As far as ironing a crease at home, a good rule to follow is if the pants came with a crease, keep it. It’s there for a reason. But don’t be tempted to add one where there wasn’t one before. Not only is creating a permanent crease difficult to do at home, it also might not be appropriate for that pair of pants.

If you are ironing creased pants, lay them on their side so one pocket faces upward. Adjust so the original crease is folded, then iron and store on a pants hanger the same way. Most dry cleaners will hang pants this way, but you can specify “no crease” if you like.

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Anyway, let’s look at some of the features of ironing boards that matter in a buying decision. There are plenty of models out there nowadays and choosing the right one means matching the features with your needs and budget.

Portability

Are you looking for a fixed position ironing board or one that can be moved about? Some people like to install their ironing board in the laundry room or closet. This normally means having a built-in unit. You can also buy a stow away unit off the shelf and mount it yourself on a wall. This means your ironing board will be permanently affixed but it does look neater with everything being conveniently tucked away when the ironing is done.

Alternatively, you can get an over-the-door ironing board to save space. It is portable since you can move it to different rooms and hang it on different doors around the house. But these are normally small boards that may not be practical for heavy load ironing.

The same goes for tabletop ironing boards. They are easily movable but small. The larger ones which are standalone units are easier to use for ironing. These are the best ironing boards that you could buy with more choices available. But they are bigger and heavier to move around compared to tabletop types.

Size

Ironing boards come in different sizes to accommodate different types of clothes. If you need to iron a pair of men’s slacks, a longer board might be preferable to a shorter one. So, depending on what you need to iron, the size of the board will be a feature that you should consider before purchase.

For standalone ironing boards, some units can be as narrow as 13 inches while others can go up to 18 inches. Of course, the wider the board, the more convenient it is to iron larger sized clothes. As for the length, some units have a shorter ironing surface at 48 inches while others can go as long as 54 inches.

Height

Preferably, you should buy an ironing board with adjustable height, especially if you have more than one user at home. Fortunately, most of them would have this feature and they generally range from 28 to 36 inches in adjustable height. The consideration is the range of the height built into the ironing board. Some have a narrower while others a wider range.

Therefore, if you have 2 people doing ironing at home and they are of considerable different height, then it makes sense to buy an ironing board with a greater range of adjustable height. If the adjustment allowed is too narrow, the board might turn out to be a good fit for one but not the other.

Sturdiness

Generally, the sturdiness of an ironing board is correlated to the price. The more expensive it is, the more stable is the structure. It would also tend to be longer lasting. This boils down to the design and the materials used in its construction.

The T-leg structure is a common one but tends to be less stable than its 4-leg counterpart. Most professional ironing boards would have 4 legs for greater stability. The steel used for the whole structure would also be premium-grade for a more solid feel when ironing.

Sturdiness is important because you do have to apply pressure when ironing. For cheap ironing boards, you can probably feel it squeaking and sinking when you are pressing down hard while ironing. If you are using a professional iron that has some weight, you probably can’t use a cheap ironing board to go with it. If it is too flimsy, it might easily topple over.

Weight

If you are always moving your ironing board around, you might like to get one that is not too heavy to carry. There are lightweight units available but do check out the sturdiness aspect. Some lightweight models have a thin board and legs which are not so stable and do not last.

The no-frills T-leg ironing boards would generally be lightweight, but the downside is less stability and sturdiness. It is a compromise that you will have to make if you really need a light ironing board that you can easily carry from one spot to another.

Cover

All the ironing boards will come with padding and cover. But what is provided may not be the best. For instance, the padding or cover could be too thin. Furthermore, some covers can better withstand scorches and reflect heat.

The good thing is you can upgrade the padding and cover easily since many are sold separately. But then again, this will cost you additional money to make your ironing surface thicker, longer lasting and look cleaner.

Add-Ons

Adds-on include sleeve board, iron rest and clothes rack. These are a matter of personal preference. They are not necessary, but it is good it they are included. Of course, they will add to the price but some people do prefer to have them as a matter of convenience.

Vinegar: Your Iron’s Best Friend

When ironing, vinegar can be your best friend for removing (or making) creases. Just mix one-part white vinegar and one-part water in a spray bottle. Spray it on your garment and then run your iron over the spot to remove even ironed-increases! A few spritzes of this vinegar and water solution can also help remove those shiny areas on fabric that are caused by hot irons. Some have even said that when you’re done ironing, if spray your half water, half white vinegar solution on collars and underarm areas it will prevent yellow marks. Vinegar is also great for cleaning your iron. Just rub on with a damp cloth to remove residue from spray starch or fabric softeners.

