Strijkwerk

Strijkwerk is a Dutch term referring to the process of pressing textiles with a heated tool to remove wrinkles, shape garments and produce a smooth appearance. The word derives from strijken, meaning to stroke or smooth. Strijkwerk ranges from domestic ironing done with a household iron and ironing board to professional pressing services in laundries and garment manufacturing.

Common equipment for strijkwerk includes dry and steam irons, steam generators, pressing machines and finishing tables. Temperature and steam settings are matched to fabric types—cotton and linen tolerate higher heat while synthetics and delicate fibers require lower temperatures or protective cloths. Techniques such as ironing damp fabrics, using steam blasts, and employing pressing cloths help achieve better results and reduce shine or scorch marks.

In commercial contexts, strijkwerk may involve specialized machinery for shirts, trousers and large items like linens, offering faster, more consistent results than hand ironing. It is distinct from dry cleaning, which uses chemical solvents to clean garments; most garments require laundering before pressing for optimal finish.

Safety and care considerations include avoiding burns, preventing fabric damage by checking labels, and managing energy consumption. Alternatives and complements to traditional strijkwerk include garment steamers, wrinkle-release sprays and professional finishing services. Environmental attention is growing around energy-efficient irons and steam systems, as well as techniques that reduce water and electricity use while maintaining garment appearance.