The Surprising Statistics and Facts About Ironing
Ironing is one of those household chores that many people dread. It can be boring, tedious, and seem like a waste of time. However, keeping your clothes neatly pressed does have its benefits. Read on to learn some interesting statistics and facts about ironing that may change your perception of this mundane task.
How Much Time Do People Spend Ironing?
According to studies by laundry experts, the average person spends around 2 hours per week ironing. That's over 100 hours per year! Ironing stacks up to be a significant task over a lifetime. Here's a breakdown of the average time spent ironing by gender:
| Gender | Hours Spent Ironing Per Week |
|---|---|
| Women | 2.5 hours |
| Men | 1.5 hours |
As you can see, women spend a bit more time pressing and perfecting their wardrobe. But men do dedicate a fair bit of time to keeping wrinkles at bay.
Environmental Impact of Ironing
All that ironing requires a lot of energy. It's estimated that ironing accounts for around 60% of the total energy usage for laundry. The average iron requires 1000-1800 watts to heat up and operate.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated carbon emissions from ironing per household:
- CO2 emissions from ironing: 55 kg per year
- Total household ironing CO2 emissions in the UK: 632,000 tonnes per year
While ironing does use up a fair bit of energy, today's irons are much more efficient than older models. And choosing to iron clothes that really need pressing versus just doing a quick touch-up can help reduce the environmental impact.
Ironing Mishaps and Injuries
Ironing requires close contact with a hot metal appliance, so it's no surprise that some accidents can happen. Here are some stats on ironing mishaps:
- Over 60,000 ironing-related injuries are reported each year in the UK
- 10,000 visits to emergency rooms in the US are related to ironing injuries annually
- The most common ironing injuries are burns to fingers, hands, arms, and legs
Most ironing accidents are preventable by taking precautions like keeping children away, not leaving an iron unattended, and using an ironing board. Still, it's important to be cautious when dealing with hot tools.
Ironing Fun Facts
Here are some fascinating and amusing facts about ironing throughout history:
- Ironing began as early as the 1st century BC using hot rocks and metal rods
- The first electric iron was patented in 1882, but didn't catch on until the 1930s
- Aluminum foil was used as a heat resistant ironing board cover in the early 1900s
- Ironing boards were taxed as luxury items by the UK government in the 1940s
- Sprinkling clothes with water before ironing used to be done with a perfume bottle!
Who knew ironing had such an intriguing backstory? With over 2000 years of history, it's clearly a task that's here to stay.
Tips for Easier Ironing
Now that you know more about the surprising facts and stats around ironing, here are some quick tips to make the chore faster and easier:
- Sort clothes by fabric type before ironing
- Let clothes air dry slightly before ironing
- Use the right temperature setting for each garment
- Always iron in long, smooth strokes in the direction of the grain
- Use a quality ironing board cover with heat reflection
Take the right steps to make your ironing more efficient and safe. You'll get through the chore faster and have crisp, wrinkle-free clothes to show for your time.
Top Ironing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Ironing seems simple enough - just press a hot metal plate over wrinkled clothes to smooth them out, right? Well, there are right and wrong ways to get the wrinkles out. Avoid these common ironing mistakes for better results:
Not Preparing Fabrics Beforehand
One big mistake is trying to iron clothes straight from the dryer. The heat from the dryer can set in wrinkles, making them harder to remove. Instead:
- Hang or lay clothes to air dry to relax fibers before ironing
- Lightly dampen synthetics and cottons with spray before ironing
- Use heavy steam on linens, wools and heavy fabrics
Using the Wrong Iron Temperature
Using the wrong iron temperature can lead to scorching delicate fabrics or failing to smooth out wrinkles. Refer to garment labels and iron fabrics accordingly:
| Fabric Type | Ideal Iron Temperature |
|---|---|
| Synthetics like polyester | Low or synthetic setting |
| Cotton and linen | Medium to high heat |
| Wool | Low with steam |
| Silk | Low heat with cloth |
Failing to Fully Prep the Ironing Board
An improper ironing board setup can lead to poor results. Always:
- Use a quality cotton or foam ironing board cover
- Pad the edges of the board for a smooth surface
- Adjust the height so you don't have to hunch over
Ironing Over Buttons and Decorations
Pressing over buttons and embellishments can crack, scorch, or leave imprints on your garments. Instead:
- Place cloth over buttons and decor before ironing
- Gently iron around buttons without direct contact
- Flip delicate fabrics inside-out before ironing
Leaving the Iron Sitting on Fabrics
Stopping to answer the phone? Don't just leave the hot iron sitting on clothes! This can singe or scorch them. Remember to:
- Place the iron safely back on its heel rest
- Use an auto shut-off iron to be safe
Ironing in the Wrong Direction
Always iron fabrics in the direction of the grain or weave. Ironing against the grain can stretch and distort fabric over time. Refer to garment labels for the proper ironing direction.
