Why is there an antenna on the ironing board?
The ironing board looks like an elongated folding table that is resistant to high temperatures and humidity. The design primarily serves for convenient ironing of textile items. Most often, the board is plywood, chipboard or other wooden material, the upholstery is hard batting and hygroscopic fabric, the transformable legs are metal, with a special coating that protects against careless damage.
Depending on the goals and wishes of the buyer, there are different types of boards: folding, portable, retractable, etc. The length of the working surface can be from 1100 to 1250 mm, width - from 300 to 450 mm. The design is often supplemented by:
- Iron stand;
- A small board for ironing sleeves;
- Linen shelf;
- Socket;
- Hanging rod;
- Antenna.
These details are designed to shorten the ironing process, optimizing it. But the functions and necessity of the latter raise questions.
Functionally active ironing board
- The board structure consists of 4 layers. A cotton or linen cover is placed on top. There is foam underneath to make the iron glide easier. Next comes thick felt that absorbs steam. The last layer has water-repellent properties. It prevents moisture from seeping down and promotes its rapid evaporation.
- The surface of the board is heated. The covering fabric will not become waterlogged during operation, and the laundry dries quickly.
- The ironing surface of the system is equipped with a vacuum motor. The fabric is better fixed to the surface and smoothes out faster. The sheets can be ironed by folding them in four.
The suction function will help you make perfectly even arrows and folds. The fabric is held on the board, and hot steam secures the arrow.
- When blowing, a kind of air cushion is formed between the iron and the material. When ironing delicate fabrics, you are guaranteed not to damage the fine fibers with the iron. There will be no wrinkles or shine on the clothes.
- Vacuum steam suction and pressurization are provided by the operation of a fan connected to the electrical network.
- The specially shaped edges of the tabletop allow you to iron men's shirts and blouses without hassle. The back and shoulder parts are ironed in one step. The housewife will not need to move the shirt, arranging the fabric in a convenient way.
The width of the board, its height and length are chosen so that it is convenient for each customer to use it.
Benefits of an active ironing board
The ironing system makes the tedious and time-consuming process of caring for clothes easier. The thoughtful design of the tabletop allows steam to pass through the layers of coating, while moisture does not condense on the floor. During the process, the fabric is moistened with steam. In this case, the ironing board cover does not become waterlogged, but dries quickly under the influence of high temperature.
Ironing board requirements
Every year, more and more models of ironing boards appear on sale, with which manufacturers have filled home appliance stores. How not to get confused among such abundance and choose one that will truly become an indispensable home assistant?
Therefore, first we will answer the question: what kind of ironing board should it be:
- Easy. This parameter is required, because women use this item to a greater extent.
- Durable. The board must be stable and should not sag or wobble. It is important that the lightness of the structure is not compensated by its strength.
- Compact. When folded, the board should not take up much space so that it can be conveniently stored.
- Convenient. The board should be wide enough to make the ironing process quick and comfortable. It is highly desirable to have a stand for the iron and a carrying case with a socket mount where this very iron will be plugged in.
- High quality. The board must have a soft and non-stick coating.
- Mobile. So that each housewife can adjust it to her own height, the board must be adjustable in height. In addition, at this point it should be noted that the fixation should be reliable and the adjustment should be simple.
So, now the question of how to choose a good ironing board can be answered - it must fully comply with each point of the above requirements for it, and at the same time have an affordable price. All that remains is to understand the features and designs of the boards on sale today.
Requirements
Each housewife decides which ironing board to choose in accordance with her available budget. However, when considering the proposed options for a home assistant, it is necessary to take as a basis the requirements that all housewives have for this product:
Ease. The board should not be heavy, because most often it is used by women.
Strength. Any movement of the board during ironing, wobbling and bending will distract from the main process. Structural stability is very important for safety. Moreover, the strength of the structure should not depend on the weight of the product.
Compactness. The folded dimensions of the ironing board should be optimal for storage.
Convenience. The speed and comfort of the process is ensured by the width of the ironing surface. It is very desirable to have additional conveniences in the form of a stand for the iron or a carrying case with a special mount for the socket into which the iron will be connected.
