Which Type of Ironing Board is Good For You?
There's can be little doubt that an ironing board is a dull and mundane item of household equipment to which very few people give much thought. Nevertheless, every home will have one. It is an essential household item and - if you choose the wrong type - you may well finish up with badly ironed clothes, take longer to get through your ironing than you need to and even strain your back.
Most people today use steam irons - or even steam generator irons, which are becoming ever more popular. In this case, you will certainly want to go for a board which has a mesh construction. This lets the steam pass through the board. It helps to prevent the ironing board covers becoming soggy due to condensation after a few garments have been ironed.
The cover of the ironing tableshould present a smooth surface to facilitate ironing. It should be secure and not prone to slipping. An elasticated cover, possibly with one or two cross-ties at the centre, is generally a good design which won't move about as you iron.
The shape and size of the board will depend upon what you generally iron. A smaller board may be easier to manipulate and store - but it will generally require more repositioning of the item being ironed. A good taper on the pointed end will be useful for getting into corners - the shoulders of shirts and blouses for example - and will also be good for collars.
Scissor action legs are pretty much the standard. It should be possible to adjust the height to a level that suits you and doesn't cause any back strain. If you like to iron from a seated position then legs which have a curve on them - so that you don't bang your knees on them - are a good idea. The legs should provide a good, solid support. A broad T-piece, or legs that splay to a good width and have a connecting bar, are usually good options, also you ll get laundry bags, rotary dryer, laundry bins, drying rack, ironing boards etc.
The support for the iron itself should be sturdy enough to take the weight of the iron. Wire type extension platforms are usually okay for standard steam irons. The extra weight presented by a steam generator iron may mean that a longer board which just features a heat resistant plate on a slightly extended surface is better. Alternatively, the base unit of steam generator irons may be positioned on the floor - as long as the connecting hose between base unit and iron is long enough to permit this.
Most people today use steam irons - or even steam generator irons, which are becoming ever more popular. In this case, you will certainly want to go for a board which has a mesh construction. This lets the steam pass through the board. It helps to prevent the ironing board covers becoming soggy due to condensation after a few garments have been ironed.
The cover of the ironing tableshould present a smooth surface to facilitate ironing. It should be secure and not prone to slipping. An elasticated cover, possibly with one or two cross-ties at the centre, is generally a good design which won't move about as you iron.
The shape and size of the board will depend upon what you generally iron. A smaller board may be easier to manipulate and store - but it will generally require more repositioning of the item being ironed. A good taper on the pointed end will be useful for getting into corners - the shoulders of shirts and blouses for example - and will also be good for collars.
Scissor action legs are pretty much the standard. It should be possible to adjust the height to a level that suits you and doesn't cause any back strain. If you like to iron from a seated position then legs which have a curve on them - so that you don't bang your knees on them - are a good idea. The legs should provide a good, solid support. A broad T-piece, or legs that splay to a good width and have a connecting bar, are usually good options, also you ll get laundry bags, rotary dryer, laundry bins, drying rack, ironing boards etc.
The support for the iron itself should be sturdy enough to take the weight of the iron. Wire type extension platforms are usually okay for standard steam irons. The extra weight presented by a steam generator iron may mean that a longer board which just features a heat resistant plate on a slightly extended surface is better. Alternatively, the base unit of steam generator irons may be positioned on the floor - as long as the connecting hose between base unit and iron is long enough to permit this.
Padded Ironing Board Covers
Are your covers not strong enough to withstand the heat of your iron? Does the Ironing Board that you use easily wear out, thus requiring you to buy a new one? Doing so adds up to your expenses, and you are probably wondering if there is a way that you could prolong the life of these boards and covers, so you can save up on expenses.
Fortunately, for you, there is a way to do that.
Use Padded Ironing Boards Covers
Padded board covers are simply pieces of fabric that are placed over your Ironing Boards so that the heat of the iron does not affect it directly. However, they are not made of just any fabric. They are made of 100% cotton. They also have a Dacron composition, making them soft and thick enough to prevent the heat from getting into the board and effectively absorb the heat themselves. also you will get laundry bags, rotary dryer, laundry bins, drying rack.
Another great feature about these ironing table covers is that they offer the perfect flat surface. Moreover, most of these board covers are resistant to water corrosion. This is all thanks to their ability to absorb moisture and prevent it from damaging the cover. You can totally expect long life and durability from your padded board covers.
Complementing Your Ironing Board Cover
The padded board or ironing tables does well with a number of other ironing supplies. These include the iron shields, which help prevent damage and prolong the life of your fabric.
Fortunately, for you, there is a way to do that.