Neglecting Iron Maintenance
To keep your iron working efficiently:
- Empty water after use to avoid mineral buildup
- Clean the steam vents and soleplate regularly
- Store irons upright, never on the soleplate
By avoiding these all-too-common mistakes, you can make quick work of the dreaded ironing pile. Pay attention to fabric needs, adjust settings accordingly, and set up properly for wrinkle-free results every time.
Best Ironing Board Covers for Smooth Gliding
A good ironing board cover is essential for protecting fabrics and providing a smooth, wrinkle-free surface. The cover glides under the iron for easy pressing. Look for the following features when selecting an ironing board cover:
Materials
The best ironing board covers are made from heat-resistant and smooth materials like:
- Cotton - Natural fiber is breathable and gentle on fabrics
- Silicone - Provides a slick, non-stick surface for gliding
- Foam - Cushions clothes while resisting heat
Fit
Choose a cover that fits your ironing board perfectly with:
- Elastic edging to keep it taut and smooth
- Drawstrings or ties for adjustable fitting
- Contouring around ironing board buttons and catch tray
Heat Reflectivity
Reflective materials protect the cover and bounce heat back into fabrics. Look for:
- Metallized fabric coating
- Aluminum foil or polymer membrane
- Thick multi-layered cotton
Extra Features
Added features help make ironing easier:
- Iron rests - Safe placing when not in use
- Storage pockets - For holding spray bottles, cloths, etc.
- Durable stitching - Withstands heat and frequent use
Top Ironing Board Cover Picks
Here are some top-rated ironing board covers for smooth gliding:
| Cover | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Household Essentials Cotton Cover | Reversible cotton percale, drawstring, fits standard boards |
| Brabantia Ironing Board Cover | Silicone layer for gliding, heat resistant, elasticized edges |
| iLuv Heavy Duty Iron Mat | Extra thick 100% cotton layers, foil back coating, storage pocket |
Invest in a good quality ironing board cover and it will make all your pressing tasks easier. The right cover glides smoothly, provides a heat barrier, and keeps fabrics from sticking. Choose a cover made of durable materials that protects your ironing board surface from scratches, burns and imprinting for best results.
Ironing Accessory Must-Haves for Faster, Easier Pressing
Ironing goes faster and smoother when you have the right accessories handy. Here are some useful products that can upgrade your ironing experience:
Seam Roll
A small seam roll is ideal for pressing tricky areas like sleeves, collars, cuffs and along seams. Look for ones with heat resistant silicone and optional steam vents.
Sleeve Board
Designed to iron sleeves flat, these narrow miniature boards keep awkward sleeve fabric taut for wrinkle-free pressing.
Iron Caddy
An iron caddy neatly stores your iron upright and has slots or racks to hold all your pressing tools. Some fold for storage.
Spray Bottle
A good spray bottle evenly moistens fabric to relax wrinkles. Look for ones with adjustable nozzles and large filling openings.
Iron Cleaner
Regularly remove mineral deposits, starch build up and stickiness using an iron cleaner formulated for the task.
Silicone Pressing Mat
Protect delicate and specialty fabrics like suede, leather and sequins by pressing them between a heat resistant silicone mat.
Clothing Clips
These clips temporarily hold two fabric edges together for perfectly matched seams. No more shifting while ironing.
Ironing Surface Cover
An extra layer over your ironing board provides more padding and protects the cover from damaging steam.
Fabric Steamer
A garment steamer relaxes wrinkles fast without an iron for delicate fabrics and hanging clothes.
Starch Spray
Starch spray helps crisp collars and cuffs. Look for no-mix formulas that don't require diluting.