How to Cut Your Ironing Time

Get linen, cotton, and other hardy fabrics straighter, faster by covering your ironing board with shiny-side-up foil before you iron your clothes. It will basically iron them from both sides at the same time.

Iron on Your Favorite Fragrance

Here’s a little tip to make your clothes smell wonderful. Add a drop of your favorite perfume to the water in your steam iron, then iron your shirts, underwear, lingerie—everything! You’ll enjoy your favorite perfume wherever you go.

How to Easily Iron Pleats

Ironing pants with pleats? Use bobby pins to keep the pleats intact and you won’t have to worry about ruining them with the iron.

Call in Reinforcements

The easiest way to iron those hard-to-reach places between buttons on a blouse or dress shirt is actually with a straightening iron like you’d use for your hair (it’s also a great way to defend the purchase of a straightening iron!).

How to Get Out a Mark Left by an Iron

If you scorch a garment when ironing, cover the scorch mark with a vinegar-dampened cloth, then iron with a warm iron (not too hot). Presto! The burn is gone. For scorches on cotton garments, you can also use hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice instead. Just dab onto the scorch and leave out in the sun, which will bleach away the stain.

Iron a Straw Hat!

Did you know that you can iron beach hats? First, place a damp cloth between the straw and a warm iron. Rest the brim underside up on the ironing board and press, rotating the hat. For flat tops, place cardboard inside and pack with crumpled newspaper before pressing.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Silk

It can be tough to get wrinkles out of delicate silk blouses, since it’s usually not safe to use your iron’s steam setting on them. Here’s something you can try: Use an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth. Rub it on any wrinkles, then iron on the lowest heat setting. It’s damp enough to help flatten the fabric, without being too hot to handle.

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There are so many easy mistakes to make during this tricky task. It's easy to use the wrong temperature or adopt a bad technique when you don't know any different.

Expert Home Tips are here to steer you the right way. Get ironing like a pro with these 20 handy tips.

1. Make use of the entire ironing board

Why faff around with clothes hanging over the sides of your iron? Be sure to make use of all of the ironing board, by placing long items landscape on the board.

The thinner end of your ironing board can also be very useful. It's particularly good for getting to creases near armholes. Place your top over the end, being careful not to stretch the fabric, and iron into the stretched-out crevices.

2. Remove iron scorch marks using vinegar

If you do make a little error when ironing, it's not the end of the world.

A quick fix for scorch stains is white vinegar. Dip a clean cloth into the liquid, then wipe over the stain. Make sure to wipe with a clean part of the cloth each time to avoid spreading the mark.

Wipe with clean, cold water to finish.

3. Use the correct ironing technique

Yes, there really is such a thing as an 'ironing technique'. The correct way to iron is in long, straight strokes.

Avoid wiggling the iron around too much, as this may cause the fabric to stretch. It may also create new creases in the fabric, which will be tough to remove.

4. Boil your iron water

If you're like me and live in a hard-water area, you should really boil your water before use.

If you don't, you run the risk of your iron getting blocked up. This leads to all sorts of problems, such as stains on clothes and reduced efficiency.

Take the time to boil your water first - why not treat yourself to a cuppa while you're at it!

5. Remember to iron around decorative objects

Most of us know to avoid zips and buttons. The same is advised for detailing in general, be that sequins, glitter or very fine lace.

These areas often don't even require ironing. If they do need a quick 'once-over', iron them inside out on a low temperature.

6. Inside garments inside out where possible

Have you ever noticed a slight sheen on dark clothes post-ironing? This is caused by the heat of the iron.

A simple way to avoid this is by ironing inside out wherever possible. This will help protect the appearance of your garments and keep them looking great.

7. Iron in the correct order

Some items like vests are easy to manage, but shirts are a different story.

If you don't know where to start, always remember to go 'outside in'. Start with the collar, then the cuffs and work your way in from there.

Having an order makes the ironing process much less fiddly and easier to tackle as a result.

8. Use bobby pins to secure your pleats

I just love this tip! When tackling a pleated item, such as a pleated skirt, pin the pleats into place using bobby pins.

This allows you to concentrate on your ironing technique without having to bother about moving pleats.