Use Padded Ironing Boards Covers
Padded board covers are simply pieces of fabric that are placed over your Ironing Boards so that the heat of the iron does not affect it directly. However, they are not made of just any fabric. They are made of 100% cotton. They also have a Dacron composition, making them soft and thick enough to prevent the heat from getting into the board and effectively absorb the heat themselves. also you will get laundry bags, rotary dryer, laundry bins, drying rack.
Another great feature about these ironing table covers is that they offer the perfect flat surface. Moreover, most of these board covers are resistant to water corrosion. This is all thanks to their ability to absorb moisture and prevent it from damaging the cover. You can totally expect long life and durability from your padded board covers.
Complementing Your Ironing Board Cover
The padded board or ironing tables does well with a number of other ironing supplies. These include the iron shields, which help prevent damage and prolong the life of your fabric.
Ironing Board Covers - How to Tell the Good From the Bad
Why do you need Ironing Board Covers? They can protect both your clothes and the Ironing Board. They can also be stylish and add a bit of glamour into your laundry or ironing area.
When you are purchasing board covers, take note of these tips:
1. It must fit well into your Ironing Board. One of the advantages of using these board covers is it allows you to easily iron creases and clothes. Thus, you need those that do not move once you slide the iron into the board. This means that the covers must have drawstrings, Velcro, or elastic material. This way, you can snug the cover perfectly into the board.
2. Look for one that can fit any type of board. You may also want to look for an cover that will fit the standard sizes of Ironing Boards. You can try to search for one that adjusts itself depending on the iron board size. This way, you do not have to scour for another board cover if you are going to change your iron board in the future.
3. Do not go for synthetic fabrics. Most of the synthetic fabrics cannot survive high heat. Thus, they end up melting or sticking into your iron board, clothes, or even into your iron. You can look for those Ironing Board Covers that are made of cotton. They are not synthetic, and they allow you to conveniently iron clothes without any issues. If you are using spray iron, they can absorb water very well, leaving the board cover and board dry and well protected.
Cotton is also known to be make Ironing Board covers strong or durable. If handled and cared for properly, they can definitely last for years, which means you can save some money for your cover purchases.
4. Make sure that the colors do not fade. There are really ironing board covers whose colors would start to fast or fade once they are exposed to high heat or laundry. This can be disadvantageous since they can stick into your clothes or force you to look for another board cover.
When you are purchasing board covers, take note of these tips:
1. It must fit well into your Ironing Board. One of the advantages of using these board covers is it allows you to easily iron creases and clothes. Thus, you need those that do not move once you slide the iron into the board. This means that the covers must have drawstrings, Velcro, or elastic material. This way, you can snug the cover perfectly into the board.
2. Look for one that can fit any type of board. You may also want to look for an cover that will fit the standard sizes of Ironing Boards. You can try to search for one that adjusts itself depending on the iron board size. This way, you do not have to scour for another board cover if you are going to change your iron board in the future.
3. Do not go for synthetic fabrics. Most of the synthetic fabrics cannot survive high heat. Thus, they end up melting or sticking into your iron board, clothes, or even into your iron. You can look for those Ironing Board Covers that are made of cotton. They are not synthetic, and they allow you to conveniently iron clothes without any issues. If you are using spray iron, they can absorb water very well, leaving the board cover and board dry and well protected.
Cotton is also known to be make Ironing Board covers strong or durable. If handled and cared for properly, they can definitely last for years, which means you can save some money for your cover purchases.
4. Make sure that the colors do not fade. There are really ironing board covers whose colors would start to fast or fade once they are exposed to high heat or laundry. This can be disadvantageous since they can stick into your clothes or force you to look for another board cover.
Mind-Blowing Ironing Board Covers !
Normally I don't get too excited about buying certain things... items that we all need for day to day use and as a result can seem a bit mundane. Well that may have changed because I am very excited about this particular item!
I recently mentioned some top tips for making the ironing much easier and quicker ('Iron Away Your Problems!'), I'll summarize these tips again, but personally I find the job of ironing much more enjoyable when using a fun cover... my favorite was the New STRAWBERRIES Design 100% Cotton Ironing Board Cover, but that now has some tough competition because there are even more great designs to choose from in the Ironing Boards Cover Range, such as a the fabulous COWHIDE Design 100% Cotton Cover.
Ironing Board Covers don't have to be boring and this cover proves it! It's also joined by the new Multi Coloured Spots Design, both of these, like all our Ironing Board Covers are excellent quality and manufactured by craftsmen in the UK. They feature a thick foam backing & drawstring fitting and are very easy to fit.