Mobility. Height adjustment allows you to adjust the comfortable position of the tabletop to suit the growth of the hostess
It is worth noting that the simplicity of the adjustment system and the reliability of fastening the clamps are important.
Quality. The surface of the countertop should be soft and non-stick at the same time.
Antenna function on the ironing board
The antenna is usually located near the hot iron stand, eliminating the dangerous need to leave the device on a fabric surface. This reveals its purpose - an iron cord holder. This is especially true for those who have to use the board several times a day: it is quite difficult for a tired mother with many children, a housekeeper, or an atelier employee to keep track of all the nuances.
Advantages of using an antenna:
- Wire control. During operation, the cable lies on the work surface. You can simply not notice it and iron it, touch it with a hot iron. This will not have the best effect on the cable and the performance of the device, and will also ruin, for example, your favorite T-shirt.
- Increasing the service life of the iron. The cord is the most vulnerable part of the device, and its mechanical damage due to exposure to high temperature significantly reduces its service life. The antenna will help prevent the cord from becoming crimped if the socket is in an awkward position, and will prevent the wire from being torn out of the iron by the roots if handled carelessly. Cable repair is an expensive pleasure, so it is better to prevent an unpleasant situation by saving money.
- Preventing fire hazards. If you place a hot iron on the wire, the fabric and then the ironing board may catch fire. The holder will not allow such a situation.
- Short circuit safety. Short circuits often occur in homes with weak wiring, and at some point the cable may fail. The main thing is that this does not happen in the hands of a person. By the way, if you stand on a rubber mat or wear rubber slippers while ironing, the risk of suffering from an electric shock is significantly reduced.
- Comfort. For most housewives this is the determining factor. Usually the cable gets in the way on the work surface: it catches and wrinkles the just ironed fabric, and sometimes it can even tear. The antenna allows you not only to reduce ironing time, eliminating the need to monitor the cable and constantly remove it from the board, but also to keep your clothes intact.
All this makes the holder an almost indispensable accessory. But if you have already bought a board without it, you should not despair: antennas are also sold separately in specialized stores.
Why do you need to iron?
The answer to this question should be sought in two categories:
- Medical - in other words, ironing is good for health. Exposure to high temperatures will help get rid of harmful microorganisms (bed mite larvae, bacteria and microbes) remaining on the fabric even after washing. This is especially true for allergy sufferers and people with reduced immunity.
- Aesthetically, it is much more pleasant to lie down in a clean, fresh-smelling and ironed bed. It is not only softer and more pleasant to the touch, but also promotes healthy sleep. Even the most ardent opponents of ironing will not refuse to lie in such a bed.
Iron sole material
It is important to pay attention to the material from which the sole is made. It can be aluminum. This sole heats up quickly, but is easily damaged. The Teflon coating is pleasant to use, but quickly scratches on metal parts of clothing. Stainless steel is very resistant to damage and heats up quickly. Ceramic coating is scratch-resistant, glides well and is easy to clean, but is the most expensive option.
When choosing an iron and ironing board, first of all you need to pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer. Recognizable brands monitor the quality of their products. But the main thing here is not to buy a fake.
Legs and tracks
An important part of any ironing board are the legs. Firstly, they must be stable and extend beyond the edges of the board in width, for greater stability, however, in this case the board loses some compactness
TM Vileda boards are considered one of the most stable ironing boards. And the unique design of the legs of the Leifheit AIRBOARD ironing board allows you to iron while sitting
Firstly, they must be stable and extend beyond the edges of the board in width for greater stability, however, in this case the board loses some compactness. TM Vileda boards are considered one of the most stable ironing boards. And the unique design of the legs of the Leifheit AIRBOARD ironing board allows you to iron while sitting.
Secondly, special attention should be paid to the tips of the legs: they should have plastic or rubber tips (these include ironing boards Eurogold, Leifheit, Brabantia, Dogrular, Trisa). Unless, of course, you want the number of scratches on the floor to be associated with the ironing process
Thirdly, this is the material from which the legs themselves are made. Wood is, of course, good, but we must not forget that natural wood is much heavier and more expensive than lightweight modern metal structures. And another disadvantage of wood is its increased flammability.
