Focus on Irons continued...
What to look for
The measure of an iron is its effectiveness at removing wrinkles and its ease of use, but many have features that also go a long way to reducing the small frustrations involved with the chore.
WEIGHT is an important consideration. Remember that a light model is good for synthetics and small items, but for linen, cotton and denim a heavier one gets better results. If you do a lot of both, you might consider one of each so your arm doesn’t get too tired.
STEAM is the best wrinkle-remover, and higher, quicker heat makes better steam. A burst of steam smoothes tough creases and a spray nozzle damps the fabric in front of the iron, both helpful features.
SETTINGS should be simple to adjust as you go without having to stop work, so try the dial while the iron is flat as well as upright.
EASY-FILL tanks reduce frustration and a large one saves refilling and reheating time, and check that the gauge is easy to see.
CORDS that are extra-long give greater mobility, and if they are reversible or pivot, right- or left-handers can work comfortably
SELF-CLEAN NOZZLES use a burst of steam to clear the holes in the soleplate. Clogged vents mean not enough steam gets through to the clothes and – even worse – great gobs of deposit are likely to spew from the iron at any time.
If you’ve ever been halfway to work and suddenly wondered if you turned the iron off, an AUTO-OFF feature that switches it off after a certain time of inactivity will be top of your list just for the peace of mind it gives.
What is a steam station?
Basically, a steam station consists of a water tank and an iron that rests on it. A heating element boils the water in the tank and the steam is conducted through a hose into the iron, controlled by a valve. An electric cord for the soleplate combined with a plastic hose for the steam supply connect the two components and, just like a conventional iron, there is a thermostat and a steam on/off button. A steam station won’t be the answer to everyone’s ironing woes, but for large families and people who do big loads at a time, it could be worth the extra money, but it’s best if it can be set up permanently in an area devoted specifically to ironing.
In the extreme
If you can’t imagine the words ‘fun’ and ‘challenge’ being used in the same sentence as ‘ironing’, you obviously haven’t heard about extreme ironing. Neither had we until we were told about ironing underwater and found that Australia holds the record – yes, it’s even competitive! – of 70 ironers underwater at one time complete with boards. It seems there are people who take their irons up mountains and jump out of planes with them too. That’s food for thought on days when it’s too much trouble to press a tablecloth. Check out www.diveoz.com.au
6 TOP TIPS
- Cut ironing time by putting aluminum foil under the ironing-board cover – it reflects heat so you're actually ironing both sides at once.
- Progress from articles or garments needing the lowest temperature to those requiring the highest.
- For a perfect fit, put the ironing-board cover on the board while it's still damp, and let it dry in place.
- Prevent wrinkles by moving freshly ironed surfaces away from you.
- Iron collars, cuffs, and hems on the wrong side first to prevent them puckering.
- Hang shirts promptly after ironing to prevent wrinkling, and button them at the top and centre.
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