I'd like to do a recap of some great products and tips also to ensure you can admire a perfectly ironed garment (ironed on a stylish and fun board!)
The items we have to iron the most and the most difficult to iron are shirts and blouses. Whether it's your kid's school shirts or your work shirts/blouses you often don't end up with a good result.... so how do you iron cotton shirts & blouses to get a perfect finish?
Putting on a beautifully ironed garment is a pleasure. Pressing the item can also be a pleasure & not a chore. First rule of ironing is to let the iron & the ironing board do as much of the work as possible. Heat & steam will do most of job for you. Use a good sized ironing board preferably with thick underlay.
Make sure your iron is clean - and free from scale (ideally use a quality steam iron with a good anti-calc function to prevent builds up of scale in the iron). If necessary use a limescale remover on the iron to ensure you don't mark your clothes. We have new and very easy to use tablets for cleaning irons - the Kilrock Multi Appliance Descaler Tablets. No need to unwrap tablet, just drop it in - bringing washing detergent innovation to descaling!
Have a water sprayer, an ironing pad & ironing cloth to hand for use with delicate fabrics. You may have heard your grandmother mentioning the 'lay' of the shirt because they always seem experts in this area, but every garment as it's own 'lay' & getting the shirt onto the ironing board will ensure a perfect result every time.
Undo all the buttons on the garment & remove any collar stays. Ensure the iron is at the correct temperature - too hot & you could damage the item, too cool & you will make extra work for yourself!
There are no rules as to the sequence of ironing a shirt but my preference is to begin with the yoke followed by the sleeves & then onto the main body of the garment leaving the collar to last as that is generally considered the most important part of the look of the shirt. If you like that very crisp and fresh look to your shirts use a Spray Starch - the Dylon Spray Starch contains silicone for easier ironing and improves fabrics' resistance to dirt & wear.
If possible remove the garment from the tumble dryer whilst it is still slightly damp. Always use a water sprayer with a fine spray onto all shirts before ironing. If you like to wear shirts with razor sharp creases in the sleeves this can be achieved if you first hold the sleeve at each end by the seam & lay the sleeve flat - smooth out any wrinkles. Begin with the back of the sleeve. Iron the cuffs on the inside & avoid any puckering. Iron into the sleeve from the cuff to remove any creases. Then turn the sleeve over to just lightly finish off the razor sharp crease.
Next press the main body of the shirt, usually on the inside first & not directly onto the buttons as this can make them brittle. Iron the facing on the inside of the buttonhole panel & then the rest of the front. Go around the buttons with the point of the iron. Press the back of the shirt working up to the main pleat but do not iron it flat.
I recently mentioned some top tips for making the ironing much easier and quicker ('Iron Away Your Problems!'), I'll summarize these tips again, but personally I find the job of ironing much more enjoyable when using a fun cover... my favorite was the New STRAWBERRIES Design 100% Cotton Ironing Board Cover, but that now has some tough competition because there are even more great designs to choose from in the Ironing Boards Cover Range, such as a the fabulous COWHIDE Design 100% Cotton Cover.
Ironing Board Covers don't have to be boring and this cover proves it! It's also joined by the new Multi Coloured Spots Design, both of these, like all our Ironing Board Covers are excellent quality and manufactured by craftsmen in the UK. They feature a thick foam backing & drawstring fitting and are very easy to fit.
I'd like to do a recap of some great products and tips also to ensure you can admire a perfectly ironed garment (ironed on a stylish and fun board!)
The items we have to iron the most and the most difficult to iron are shirts and blouses. Whether it's your kid's school shirts or your work shirts/blouses you often don't end up with a good result.... so how do you iron cotton shirts & blouses to get a perfect finish?
Putting on a beautifully ironed garment is a pleasure. Pressing the item can also be a pleasure & not a chore. First rule of ironing is to let the iron & the ironing board do as much of the work as possible. Heat & steam will do most of job for you. Use a good sized ironing board preferably with thick underlay.
Make sure your iron is clean - and free from scale (ideally use a quality steam iron with a good anti-calc function to prevent builds up of scale in the iron). If necessary use a limescale remover on the iron to ensure you don't mark your clothes. We have new and very easy to use tablets for cleaning irons - the Kilrock Multi Appliance Descaler Tablets. No need to unwrap tablet, just drop it in - bringing washing detergent innovation to descaling!
Have a water sprayer, an ironing pad & ironing cloth to hand for use with delicate fabrics. You may have heard your grandmother mentioning the 'lay' of the shirt because they always seem experts in this area, but every garment as it's own 'lay' & getting the shirt onto the ironing board will ensure a perfect result every time.
