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Quick answer: fold a thick cotton towel (or two) on a sturdy, heat-safe surface such as a wooden table or kitchen worktop, lay the garment flat on top and iron as normal on a moderate setting. Never iron directly on a table, glass, a carpet or a bed without padding. For regular use, a cheap ironing mat or a table-top board is safer and gives better results. If you have no iron either, hang the garment in a steamy bathroom, tumble it for ten minutes with a damp towel, or use a handheld steamer.
Best ironing mat
- Surface: 65 x 120cm
- Layers: 6-layer heat-resistant material
- Base: Non-slip
Best table-top board
- Surface: About 95 x 34cm
- Height range: Table-top
- Weight: 1.5kg
If you do this often
- Best ironing mat Brabantia Ironing Blanket (£). Check price
- Best table-top board Joseph Joseph Pocket Plus (££). Check price
- Best no-board option Tefal Pure Pop (£). Check price
How we chose these picks
We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications, independent UK tests and reviews, and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We checked that every product was on sale in the UK when this page was last updated, and we re-check stock every month. We do not hands-on test products ourselves, and we say so on every review. Commission from retailer links never affects which products we pick. Read how we research.
Comparison table
| Model | Surface | Price tier |
|---|---|---|
| Brabantia Ironing Blanket | 65 x 120cm | £ |
| Joseph Joseph Pocket Plus | About 95 x 34cm | ££ |
| Tefal Pure Pop | not published | £ |
Price tiers compare models within this guide: £ budget, ££ mid-range, £££ premium, ££££ top of the range. We do not list exact prices because they change daily. Tap “Check price” to see the current price on Amazon UK.
Recommended alternatives to a full-size board
Best ironing mat
Brabantia Ironing Blanket: Best ironing mat
- Surface: 65 x 120cm
- Layers: 6-layer heat-resistant material
- Base: Non-slip
- Storage: Hanging loop
A proper version of the towel trick: six padded layers and a non-slip back.
Full review, pros and cons in our ironing mat vs ironing board guide
Best table-top board
Joseph Joseph Pocket Plus: Best table-top board
- Surface: About 95 x 34cm
- Height range: Table-top
- Weight: 1.5kg
- Iron rest: Iron stores inside
A real padded board that folds small enough to live in a cupboard.
Best no-board option
Tefal Pure Pop: Best no-board option
- Power: 1300W
- Steam: 20g/min
- Tank: 70ml
- Heat-up: 15s
For hanging clothes you can skip the board altogether.
Full review, pros and cons in our best handheld clothes steamers guide
1. A towel on a table or worktop
Clear the surface and check it is heat-safe (bare wood, laminate or stone, not glass or polished finishes). Lay one or two thick, light-coloured cotton towels flat, smooth out wrinkles in the towel, then iron. Lift the iron between strokes on delicate surfaces and let the towel cool before folding it away.
2. An ironing mat or blanket
A heat-resistant mat is the proper version of the towel trick: it has several padded layers and a non-slip base, and it rolls up for storage. Ideal for flats, students and travel.
3. A table-top ironing board
Small folding boards give you a proper padded surface and a shaped end for shirts, and store in a cupboard.
4. On the bed (with care)
A firm mattress with a thick towel on top works in a pinch, but the surface is soft and uneven. Use a low setting and don’t leave the iron resting on the bed.
5. Use a steamer instead
For hanging clothes, a handheld steamer needs no board at all.
6. Hang it in a steamy bathroom
For light creases, hang the garment in the bathroom while you shower, then smooth it with your hands. It won’t replace ironing, but it helps in a hotel.
What to avoid
- Ironing directly on wood, glass, plastic or carpet.
- Using coloured towels that may transfer dye.
- High heat and heavy steam on surfaces that can mark.
- Leaving the iron face down on any improvised surface.
Frequently asked questions
Can I iron on a towel on the floor?
You can on a hard floor with a thick towel, but it is uncomfortable and easy to trip over the cord. A table is better.
Can I iron on a wooden table?
Yes, with thick padding (folded towels or an ironing mat). Never iron directly on the wood, because heat and steam can mark it.
What can I use instead of an ironing board?
A towel on a sturdy table, an ironing mat, a table-top board, or a garment steamer for hanging clothes.
How do I get creases out with no iron at all?
Hang the garment in the bathroom while you run a hot shower for ten minutes, then smooth it by hand and let it dry on a hanger. For a faster fix, put it in the tumble dryer on a medium heat for ten minutes with a damp towel or a few ice cubes, and hang it straight away. A hairdryer on warm, held a few centimetres from lightly dampened fabric while you pull it taut, works on collars and hems. None of these give a sharp crease; for that you need a handheld steamer or an iron.
