Ironing Boards

Origin of the Ironing board

Untill the early years of the eighteenth century, clothing and linen were ironed on either large pieces of board or on the surface of tables that were wrapped with padding or ironing blankets. The ironing board should have been more appropriately called ironing table, but the use of wooden boards brought about the usage of the term 'Ironing Board'. The skirt board was introduced in the nineteenth century. This was a wooden board that was cut wide on one side and was narrower on the other side. Ready made skirt iron boards started to sell in the late nineteenth century. In 1989 collapsible legs were incorporated in the skirt board. This enabled the ironing boards to be set up anywhere. These early versions of ironing boards had a leg in each corner that could be unfolded. Nevertheless the legs were not easy to maneuver. In 1914, an ironing table with three points of support was devised. By 1940 all metal collapsible ironing boards were being manufactured. But the fundamental design of the collapsible ironing board has undergone only miniscule changes.

Types of Ironing boards

The use of an iron board is of utmost in every household. It enables us to wear wrinkle free, pressed clothes each time. The modest iron boards has been around in one form or the other. Although irons have evolved from being heavy masses of metal to the lightweight contemporary models, the ironing board has not changed much in terms of structure and design. There are several types of ironing boards.

• Free standing Ironing boards
  The earliest type of iron board was free standing and made of wood. Contemporary times have seen these folding ironing boards being manufactured in lightweight aluminum and come equipped with cord guides and holders for steam iron. Some of the more expensive models of this particular iron boards have metal hanging racks at one end for the purpose of hanging the clothes have been freshly ironed.

• Built in Ironing board
  Iron boards that were built into the recess of a wall were very much in demand in the 1940's. Their popularity has soared again in contemporary times. The biggest advantage of these types of iron boards is that they can be stored away in a cabinet until their need arises and then folded down from the wall. These iron boards can even be installed in a walk in closet. Such ironing boards are perfectly convenient for small homes and apartments where space is a constraint. However even the owners of large homes sometimes prefer the convenience of the wall mounted ironing board. They take only a limited amount of time to be set up and put away. Some versions of these ironing boards can be swiveled out at an angle into a very suitable position.

• Ironing board centers
  Ironing stores come equipped with compartments for the easy storage of things like the iron, spray and starch. The big cabinet is built into a wall and comprises of shelves, drawers and a swiveling ironing board.

• Mini Ironing Boards
  The mini ironing board measures about 3 feet in length. They can be put on a table or dresser. These are ideal for use by people who are living in small apartments. They also come handy for use in hotels and motels. The relatively small size of these iron boards enables them to be stored in a small space.

• Door mounted Ironing board
  As the name suggests, this kind of ironing board can be mounted on a door. It can be hooked over the top of the door so that it can be easily lifted out and moved wherever it may be needed. There is also the option of screwing it unto the top of the door. When you want to put it to use all you have to do is to flick it down. This kind of iron board is again good for places that are lacking in space since it can be conveniently tucked out of sight on the back of a bedroom or laundry room door.

Some benefits of Ironing boards

• Most of the ironing boards give you the freedom to work away from power points since they furnished with long cables.

• The ironing boards are designed in away so that you do not get tired. The small surface area of the ironing board enables you to cover the surface of your clothes faster.

• The design of the ironing board is such that you can wrap a shirt or a trouser around and effectively iron them.

• Most of the ironing boards give you the freedom to work away from power points since they furnished with long cables.

• The compact nature of ironing boards enables us to store them away until needed.

• Some ironing boards have a system for managing the cables so that the iron's cable does not interfere with your work.

• Some Ironing boards furnished with racks so that you can place the pressed clothes in them and collect them all after the ironing is done.

• The materials that are used to cover the ironing boards are highly resistant to heat. So even if you place the iron on it a wee bit longer it will not damage the board.

• Some ironing boards have a holder in which you can place the iron without worrying about burning anything.

Guide to buying an Ironing board

The role of the ironing board is as important as the iron. An ideal ironing board will add to your convenience while making the tedious task of ironing easier on you. Therefore it is of utmost importance that you choose an ironing board that would best suit your needs. There are some factors to be kept in mind which will help as a guide to buy the ideal ironing board.

• Size of the Ironing board
  When choosing an ironing board, try to go for a model that is very wide. This will help in effective ironing. A full sized ironing board measures about 4feet in length and 12 to 18 inches in width.

• Height of the Ironing board
  A majority of the people prefer to do their ironing work in the standing position. But standing for prolonged periods of time could also cause a certain amount of discomfort. To counter this it is advisable to buy an ironing board that rises to the level of your hips.

• Mobility of the Ironing board
  There are generally two types of ironing boards - the portable version and the built in version. As the name suggests the built in versions are usually incorporated into a wall cabinet or a door. The portable versions can be set up just about anywhere so that you can choose the location where you would prefer to do your ironing.

• Weight of the Ironing board
  Choosing an ironing board that is lightweight in nature will make things easier for you. It can be set up easily and can be stored with minimal effort. A light ironing board will also be easier to shift around the house until you decide on a suitable location.

• Durability of the Ironing board
  A good ironing board should have a sturdy frame that will not collapse or fall over when you are going about your ironing business. Choose an ironing board that is stable and comes equipped with strong legs and a solid base. Small children in a household are prone to running into things. A sturdy ironing board can help in preventing any untoward incidents.

• Adjustability of the ironing board
  There are some models of ironing boards that can be adjusted according to the height of the person who is using it. There might be some people who prefer to do their ironing while sitting down. Also in a household there will be people of different heights. In such cases the adjustable ironing boards are a perfect choice.

• Pad of the Ironing board
  The pad of the ironing board should ideally have a few holes that would facilitate the escape of steam. These tiny holes are also capable of making dents in the clothes that you are ironing. So take care that the ironing board you choose has adequate padding. Some ironing boards also come with a separate board cover that could be coated with a non stick or reflective coating. While the reflective surface transfers the heat back into the clothes the non stick coating prevents the clothes from sticking to the ironing board.

• Other features of Ironing boards
  There are a few features that you can choose to be a part f your ironing board. These features transform the chore of ironing clothes into a more convenient task.

  • The 'sleeve' is a feature that enables the ironing of sleeves and other small articles of clothing. This is attached to the ironing board and measures about 2 feet in length and 6 to 8 inches in width.

  • The 'Iron rest' incorporated at the wide end expands the usable area for ironing and prevents the iron from falling off.

  • The 'rack' is used for hanging the clothes that are being ironed.

Cleaning your Ironing board

Cleaning your ironing board at frequent intervals is a must to ensure the cleanliness of the board and the clothes that are being ironed on it. After setting up your ironing board this is what you must do.

• Remove the cover and the pad of your ironing board.

• Take a damp cloth and wipe the surface area of the ironing board. Ensure that the ironing board is completely dry since most of them are made of metal and the presence of moisture will trigger rust.

• Spot clean the cover of the ironing board with a damp cloth. Since most of the ironing board covers furnished with an anti-stain coating, blot cleaning should be easy.

• Replace the cover of the ironing board by stretching it out on top of the board. Ensure that there are no wrinkles that leave visible marks on your clothes.

• Also make sure that the surface of the ironing pad is completely dry prior to replacing the cover and the pad.