Therefore, in this situation, pay better attention to choosing the optimal ratio of lightness and strength, with fire safety standards. And another important point when choosing a board is the method of height adjustment: smooth or stepped
The advantages of the smooth method are that it makes it possible to adjust the board to any height, while step adjustment is easier to use and can be adjusted to a maximum of three height positions.
How to use an antenna on an ironing board
The antenna is a straight wire that turns into a spiral at the bottom. On top there is a plastic clothespin for a cable with a standard diameter. The antenna itself is strong, most often made of stainless steel, and can bend in any direction. Attach it to the iron stand.
The antenna is used as follows:
- Before ironing, you need to secure the wire in the holder at the top - this position provides maximum comfort;
- The wire must be secured so that a convenient length of the part remains free - without tension, but also without the need to constantly pull it;
- During ironing, you can forget about the antenna - its springiness and flexibility takes into account any movements with the iron;
- Afterwards, the cord can be pulled out of the holder, or you can leave it until next time - if this does not interfere with placing it safely on the stand.
Sewing a new cover
We draw a line to make a so-called channel for an elastic band or thread.
We install the ironing board so that the gasket is on top, and install the new cover on top as well. Fold the edges by about 0.5 centimeters and press well with an iron.
The channel doesn't have to be perfect, just do it by eye.
Now fold the edges again by about 0.7 centimeters.
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This can be a little tricky if you've never done this before because the corners are uneven. Try approaching the corners from different angles if you can't get them right the first time. Just make sure you don't fold the material too much or it will make it difficult for the thread or elastic to pass through the body.
I did this job a little sloppily, but I tried.
Take two pins and place them a few centimeters apart in the center of the back of the lid.
We use an allowance of 0.2 centimeters. Starting from one edge, sew everything in a circle.
When it comes to folds, your sewing machine may catch on them. In this case, stop the machine with the needle pointing down and raise the presser foot. Slide the pleated fabric back under the presser foot and continue sewing.
Move to the other marked edge of the body. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end.
Criteria for choosing an ironing board
- The ironing board should be light. Otherwise, a woman who is a regular “user” of household items in the house will have to struggle to get it, move it to a convenient place, and then do all the steps in reverse order.
- Strength. Since the board is constantly being installed and folded, the bolts at the joints of the legs can fall out at the most inopportune moment.
- Sustainability. The metal part on which the ironing cloth is held must stand firmly on the floor, not wobble, move apart, or sag.
- The ironing surface itself should be at least 30 cm wide so that you do not have to constantly turn and tighten the bed linen.
- The fabric covering the board should be soft, as natural as possible, so that touching the iron to it does not cause deformation. Most often, the covering is made of soft flannel, with thin foam rubber placed under it. There is one caveat here: if the foam rubber is thick, during ironing the laundry will fall through and will not be ironed well. It is convenient when the cover is a removable cover. It can always be removed and washed.
- Functionality. If the ironing board is equipped with a shelf that folds back when unfolded and is located in the area where the legs intersect. Already ironed and neatly folded linen is placed on it. An additional detail, which, like the shelf, is not available on all boards, is a mini-board for ironing sleeves.
- Height adjustment. The more levels the board has, the more practical it is. There is no doubt that a person of any height can choose a suitable regime.
- Compact when folded. Ideally, after folding, it should become flat so that you can push the board into the far corner.
- Availability of iron stand. It can be retractable or stationary. The first one is convenient, but at the slightest deformation it stops moving. Stationary - a section of a board covered with tin, usually located at the wide edge. It is even more convenient to use a model that has a mount for an extension cord.
- It would be nice if all of the above indicators were combined with a similar price. Of course, you can buy the cheapest board available in the store. But it most likely will not have any useful functions.
Materials and tools for work
The tools can be as varied as the ones you are most used to. The main one is a saw, but the best option would be to use a circular saw, since thanks to it you can cut the plywood sheet evenly. You can also use a jigsaw.
Anyone who has used a simple saw knows how difficult it is to cut something in a straight line, leaving a perfect edge. Therefore, it is best to use a special tool for these purposes. It is imperative to have a certain number of screws, a hammer, a furniture stapler, piano hinges, bars, and upholstery fabric.
There is not always a need to run to the construction supermarket for planks. If a man is a housewife, then there will always be remains of furniture panels or parts of timber in the house. And this is enough to start work.