9. How to correctly position your ironing board

Don't make life more difficult than it needs to be. Before you begin ironing, make sure your board is at the right height for you.

You don't want to have to stoop or bend over too much if possible as this can cause back pain. Bear this in mind and adjust your ironing board as required.

If you suffer severely from back pain, other additions may help. Thick rubber shoes that support your weight, for example, will help reduce the strain.

10. Iron on one side only

Everyday items don’t need much ironing at all.

If your garment looks good after being ironed on only one side, don't bother with the other.

Not only will this save you time, but ironing may cause your clothes to look tired over time. Don't do more than you must.

11. Hang up or fold your ironed items immediately

You've spent all that time ironing, don't make it go to waste.

Keep a selection of coat hangers nearby whilst ironing and you'll be able to hang garments up right away. For those items you aren't hanging, fold them on a flat surface immediately and put to one side.

This will prevent clothes from getting more creases before you put them away.

12. Banish creases with a DIY ironing spray

Some creases need a bit more than a hot iron.

For those cases, a DIY spray made from equal parts white vinegar and water can be used. Mix it up in a spray bottle and spritz onto areas with particularly bad creases. They'll come straight out when you go over with your hot iron.

13. Iron in a well-lit room

Spending an hour ironing in the living room only to find your clothes still looking creased when you take them to your wardrobe is not ideal.

Attempting to iron in a poorly lit room can really hamper your efforts. It's often difficult to spot smaller creases, especially on lighter items.

Be sure to set up your ironing board in the best lit room in the house. The processes will be quicker and easier, and you'll achieve better results.

14. Iron in order from cool to hot

Before you begin ironing, take a few minutes to organise your items. Separate your items into different types: delicate, medium and durable.

Start with the delicate on a low temperature and work your way up to the more durable garments and a hotter iron.

As irons take a while to cool down, this is the most reliable way to ensure no damage is caused to your clothing.

15. Line your ironing board with aluminum foil

All these tips will certainly help you to cut your ironing time down. Here's another cracker: line your ironing board with aluminum foil.

As aluminum foil is a heat conductor, the heat from the iron will mean the foil 'irons' the other side of the garment when you pass over it. This removes the need for ironing on both sides and gets great results - try it!

16. Iron down the center of blouse sleeves

A nice, crisp line down the center of a shirt sleeve looks sharp. Do the same with a blouse, however, and the result is strange.

To avoid these stiff looking folds, iron down the center of the sleeve as opposed to along the seam.

17. Don't iron dirty clothes

When we throw clothes in the wash without removing stains, they're unlikely to come out.

The same goes for ironing - if you iron a garment that's unclean/spoiled, the heat will make the stain permanent.

This is easy to avoid, just make sure your clothes are all nice and clean before you start.

18. Consider ironing large items on a table

If you have a very big item to iron, such as a bedsheet or a table cloth, consider using a table. Providing you line the table with towels beforehand to prevent burns, there's no risk.

Alternatively, place two chairs behind the iron and fold the large item carefully onto these as you go. This will prevent it from dragging on the floor and keep it looking nice and crisp.

19. Iron 100% cotton garments whilst still damp

Items made from 100& cotton are much easier than other materials. That's not to say they are easy, however.

Cotton creases can be extremely hard to iron out. One way to help, is to tackle them whilst they are still damp. The heat will create steam when it hits the water, helping creases to fall out.

20. Clean your iron regularly

You've got your dress already for the party. It's freshly washed, now it just needs an iron. You turn on your iron and begin, only to find it leaving marks everywhere - what a nightmare!

This can often happen when we fail to maintain our iron. Irons, just like washing machines and other devices, should be cleaned regularly.

You can clean your iron using bicarbonate of soda, q-tips and other household items.

View our range of ironing board covers: http://shop.sewroo.com.au/board-covers

Hence, a lot of questions arises such as how do I clean the gunk off my iron or what is the black stuff on my iron? Knowing the causes and solutions for such challenges are essential to maintaining a clean iron.

What is the Residue on Iron?

Residue over time builds upon the soleplate of an iron. The soleplate is the metal bottom of an iron that heats up. Residue can be a variety of substances from adhesives to burnt fabrics or even starch. Residue causes manor challenges for two reasons. The first is that it produces friction which makes not hard to iron and causes clothes to move around on the board. Second, the heated residue can transfer stains on your fabrics causing permanent stains.

What Causes Residue on Iron?

