With the right equipment and some know-how, ironing is a cinch. Here are answers to some of your most “pressing” questions.

Q: What is the best kind of iron to buy?

A: If you iron infrequently, you don’t have to spend a lot. Here’s what to look for:

• Good: aluminum or nonstick soleplate, spray mist.

• Better: ceramic or stainless steel soleplate, steam burst, reservoir window, digital fabric selector.

• Best: stainless steel soleplate, large water tank, numerous steam holes and steam bursts or continuous steam on all settings, high wattage.

Q: Will any type of ironing board do?

A: A well-made ironing board can save you time and trouble. Narrow boards are better for ironing shirts, and women’s and children’s clothes. They’re also easier to store. Wide boards are a good choice for men’s pants, tablecloths and sheets. Keep an eye out for these features:

• Good: Sturdy (doesn’t wobble), rubber grips on feet and a secure cotton cover with pad.

• Better: Adjustable height, metal-mesh board.

• Best: Built-in outlet, iron rest, a garment rack, cord minder and wheels.

Q: What features are important in an ironing-board cover?

A: For steam irons, which let you produce bursts of steam by pressing a button, plain cotton covers are best. If you’re using an older iron or one without a steam feature, try a Teflon-coated-cotton cover. It will hold more heat, which is the key to getting out the wrinkles. Or use a silicone-coated cover; its smooth surface allows the iron to glide easily.

Q: Which dial setting is best for ironing?

A: Most irons use a universal dot system to indicate temperature:

• Low (one dot): synthetics

• Medium (two dots): silk and wool

• High (three dots): cotton and linen

Q: What should never be ironed?

A: Some fabrics are prone to stretching, scorching or flattening under the heat and weight of an iron. Use a garment steamer on drapes, valances, duvet covers and silk ties. Fabrics such as velvet, knits and blends that contain stretch synthetics (such as spandex) usually require steam. To avoid creating a shine, iron dark clothing on the wrong side or with a press cloth, which serves as a protective barrier between the fabric and the iron.

Q: Do buttons and other closures on clothes need to be protected?

A: Not always, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ironing over any fasteners can damage the garment and the iron. The heat from your iron can crack or melt buttons and plastic closures. Any rough or sharp edges on the garment are liable to scratch your iron’s soleplate. Always close zippers before ironing, but make sure to leave buttons unbuttoned.

Q: Do some fabrics iron better when wet?

A: Steam irons generally provide plenty of moisture, but as a rule, cotton, linen, rayon and silk should be damp when ironed.

Q: What is the proper way to iron a shirt?

A: Here are five easy steps for you to follow:

• Step 1: Working with a damp shirt, start at the collar, ironing the underside from ends to center. Repeat on front.

• Step 2: Iron the inside of a cuff, then the inside of the cuff placket and the lower inside portion of the sleeve, above the cuff. Iron the outside of the cuff. Repeat on other sleeve.

• Step 3: Hook one shoulder over the wide end of the board, and iron from the yoke (where the collar meets the shoulder) to the center of the shirt’s back. Repeat on other shoulder.

• Step 4: Lay one sleeve on the board, and iron from shoulder to cuff; then iron the other side. Repeat on other sleeve.

• Step 5: Iron the reverse side of the placket, and then the front and back panels of the shirt. Finally, touch up the collar if necessary.

Q: What is the best way to handle clothing after iron- ing?

A: Always hang a garment after ironing it. Let the clothing rest for at least five minutes, and up to 30 minutes before wearing it or putting it into the closet. By letting the fabric cool this way, new wrinkles are less likely to form.

Q: What is the ideal way to store an iron and an ironing board?

A: Rest the iron, which should be cool and empty of water, on its heel. You can buy hangers designed for storing an iron and board together on a wall or the back of a door.

Q: Can an iron be cleaned?

A: Starch, water minerals and even detergent can cause buildup on an iron’s soleplate. Use a hot-iron cleaner that comes in a tube. To use it, squirt some onto an old cloth and iron over it. A paste of baking soda and water can remove most substances from a cool iron, but use this mixture sparingly because it can scratch the soleplate.

On the Web

To watch a video of Martha ironing a shirt perfectly, go to www.marthastewart.com/ironing.