The shield must be at least 18mm thick. Planed timber is suitable for the legs. You will have to discard plywood, as it is afraid of water and steam and can warp under the influence of a certain percentage of humidity.
Basic materials
The list of basic materials looks like this:
- board with dimensions 18mm x 1220mm x 300mm (will be used as an ironing board);
- 3 pieces of blocks measuring 35mm x 40mm x 100mm;
- blocks in the amount of 2 pieces, dimensions 35mm x 40mm x 300mm.
To fasten individual components, you need to acquire M10 screws and bolts. To make upholstery, you will need foam rubber and a piece of fabric.
Instead of foam rubber, you can use Armotex covering geotextile fabric, which is recommended to be folded in four layers. The fabric must have non-stick properties and be waterproof. You can use thick cotton fabric.
Devices and tools
Making your own ironing board is impossible without the following tools:
- milling machine;
- drills with drills (0.8 cm - for working with wood and 25 mm - cork);
- electric jigsaw;
- construction stapler;
- planed beams (necessary for the manufacture of supports and folding mechanisms);
- furniture board 18cm thick;
- screws in large quantities;
- soft upholstery material;
- bolts (M10);
- cotton, linen, calico upholstery fabric;
- scissors;
- sewing machine or needle and thread (for sewing a cover).
How can I replace the holder?
It is important to understand that the design of the antenna holder is the most convenient. But there are other options that are usually not included with ironing boards:
- Compact holder in the form of a short clothespin. It can be attached either to the board itself or to an iron stand. The holder for a standard diameter cable is located on the edge of the clothespin. Can be useful when traveling or on a small board, but the bottom cable feed makes things a little more complicated.
- A strong plastic clip for the wire itself. It differs from the previous version in that it is attached not to the working surface, but directly to the wire, rolling it in a spiral. This helps reduce the length to the most comfortable and safe one.
- Wall holder. The design also includes a stand for the iron. It is attached to a cabinet or wall with screws, which is where the difficulty lies: for a high-quality result, appropriate skills are required. Typically used with stationary ironing boards. Must be selected according to the size of the iron.
The antenna included with the ironing board, although it seems like a useless part at first, but then, as you use it, it attracts with its comfort. Buyers say that after several days of use, ironing without it is no longer so convenient. In this case, the antenna can be purchased either complete with the ironing board or separately - as well as other configurations of holders that are similar in function.
Household appliances Ironing board
Let's sum it up
If you want to buy a high-quality and durable ironing board, we recommend that you pay attention to all the nuances described above. It is also important to take into account the dimensions of your home. If there are no problems with free space, then it makes sense to give preference to modern models that are equipped with all additional accessories. If there is not much space, then you can buy more simplified analogues. Their selection is quite large, so there will be no difficulty in choosing the one that will not be heavy, durable and compact.
Choose an ironing board based on the size of your home
The range of such products is simply huge and among all this diversity there is a considerable number of worthy models that can be used intensively by you for many years. Remember that some additional options may not be useful to you during the operation of the equipment, so there will be no need to overpay for them. As for the covers, we recommend choosing models where they are replaceable and initially made of high-quality material that will not burn when exposed to high temperatures. If you carefully choose, you are guaranteed to be satisfied with your purchase in the end.
Practical ironing board model with removable cover
You just need to choose the product that has the optimal ratio of cost and quality, and also suits you in all other respects. Every year more and more modern ironing boards appear on the market, but by and large they differ in that they are made of lighter and more practical materials to use. Do not hesitate to ask questions to sales consultants, as the information provided may influence your choice. Do not try to save unnecessarily at the stage of purchasing an ironing board, as you may encounter many troubles in the future.
Ironing boards: characteristics, types, types
The ironing board looks like an elongated folding table that is resistant to high temperatures and humidity. The design primarily serves for convenient ironing of textile items. Most often, the board is plywood, chipboard or other wooden material, the upholstery is hard batting and hygroscopic fabric, the transformable legs are metal, with a special coating that protects against careless damage.
Depending on the goals and wishes of the buyer, there are different types of boards: folding, portable, retractable, etc. The length of the working surface can be from 1100 to 1250 mm, width - from 300 to 450 mm. The design is often supplemented by:
- Iron stand;
- A small board for ironing sleeves;
- Linen shelf;
- Socket;
- Hanging rod;
- Antenna.