The causes of residue on your iron can stem from a buildup of spray starch or synthetic melted fabrics. As the iron cools off, it becomes almost impossible to get rid of.

How to Clean and Get Rid of Residue?

There are so many causes of residue and a lot of questions about how to remove these residue buildups, for example, how do you remove fusible interfacing from an iron? As these stains ultimately ruin your iron for good if not taking care off. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular stains and their solutions.

How do you Remove Sticky Residue from an Iron?

Your iron can be gotten back into the full working state after being stained with any sticky substance by simply using water and baking soda. This combination eliminates sticky substances and other build ups like mineral deposits and grime. Below are the steps to getting rid of sticky residue.

Step 1

Create a mixture in a bowl, of warm water and baking soda to get a slurry mixture.

Step 2

Rub in the mixture of baking soda on the soleplate and ensure the tool used effectively applies it to the iron plate. Good home tools are a wooden spoon or spatula.

Step 3

Acting as an abrasive, the mixture of baking soda eliminates the stick residue by utilizing friction. This is don’t by wiping the mixture with clean fabric.

Step 4

Reapply the mixture again on the soleplate to remove all remaining adhesives on the iron. Keep wiping till the plate is completely clean

Step 5

Get a cotton swab and dip into the baking soda mixture and wipe the vent holes. Remove the mixture using distilled water and a fresh cotton swab.

Step 6

Pour out water from the iron’s reservoir and refill it with distilled water. Turn the settings of the iron to the highest and push the steam button. Every remaining mixture will be removed from the vents.

Step 7

Ensure the water reservoir is emptied

How to Clean an Iron with Burned Fabric?

The burnt fabric is one of the residues you can encounter when using a steam iron with bad temperature control. However, this can be cleaned using regular household supplies, such as salt and baking soda. This combination curd right through the burnt residue and make it very easy to scrape off.

Tools you will Need

• Mesh Pad
• Nail-polish remover (acetone)
• Cloth
• Nylon or wooden spatula
• Take salt
• Paper

Step 1

Plug in the iron and turn the heat settings to the lowest. Wait for it to warm up. As it begins to warm up, the burnt residue will start to soften.

Step 2

Use a wooden spatula or a wooden tool with a similar flat edge. In dealing with burnt fabric, a question usually rises which is how to clean an iron plate nonstick? The answer is simple. Use a mesh pad damp nylon instead of a wooden tool.

Step 3

Mix equal parts of water and baking soda if burnt residue remains. Put a cloth in the mixture, then rub the burn mark away. If you are dealing with polyester as the burnt fabric, use nail polish remover to erase it.

Step 4

Sprinkle a pinch of salt on a plain sheet of paper. Then run your iron on the salted paper over and over to get rid of any other residue.

Step 5

Pull the iron from the plug and allow it to cool down. Rub the soleplate with damp fabric to remove the baking soda, salt, and any other debris.

How to Get Starch off the Iron?

If you make use of spray starch while ironing you would have encountered starch stains on your iron and wondered how to remove it. It’s quite simple once you have the following tools

Tools that you will Need

• Baking Soda
• Cloth
• Wooden Spatula
• Towel

Step 1

Warm up the iron and then proceed with caution to prevent burns

Step 2

Set your iron to high heat if a small residue of starch or fusible fabric is covering the iron’s plate. Wipe the iron as it’s hot vigorously using an old rough towel to erase the residue. Then let the iron cool off

Step 3

If the iron’s soleplate has thick residue of starch, set it to a low setting, until the residue begins to slowly soften. Then scrape it off the iron’s bottom using a wooden spatula. Turn the iron off let it cool.

Conclusion

Keeping your iron stain free is a necessity if you desire to have your clothes after your ironing efforts to look dapper. A dirty iron can both ruin your fabrics as well as make ironing a tedious task. Therefore, it’s vital to know how to keep your iron in top shape and clean.

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The question which perplexes many individuals is Do I need an ironing board cover? The answer is yes. The advantages of buying the ironing board cover are plenty like:

• Increasing the life of the ironing board
• Protecting the ironing board from the heat
• Minimizing the wear and tear of the ironing board

Thus, due to these few advantages, you should always think about buying the ironing board cover.

With, when you’re looking at the options to buy the ironing board cover, you will realize that there are quite a few options to choose from. We will today share with you a simple guide with the help of which, you will be able to buy the ironing board cover quite easily. After going through this guide, you will be able to find the answer to the question, how to choose the right ironing board cover?

