wax.

Velvet or other pile fabric flattened from pressure or storage can often be restored by steaming from the wrong side without letting the iron touch the pile, then brushing the nap back upright.

Orange-brown marks from rusty pins or hardware left against damp fabric need an acidic treatment like lemon juice and salt, since detergent won't shift them. Rinse well and avoid chlorine bleach, which can set rust permanently.