Abstract: An improved cover for the soleplate of a hand iron that is quickly and easily attached to the iron's soleplate by a pair of tension members. The cover is fabricated from a single, relatively thin sheet of friction reducing PTFE material and functions to reduce frictional forces while ironing. The cover includes a plurality of steam vent holes, distributed in two separate patterns, allowing steam to flow through the cover from the steam holes conventionally provided in the iron's soleplate. Water leakage is prevented around the periphery of the iron by the formation of an upwardly turned lip around the periphery of the iron soleplate. Water leakage from the rear edge is prevented by a flap formed along the rear edge of the device. The rear flap and rear portion of the PTFE cover define a volume which retains water draining thereto when the iron is placed in its standing position. The invention provides an effective, low friction, heat shield for a hand pressing iron which provides improved steam distribution.