1. Type of Ironing Board

The 1st and foremost thing which you must keep in mind is the type of ironing board which you have. It can be the portable board, or it can be the folded board which is attached to the furniture assembly. The sizes of both boards are different. Moreover, the ironing board covers which you will need for both options will also be different. That is why you must 1st examine the type of ironing board which you have.

Once you can examine the type of ironing board which you have, it will become easier for you to shortlist the respective covers.

2. Size of the ironing board

The next thing which you must do is to measure the ironing board. Only once you can get the dimensions, you can decide between Standard Ironing board cover size as well as the extra-large ironing board cover size. The standard ironing board sizes are such that any kind of board can be accommodated quite easily. That is why it is important for you to look at the dimensions before taking a call.

Moreover, if you’re buying a large one you will still be able to shorten it and use it on the smaller ironing board. Most of the ironing board covers consist of Velcro straps as well as elastic edges. Thus, if you’re confused about how to tighten ironing board cover, you can do so with the help of straps quite easily. This will ensure that you are able to use the larger cover on the smaller ironing board quite easily. However, the more accurate the size, the easier it will be for you to use it on the ironing board.

3. Heat Reflection property

The main reason why you’re buying the ironing board cover is to protect the ironing board from the heat. That is why it should be made from a material which reflects heat. If it reflects heat, the ironing board will not be directly exposed to the heat. That is why you must find out whether the ironing board cover is made from the heat-resistant material or not. When you can filter the ironing board covers based on this property, you will be able to easily increase the life of the ironing board.

4. Anti-slip design

When you’re ironing at a frantic pace, you must ensure that the ironing board cover remains in its place. Only when it has an anti-slip design, it will remain in its place for a longer period. That is why you must not only look at the securing mechanisms like the velcro straps or the elastic edges but also ensure that it consists of an anti-slip design.

With the help of anti-slip design, it will become much easier for the cover to remain in place irrespective of the pace at which you are ironing the clothes. Moreover, the ironing board can be used for a variety of other purposes like the quilting. That is why, instead of searching for best ironing board cover for quilting, it is a good idea to get the non-slip design which will remain in place irrespective of the application for which you are using the ironing board.

5. Cover Accessories

The ironing board covers can come with a lot of accessories. The more the number of accessories, the more versatile the board cover can be. That is why you must figure out the number of accessories which are coming along with that. When all the accessories are included, you will not have to invest separately in the accessories. Thus, you must prefer the board covers with multiple accessories. The accessories which are included these days include:

• Carry Bag for the cover
• Iron resting pad
• Hanger

Thus, you must decide which of these accessories is of use to you. It is not necessary that each ironing board cover will come along with these accessories. However, if any of these are included along with the board cover, that is a definite advantage.

6. Design of the Ironing Board cover

Gone are the days when the ironing board covers were only available in the bland solid colors. These days, you can, not just buy them in the solid colors but they come in a wide variety of different designs as well. It is up to you to decide whether you want to go with the bland and the solid color options or whether you’re looking for some textured or colorful designs. You can easily pick the design which you want. You must just make sure that it is matching the base of the ironing board as well.

Conclusion

Thus, when you’re looking to choose the right ironing board cover, it is important to just use these 6 tips in order to pick the right one. With the help of these 6 tips, it will indeed become much easier for you to pick the right ironing board cover. You will be able to not only increase the life of the ironing board but also the functionality of the same.

View our range of ironing board covers: http://shop.sewroo.com.au/board-covers

But do you know why it is so important to support our Australian designers, manufacturers, farmers and other quality Australian brands delivering world-class products?

1. Quality

First and foremost, Australian made products are subject to strict quality standards. When you buy Australian made you know that you are getting a high-quality product that is built to last.

We also have high safety standards, so this means that the materials used to create the products, or the practices used to grow the crops are closely monitored by governing bodies to ensure the Australian made products you buy will not affect your health or wellbeing.

2. Dependable Warranties and Guarantee

Every Australian product comes with Automatic Guarantees that protect you're the consumer.

As you can see from this exert from the Australian Consumer Commission website, you are protected automatically from a lot of common dangers when buying Australian made.

Since 1 January 2011, the following consumer guarantees on products and services apply.

Products must be of acceptable quality, that is:

• Safe, lasting, with no faults
• Look acceptable
• Do all the things someone would normally expect them to do.

Acceptable quality considers what would normally be expected for the type of product and cost.

