| Ironing is one of the many household functions that | | | | 5. Sturdiness. While a good ironing board is that which |
| people usually find overwhelming. It is the task of | | | | is lightweight, it should also have a sturdy frame that |
| removing wrinkles from clothes (such as shirts, pants | | | | is stable enough so that it will not collapse or tip over |
| or trousers, and skirts) with the use of a heated | | | | easily as you do your ironing. Choose the most stable |
| tool, called an "iron" (modern designs that are | | | | ironing board, with sturdy legs and a solid base - this |
| available nowadays, however, are no longer made of | | | | will prevent accidents that result from ironing (such |
| iron). | | | | as ironing boards that fall over onto small children). |
| Another ironing tool that goes with the iron is the | | | | 6. Adjustability. We have given the recommended |
| ironing board. This is where most ironing is done, and | | | | ironing board height for people who prefer to stand |
| it is generally a portable, narrow-padded board with a | | | | up while ironing. However, there are still others who |
| heat resistant top and supports that can usually be | | | | prefer to do their ironing while sitting. Then there |
| folded up. | | | | may also be the added 'problem' of the varying |
| Ironing boards are just as important in ironing as the | | | | height of the people in your household who may also |
| iron. A good ironing board can add to your | | | | need to iron their clothes. The solution to this |
| convenience, making the seemingly difficult task of | | | | problem is to choose an ironing board that can be |
| ironing a bearable one. It is therefore important that | | | | adjusted at a height that will be most comfortable to |
| you choose an ironing board that would best suit | | | | the person who will use it. |
| your needs, and the following general guidelines will | | | | 7. The board pad. A good ironing board pad is one |
| be able to help you by identifying the things that you | | | | that has vent 'holes' in the surface for the steam to |
| should look for when choosing the ironing board to | | | | penetrate and escape. These 'holes', however, can |
| buy. | | | | make an impression on the fabric of the clothes you |
| 1. Size. If possible, choose the widest ironing board | | | | are ironing, so it is equally important for your board |
| that you can find for a more effective ironing. A | | | | to have enough padding. |
| full-size ironing board is one that is at least 4 feet | | | | Ironing boards may also come with a separate board |
| long and 12 to 18 inches wide. | | | | cover that ranges from simple to the sophisticated. |
| 2. Height. Most people prefer to do their ironing while | | | | Modern designs feature ironing boards that are |
| standing up. Standing up for a long time, however, | | | | coated with non-stick or reflective surfaces |
| could result to back strain. To minimize this, it is | | | | ('non-stick' prevents clothes from sticking to the |
| recommended that the ironing board should at least | | | | board; 'reflective' transfers the heat back into the |
| rise to about your hip level. | | | | clothes). |
| 3. Mobility. Another thing to consider when choosing | | | | 8. Other features. Aside from the 'basics', |
| an ironing board is the available space in your home. | | | | modern-day ironing boards are equipped with |
| In general, there are 2 types of ironing board - the | | | | additional features that allows for a more effective |
| built-in and the portable. | | | | and convenient ironing. Some of these features are |
| -Built-in ironing boards - as the name implies, these | | | | as follows: |
| boards are 'built-in', usually into a drawer or a wall | | | | -'Sleeve' - attached to the ironing board; a small board |
| cabinet. | | | | (about 2 feet long and 6 to 8 inches wide) used for |
| -Portable ironing boards - also called tabletop, these | | | | ironing sleeves and small articles of clothes. |
| boards can be set up from one place to another, | | | | -Iron rest - built-in at the wide end of the board that |
| allowing you to do your ironing wherever you choose. | | | | expands the usable area for ironing and prevents the |
| They are also ideal for people who have limited | | | | iron from falling off the board. |
| spaces in their homes. | | | | -Rack - for hanging clothes. |
| 4. Weight. Choose an ironing board that is lightweight | | | | -Pedal-operated vacuum - to pull air through the |
| - one that not only sets up easily for use but also | | | | board. |
| folds down for storage with ease. In addition, a | | | | Follow these guidelines, and you will surely be able to |
| lightweight board also enables you to transfer them | | | | find the ironing board that is right for your needs. |
| from one place to another with less effort. | | | | |