Fill your ironing toolbox with these useful accessories. Having the right gear on hand saves time and makes pressing clothes a breeze. Invest in quality tools that will last across multiple garments.
Keep Your Ironing Station Neat With Smart Storage Tips
Between the iron, ironing board, spray bottles and more, ironing accessories can really clutter up your laundry room. Use these savvy storage ideas to keep all your pressing tools organized and within reach but out of the way.
Mounted Ironing Board
Get your ironing board off the floor and onto the wall. Mounted ironing boards save a ton of space. Choose a sturdy metal board that folds down when needed and locks into place. Mount it at a comfortable height so you don't have to hunch over when ironing.
Over the Door Storage
Use the back of a door for hanging your most used ironing accessories. Install over-the-door racks or hanging baskets to hold spray bottles, sleeve roll, mini ironing board and other essentials right where you need them. Just slide the baskets off to carry tools to the laundry or ironing room.
Drawers and Shelving
Designate a drawer or shelving unit in the laundry room to store all your spare ironing supplies like extra covers, cloths, starch, cleaner, etc. Use shelf dividers, small baskets and bins to neatly organize everything. Label containers so you can find items quickly.
Iron Caddy
An iron caddy neatly stores your iron upright and has slots or racks to hold pressing accessories. The caddy protects floors from hot irons. Look for caddies with wheels so you can roll it in and out of storage easily. Some folding caddies can be wall mounted or slipped into a closet when not in use.
Ironing Cabinet
An all-in-one ironing center cabinet stores your ironing board, iron, and accessories behind doors. Built-in racks keep your ironing tools organized and readily accessible. Just open the doors to reveal the board and get ironing!
Follow these storage methods to keep your laundry room, closet or dedicated ironing space clutter-free. Proper storage protects your investment in quality irons and accessories by giving them designated homes.
"Ironing Accessories" - How To Make Ironing Easier And More Efficient
Ironing can be a tedious task, but with the right accessories, it can become easier and more efficient. Here are some ironing accessories that can help:
These accessories can help make ironing more comfortable, protect your iron and clothes, and increase your productivity. Depending on your ironing needs, you may not need all of these accessories, but incorporating some of them into your ironing routine can make a significant difference.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Felt Layer Under The Ironing Board Cover?
Using a felt layer under the ironing board cover offers several benefits:
- Protection: The felt layer acts as a barrier between the hot iron and your garments, preventing them from being scorched or burned. It helps to distribute the heat evenly and reduces the risk of accidental damage to your clothes.
- Heat retention: Felt has excellent heat retention properties, which means it can absorb and retain heat from the iron. This helps to create a more efficient ironing surface, allowing you to press your clothes more effectively and with less effort.
- Smooth surface: Felt provides a smooth and even surface for ironing. This allows the iron to glide smoothly over the fabric, reducing friction and making the ironing process easier and more efficient.
- Durability: Felt is known for its durability and longevity compared to other materials like foam. Using a felt layer ensures that your ironing board cover will last longer, saving you the hassle and expense of frequent replacements.
- Enhanced grip: The texture of felt provides extra grip, preventing your clothes from slipping or sliding on the ironing board. This helps to keep your garments in place, making it easier to achieve crisp and wrinkle-free results.
By incorporating a felt layer under your ironing board cover, you can make your ironing experience more efficient, protect your clothes from damage, and achieve better ironing results.
How Thick Should The Felt Layer Be For An Ironing Board Cover?
The thickness of the felt layer for an ironing board cover can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product. However, based on the search results, here are some general guidelines:
In summary, the thickness of the felt layer for an ironing board cover can range from 4mm to 10mm, depending on the product. It is recommended to choose a felt layer that is thick enough to create a buffer between your garment and the perforated ironing board so that the mesh of the board does not transfer to your garment.
Can You Use Multiple Layers Of Felt For An Ironing Board Cover
Yes, you can use multiple layers of felt for an ironing board cover. Some people prefer to use a double or triple layer of felt to create a more cushioned surface for ironing. However, it's important to note that using too many layers of felt can make the ironing board cover too thick, which can make it difficult to iron effectively. It's recommended to use no more than two layers of felt under the ironing board cover. Additionally, it's important to choose a felt layer that is thick enough to create a buffer between your garment and the perforated ironing board so that the mesh of the board does not transfer to your garment.