Products must also:

• Match descriptions made by the salesperson, on packaging and labels, and in promotions or advertising
• Match any demonstration model or sample you asked for
• Be fit for the purpose the business told you it would be fit for and for any purpose that you made known to the business before purchasing
• Come with full title and ownership
• Not carry any hidden debts or extra charges
• Come with undisturbed possession, so no one has a right to take the goods away or prevent you from using them
• Meet any extra promises made about performance, condition and quality, such as life time guarantees, and money back offers
• Have spare parts and repair facilities available for a reasonable time after purchase unless you were told otherwise.

Many Australian companies take their warranties and guarantees even further to ensure you are completely happy with the quality and performance of the products they sell.

3. Support Local Industries and Economy

Every time you buy Australian made you support jobs, economic development and prosperity in Australia, which has a flow on effect that positively impacts all families and local communities.

Every small decision to buy Australian made creates a ripple effect that eventually benefits you, you family and your friends.

4. Good Working Conditions

In 2015 Australia had the highest minimum wage standards of any developed nation at $15.96 before tax and other deductions. We can also be proud to offer some of the safest and tightly regulated working conditions in the world.

When you buy Australian made you know you the workers down the line of production are receiving a fair wage in a safe, secure working environment.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Finally buying Australian made products ensures that strict environmental protection policies have been followed during the manufacturing process.

It also helps to reduce energy consumption used to transport products from overseas, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it a win-win for everybody.

View our range of ironing board covers: http://shop.sewroo.com.au/board-covers

But, if your ironing board cover has sizing and starch buildup, or if it is peeling or dirty, those materials can transfer quickly to the garments you iron. Each ironing board cover has a care label, just as garments do.

Always follow the manufacturer's directions when cleaning an ironing board cover, but if you've lost the care label for your ironing board cover, follow these steps for cleaning it:

1. Completely set up your ironing board, taking care to secure the metal bar rigging underneath.
2. The cover is secured by way of a drawstring and/or clip fasteners and adjustable straps. Loosen the drawstring and straps and remove the cover and pad beneath. Lay the pad on a flat surface, such as your kitchen table.
3. Completely clean the metal board surface with spray cleaner or clear water, and then dry thoroughly. Most boards are vented with holes. Make sure that you completely dry the board to prevent rust. Allow the board to further air-dry while you clean the pad.
4. If your ironing board cover is obviously covered with a stain and scorch protective coating, use a sponge soaked in a mild cleaning detergent to wipe away grime and debris, and then hang the cover to dry before reattaching it to the ironing board.
5. If your ironing board cover is made of 100% fabric—such as felt or cotton—then it is safe to wash it in your clothes washer on the delicate cycle with a mild detergent. Hang the cover to dry.
6. Once your cover is dry, no matter the composition, replace the cover and pad onto your ironing board, and secure it with the drawstring and/or strap. Make sure that the cover is snug to the point of being severely tight against the board.
7. With your iron set to the highest setting, and using steam if available, iron your cover applying pressure to the board.
8. Make quite sure that the board is completely dry before replacing the pad and cover. Continue to iron the cover, leaving behind no wrinkle in the fabric. If the care instructions of your cover state that you can dry the cover and pad in your clothes dryer, do so.

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Portable or Built-in Ironing Board?

Portable ironing boards are usually found in two sizes, stand-alone and tabletop. The advantage of a portable ironing board is that you can move it from room to room.

Built-in ironing boards are usually installed in a drawer or a wall cabinet by professional installers in the laundry room or in a bedroom closet. Kits are available for homeowners to mount boards on a closet door or into a special panel. This ironing board is fastened at the top, anchored only on one end and drops down from the door. This option is a great space saver. You should consider what tools may be necessary to mount the ironing board and whether you have the technical knowledge to do it.

Size of Ironing Board

If you have room for a full-size ironing board, choose the widest ironing board that you can find for easier, more effective ironing. A full-size ironing board is one that is at least 4 feet long and 12 to 18 inches wide.

A small tabletop model is useful for craft projects and quick touch-ups but not good for full-sized garments or linens.

Height of Ironing Board

If you have a built-in ironing board, it should be set at hip level for the person who does the most ironing. Hip level is best if you iron standing up.

For those who rotate between standing and sitting when ironing, a portable board is preferable because it is easier to adjust up or down.