These details are designed to shorten the ironing process, optimizing it. But the functions and necessity of the latter raise questions.
Locking mechanisms - ironing board height
The height of many boards can be “adjusted” to the height of the owner. In most cases, the tabletop can be raised by 20–30 cm (up to 94–98 cm).
Ironing boards can have stepped and smooth height adjustment. Step adjustment allows you to raise the tabletop by 2-3 levels, and with smooth adjustment you can set the ironing surface at any height. However, over time, the reliability of fixation of models with smooth height adjustment is lost, and the structure becomes loose.
Choice of shape, size, frame design
The choice of models is wide: from low sleeve platforms installed on the table, to large boards measuring 60 × 160 centimeters, on which almost anything can be ironed. The choice must suit individual needs. The larger the tabletop, the more space it will take up even when folded. It is necessary to think in advance where to install the board.
Choosing a form
When choosing the shape of the tabletop, it is worth remembering:
- The tabletop with a conical tip makes ironing cuffs and sleeves easier.
- Models with a very wide, long tabletop are convenient if you often need to iron bedspreads, sheets, curtains, tablecloths, but wide boards are less convenient for ironing clothes.
- A tabletop measuring at least 100x30 cm will allow for convenient ironing of clothes.
Selecting size and frame design
The frame must be stable. Stability is affected by the shape and width of the structure. A good frame has the following properties:
- does not wobble;
- wide enough to ensure stability even in case of slight movement;
- leg diameter at least 20 mm;
- the legs have rubberized non-slip tips that make ironing safe;
- has a lock that prevents accidental movement of the structure and ensures stability;
- It is possible to adjust (preferably smoothly) and set the tabletop at the desired height for a particular person. The best models can go down to 30 cm, increase the height to 1 m.
For those who favor ironing while sitting, you should make sure that the board you choose can be adjusted to lower the table top to the level of the person sitting on the chair
It is important to pay attention to all the bolts connecting the frame to see if they are strong and not loose. This is important for safety
Antenna function on the ironing board
The antenna is usually located near the hot iron stand, eliminating the dangerous need to leave the device on a fabric surface. This reveals its purpose - an iron cord holder. This is especially true for those who have to use the board several times a day: it is quite difficult for a tired mother with many children, a housekeeper, or an atelier employee to keep track of all the nuances.
Advantages of using an antenna:
- Wire control. During operation, the cable lies on the work surface. You can simply not notice it and iron it, touch it with a hot iron. This will not have the best effect on the cable and the performance of the device, and will also ruin, for example, your favorite T-shirt.
- Increasing the service life of the iron. The cord is the most vulnerable part of the device, and its mechanical damage due to exposure to high temperature significantly reduces its service life. The antenna will help prevent the cord from becoming crimped if the socket is in an awkward position, and will prevent the wire from being torn out of the iron by the roots if handled carelessly. Cable repair is an expensive pleasure, so it is better to prevent an unpleasant situation by saving money.
- Preventing fire hazards. If you place a hot iron on the wire, the fabric and then the ironing board may catch fire. The holder will not allow such a situation.
- Short circuit safety. Short circuits often occur in homes with weak wiring, and at some point the cable may fail. The main thing is that this does not happen in the hands of a person. By the way, if you stand on a rubber mat or wear rubber slippers while ironing, the risk of suffering from an electric shock is significantly reduced.
- Comfort. For most housewives this is the determining factor. Usually the cable gets in the way on the work surface: it catches and wrinkles the just ironed fabric, and sometimes it can even tear. The antenna allows you not only to reduce ironing time, eliminating the need to monitor the cable and constantly remove it from the board, but also to keep your clothes intact.
All this makes the holder an almost indispensable accessory. But if you have already bought a board without it, you should not despair: antennas are also sold separately in specialized stores.
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Design types of ironing boards and selection rules
Since technological progress does not stand still, we have moved far from standard standards and today on the market you can see several types of ironing boards that differ in design, material and, of course, construction.
Among the advantages of retractable ironing boards, it is worth noting their compactness and practicality.
