Ironing or smoothing is the work of using a heated tool, or tools, (an iron) to remove wrinkles from fabric. Ironing works by loosening the bonds between the long-chain polymer molecules in the fibers of the material. While the molecules are hot, the fibers are straightened by the weight of the iron, and they hold their new shape as they cool. Some fabrics, such as cotton, require the addition of water to loosen the intermolecular bonds. Many modern fabrics (developed in or after the mid-twentieth century) are advertised as needing little or no ironing.
Ironing may also be used as a germ/parasite killing hygienic operation.citation needed
Equipment
Iron
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The iron is the small appliance used to remove wrinkles from fabric. It is also known as a clothes iron, flat iron, or smoothing iron.
Ironing board
On 16 February 1858 W. Vandenburg and J. Harvey patented an ironing table that made pressing sleeves and pant legs easier.[1] A truly portable folding ironing board was first patented in Canada in 1875 by John B. Porter of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The invention also included a removable press board used for sleeves.[2]
Commercial equipment
Commercial dry cleaning and full-service laundry providers use a large appliance called a steam press to do most of the work of ironing clothes. Alternately, a rotary iron may be used.
- Some commercial-grade irons have a boiler unit separate from the handheld iron.
- Most ironing is done on an ironing board, a small, portable, foldable table with a heat resistant top.
- Some commercial-grade ironing boards incorporate a heating element and a pedal-operated vacuum to pull air through the board and dry the garment.
- Permanent press clothing was developed to reduce the ironing necessary by combining wrinkle-resistant polyester with cotton.
- Commercial laundries use steam presses to iron clothes
- Irons cause many fires and burns each year
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Another example of a tailor's stove.
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Historically, larger tailor's shops including tailor's stove, a stove used by tailors to quickly and efficiently heat multiple irons.
Ergonomy
Continuous manual ironing can be a cause of repetitive strain injury to the user's wrist. For alternatives, see Robots and major home appliances.
Sport
Extreme ironing is a tongue-in-cheek extreme sport.
References
External links
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