Weight of Ironing Board

Older ironing boards were often made of wood. Very sturdy but very heavy and not the ideal material for effective ironing. Look for an ironing board with a metal, mesh top that will allow steam to pass through and evaporate.

A lightweight metal board is easier to set up and fold down for storage. It also enables you to move from one place to another with less effort.

Sturdiness of Ironing Board

While a lightweight ironing board is desirable, it should also have a sturdy frame that will not collapse or tip over easily as you do your ironing. A stable board makes ironing easier and can prevent accidents like the boards falling over onto small children.

Best Ironing Board Cover

An ironing board cover with good padding is essential to getting good results. Most boards have a cover included in the purchase; however, you may wish to upgrade.

Some covers feature non-stick or reflective surfaces. The non-stick qualities prevent clothes from sticking to the board; reflective surfaces transfer the heat back into the clothes which makes the job easier. The cover should be smooth and permeable to heat and steam. Teflon-coated cotton covers will not stick to your clothes and make it easy to clean away any build-up of starch or sizing. The best pad is one lined with heavy felt. It will hold its shape better than a foam-lined pad.

Ironing board covers have come a long way from generic grey to nearly every color and design. You can find one to match almost any decorating style or hobby. Most are fitted with a pull drawstring, but you can find them with an elastic edging.

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Then there’s the rest of the population, myself included, who’ll do everything they can to avoid it: from only buying wrinkle-free fabrics to hanging garments in the bathroom for the shower steam to work its magic. They don’t call it a “chore” for nothing, people.

Unfortunately, life thrusts at us many occasions that require whatever we’re wearing to receive a good press. Whichever camp you fall in – seasoned or sporadic – you’re poised to benefit from these practical tips.

1. Over-drying your clothes

Having them hang for too long, frying in the sun or on the heater, can over-dry clothes, leaving them stiff as cardboard and crispy in texture. They become difficult to reshape and harder to iron. Also, be wary of how long they’re in the dryer, especially if you don’t have one of the more advanced “moisture-sensing” models.

2. Not shaking clothes out

As you’re taking your clothes off the line and out of the dryer, don’t forget to shake them out. This smooths seams and pleats, making them easier to iron later down the line.

3. Not protecting delicates

Placing a hot iron directly on sensitive fabrics can ruin garments, branding them with an unsightly singed and shiny mark. Protect them by ironing fabrics inside-out and with a pressing cloth as a buffer. A handkerchief or napkin will do.

4. Not misting clothes

This makes creases easier to eliminate. Many irons have an in-built spray function, so you can lightly mist your clothes at the touch of a button. Alternatively, keep a water spray bottle handy.

5. Not using a starch spray

Starch sprays can speed up ironing and leave your clothes looking extra pristine – if you use them correctly. Spray the area right before you iron and leave it to penetrate for a few seconds. This will also save your iron’s base plate from a build-up of product residue. (N.B. Make your own starch spray by dissolving one tablespoon of cornstarch in two cups of water.)

6. Not adjusting the temperature

If you have a large pile to tackle, start with your lightest silk, synthetic and delicate fabrics, as these need to be ironed on lower temperatures. Then, as your iron begins to heat up, iron your woollens on medium heat, and then cottons and linens that require a higher heat. Always let the iron sit for a few minutes after you adjust the temperature setting. Want to cut your ironing time in half? Place a sheet of aluminum foil underneath the ironing board cover. The reflected heat from the foil means you don’t have to flip over the garment and iron the other side.

7. Not paying attention to the form of the garment

For shirts, start with the sleeves (cuffs always open) and lay the collar flat (even though that’s not how you usually wear it), then let the shirt hang for a few minutes before putting it on. For trousers, iron along the main crease, stopping six inches below the waist, then hang by the waistband. And always iron skirts from the top down, unless there’s a flounce or flare, in which case, start from the bottom and work up. If you’re having to iron pleats, start from the bottom, working from the inside of the pleat to the outside. Then set it with a shot of steam.

8. Using circular strokes

Ironing in circles stretches the fabric. Always iron lengthwise.

9. Making a mess of sheets

Is there anything more annoying than ironing sheets, tablecloths and curtains? The trick is to set up two chairs next to the ironing board. Fold the piece onto the chairs as you work on it. You could also iron them on a tabletop you’re not too precious about, provided you protect the surface with a bath towel.

10. Not hanging up or folding as soon as you’re done

But make sure you wait five minutes before putting them on. You need to let the press set, otherwise you’ll be undoing all your hard work.

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