Ironing is the most tedious of all household chores. The sight of washed, crinkly, creased clothes is an unpleasant one, and to get rid of it, ironing is still the most popular way. To make this task bearable, an iron’s humble companion: the ironing board comes to our aid.
Most often than not, we do not bother spending too much time and money on an ironing board. However, a high-quality ironing board suitable for your home will be reliable, long-lasting and your savior when it comes to ironing. Here are a few tips, tricks, and features to look for in an ironing board when making your choice!
What do ironing boards offer?
A lot of people prefer to spread a towel on the floor to do their ironing. Not only will all the slouching give you back problems but the clothes will not be completely wrinkle-free either. An ironing board offers a sturdy surface at a comfortable height to iron clothes.
An industrial ironing board has a heatable and breathable surface. The surface of the board heats up allowing quick drying of clothes and the breathability of the surface ensures the clothes do not move around guaranteeing wrinkle-free ironing.
Types of Ironing Boards
Portable Ironing Board
A portable ironing board is the most popular one because it is user-friendly and versatile. Its flexible legs offer height adjustments and easy storage. When the legs are folded all the way, the ironing board becomes very compact and can be stored and moved around with no trouble.
If you prefer to iron your clothes while sitting, this is a fantastic choice as it offers lower heights. Just make sure to check the minimum height of a prospective purchase to ensure it suits your needs.
The only drawback of this ironing board is that is fragile so use it with care and it will help you get perfectly ironed clothes!
Table Top Ironing Board
A tabletop ironing board is an ironing board with short legs which displaced on a table for firmer ironing. These ironing boards are typically small and come in two different types: foldable legs and unfoldable legs. An ironing board with foldable legs is more portable and can be stowed away in any nook or cranny if you have limited space.
These ironing boards are not suitable so ironing small patches of clothes like collars or pockets. Nor is this ironing board suitable for bigger garments like coats and dresses because of their small size.
Wall-mounted Ironing Board
A wall-mounted ironing board is highly recommended when you have limited living space. These ironing boards are very easy to install and can be installed on any wall, even inside wardrobes. An added advantage offered by these boards is that the board can simply be placed near the electrical socket so that there are no accidental trips across the cord and the electrical source is way out of reach for children and pets.
These ironing boards have a strong, sturdy structure and are portable. Aesthetically elevated wall-mounted ironing boards are available in the market to add as an accessory to your room.
Features to look out for in an ironing board
Size of the working surface
Buying the largest ironing board you can afford as per ou space restrictions is always recommended. A typical ironing board is 12 inches by 48 inches in size. The width of the board is equally important as the length for effective ironing. Nobody wants a trail of their dress on the floor while ironing. You will thank the large size of the board when it comes to ironing linens or curtains.
Height
An ironing board with adjustable height is ideal. However, if not, then it should at least reach your waist. Consider your own height (if you are too short or tall) and your personal preference (if you like to iron while being seated) to buy the ironing board best for you!
Weight
Weight is an important trait to look out for if you want to buy a portable ironing board. An ironing board that is too light will not be able to hold down the weight of ironing and lose its sturdiness. Too heavy on the other hand will render the board’s portability feature useless. You want a robust ironing board with the least weight. Compare sizes and weights of different portable ironing stands before making your choice!
Sturdiness
It is imperative that an ironing board has a strong, steady frame with well-built legs. If an ironing board trips and falls under pressure, it can lead to serious ramifications. Do not overlook sturdiness when looking for a lightweight ironing stand.
The surface of the ironing board
Modern ironing boards come with covers or padding for effective ironing. Padded covers have holes in them that offer ventilation and an escape-way for steam. Some of the covers are also coated with non-stick or reflective substances.
Additional features
- Iron rest: an iron rest is a small metallic portion at one end of the ironing board to place your iron on. Go for a stand which can withstand the depending on the weight and size of your iron, or if you have a steam generator.
- Child-locks: prevents the ironing board to collapse accidentally.
- Sleeve attachment: if you want your ironing to be meticulous, you want a sleeve attachment. It is an add-on that can be attached to the ironing board to iron sleeves, pleats, or collars.
- Storage rack: if you have limited living space, an added shelf on the stand is a plus. You can keep all unironed clothes or hangers in there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flex guide?
A flex guide is an attachment that comes with some ironing stands or can be bought separately to avoid the cord of the iron from trailing.
What are non-slip end caps?
Non-slip end caps are a piece of safety equipment that prevents the board from falling unexpectedly.
How much does an ironing board cost?
Prices can range from 10 to 200 euros depending on the size, specifications, and additional accessories that come with the board.