Undo all the buttons on the garment & remove any collar stays. Ensure the iron is at the correct temperature - too hot & you could damage the item, too cool & you will make extra work for yourself!
There are no rules as to the sequence of ironing a shirt but my preference is to begin with the yoke followed by the sleeves & then onto the main body of the garment leaving the collar to last as that is generally considered the most important part of the look of the shirt. If you like that very crisp and fresh look to your shirts use a Spray Starch - the Dylon Spray Starch contains silicone for easier ironing and improves fabrics' resistance to dirt & wear.
If possible remove the garment from the tumble dryer whilst it is still slightly damp. Always use a water sprayer with a fine spray onto all shirts before ironing. If you like to wear shirts with razor sharp creases in the sleeves this can be achieved if you first hold the sleeve at each end by the seam & lay the sleeve flat - smooth out any wrinkles. Begin with the back of the sleeve. Iron the cuffs on the inside & avoid any puckering. Iron into the sleeve from the cuff to remove any creases. Then turn the sleeve over to just lightly finish off the razor sharp crease.
Next press the main body of the shirt, usually on the inside first & not directly onto the buttons as this can make them brittle. Iron the facing on the inside of the buttonhole panel & then the rest of the front. Go around the buttons with the point of the iron. Press the back of the shirt working up to the main pleat but do not iron it flat.
Choose an Ironing Board Cover
Ironing is a very time consuming process, made more frustrating by the fact that no sooner have you ironed an item of clothing, you will end up wearing it, washing it and putting it back in the pile of clean clothes to be ironed.
There are a number of things that you can use to improve the ironing experience, particularly to speed up the time it takes to properly iron your clothes. In this respect, not all Ironing Board covers are as good as each other and selecting the right Ironing Boards cover can save you time on your laundry chores, week after week.
So what types of Ironing Board Covers are available and which should you choose?
Many decisions will probably revolve around the look and the pattern of the cover and whilst this is a valid selection criteria (you will be looking at it for many hours in the months to come) and maybe more important if you do not have room to store your ironing board out of sight, the pattern is not going to impact on the efficiency of the ironing board.
The cost should not really be a consideration either, as the most expensive cover is only slightly more than a more basic cover. What you do need to ensure is that the cover you choose will properly fit. If you think that all ironing boards are about the same size you would be surprised as they come in different lengths and different widths. Although most covers will be adjustable with a draw string to pull the cover tight around the ironing board, or with an elasticated edge to hold the cover in place, if your cover is too small it will not fit at all and if it is too large there may be so much fabric left over that you can not hold the surface tight, resulting in ridges and ruffles on the ironing surface which is not the ideal situation to create crease free clothes.
As with many consumer items, technology now plays a part in how the fabric is developed and manufactured. The simplest cover you can get will be a cotton only cover, but silicon covers are also now produced which help reflect the heat from the iron back into the clothes, creating an easier ironing surface. In addition to the outer material, many Ironing Board covers also come with foam backing which provide a smoother surface to iron on. The smoother the surface, the easier and quicker it should be to iron your clothes and the better the end result.
There are a number of things that you can use to improve the ironing experience, particularly to speed up the time it takes to properly iron your clothes. In this respect, not all Ironing Board covers are as good as each other and selecting the right Ironing Boards cover can save you time on your laundry chores, week after week.
So what types of Ironing Board Covers are available and which should you choose?
Many decisions will probably revolve around the look and the pattern of the cover and whilst this is a valid selection criteria (you will be looking at it for many hours in the months to come) and maybe more important if you do not have room to store your ironing board out of sight, the pattern is not going to impact on the efficiency of the ironing board.
The cost should not really be a consideration either, as the most expensive cover is only slightly more than a more basic cover. What you do need to ensure is that the cover you choose will properly fit. If you think that all ironing boards are about the same size you would be surprised as they come in different lengths and different widths. Although most covers will be adjustable with a draw string to pull the cover tight around the ironing board, or with an elasticated edge to hold the cover in place, if your cover is too small it will not fit at all and if it is too large there may be so much fabric left over that you can not hold the surface tight, resulting in ridges and ruffles on the ironing surface which is not the ideal situation to create crease free clothes.
As with many consumer items, technology now plays a part in how the fabric is developed and manufactured. The simplest cover you can get will be a cotton only cover, but silicon covers are also now produced which help reflect the heat from the iron back into the clothes, creating an easier ironing surface. In addition to the outer material, many Ironing Board covers also come with foam backing which provide a smoother surface to iron on. The smoother the surface, the easier and quicker it should be to iron your clothes and the better the end result.