Namely:
- Portable, portable, folding (the most popular; their advantages are that they can be placed anywhere, which is very convenient, and they are also easy to transport anywhere). They are boards covered with textile fabric on top, attached to them with iron or wooden legs that cross each other.
- Folding, permanently fixed at one end to the wall (suitable for those who have clearly decided on the place of the ironing board in their home). The board, held by fastenings to the wall, has no legs. During ironing, the board reclines, most often from bottom to top; it is less convenient than folding.
- Retractable, built into furniture (suitable for those who want to decorate their apartment in some designer style). Most often, the board matches the color of the furniture. When ironing, the board is pulled out of furniture, for example, from a kitchen cabinet.
- Linen cabinet (is the lid of the linen cabinet and serves as full-fledged furniture). The board can be pulled out during ironing.
- Linen closet (represents a hinged lid attached to the wall of the closet). Doesn't take up extra space. Suitable for small apartments.
Ironing boards also differ in design, but you should remember that for any ironing board you can purchase or sew a cover yourself if it somehow does not fit the interior.
Ironing board base materials:
- Plywood or chipboard is one of the most affordable materials. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that it quickly fails (delaminates and deforms).
- Reinforced metal plate is a strong and durable material. The disadvantages of this choice include too much weight of the structure and a small number of holes, which will not allow steam to escape normally.
- The metal mesh is strong and durable, weighs significantly less than the analogue described above. The disadvantage is that over time, when the cover is pressed, the mesh base will be imprinted on the laundry, but this can be easily avoided if you change the cover for a new one from time to time.
- Plastic is more durable than metal, just as durable and cannot leave a mark on laundry, but this option is only suitable for an iron with a steam generator.
- Wood is much more expensive than its metal counterparts, however, it is more durable and of higher quality. Deformation of the material is prevented by impregnation with water-repellent compounds during the manufacture of the ironing board.
Various modifications of ironing boards may have additions in the form of shelves for linen, wheels for moving the structure, a holder for the iron wire, an electrical outlet attached to the iron stand, etc.
Which countertops are best?
It is important to understand that the tabletop is the main element of this thing, and it can be made from different materials. If we consider the most budget products, here manufacturers use chipboard. As a result, a very significant drawback appears - when the surface comes into contact with moisture or temperature changes, this material begins to deform, cracking and taking on a wave-like shape.
Mesh ironing boards can transform over time
More expensive boards for ironing a variety of laundry are distinguished by a base in the form of a mesh, which can be solid or woven. The latter option is notable for the presence of a large number of, undoubtedly, necessary holes for venting steam during ironing.
Ironing surface base made of metal mesh
Models in which the working surface is made of a solid metal sheet are usually positioned as the most reliable in use, since the base does not deform even with intensive use. It is recommended to pay special attention to the number of special holes, since with a minimum number of them, pairs simply will not be able to exit unhindered, which will lead to increased wear of the cover. Buyers often prefer models in which the working surface is made of high-quality metal and at the same time covered with natural wood.
Ironing surface made from a single sheet of metal
Recently, ironing boards with countertops made of thermoplastic can be increasingly seen on sale. Overall, this is a unique material that is not yet widely used and was developed by Leifheit. Many people who have already tested such ironing boards note that they are very convenient to use, and the base made of this material allows steam to pass through perfectly. Also, the product ultimately has excellent strength indicators and, notably, has minimal weight. The only drawback is the very high cost.
Thermoplastic ironing board table top
How to use an antenna on an ironing board
The antenna is a straight wire that turns into a spiral at the bottom. On top there is a plastic clothespin for a cable with a standard diameter. The antenna itself is strong, most often made of stainless steel, and can bend in any direction. Attach it to the iron stand.
The antenna is used as follows:
- Before ironing, you need to secure the wire in the holder at the top - this position provides maximum comfort;
- The wire must be secured so that a convenient length of the part remains free - without tension, but also without the need to constantly pull it;
- During ironing, you can forget about the antenna - its springiness and flexibility takes into account any movements with the iron;
- Afterwards, the cord can be pulled out of the holder, or you can leave it until next time - if this does not interfere with placing it safely on the stand.
Additional features and accessories
Various additions significantly simplify the ironing process. Some home models are equipped with them initially, in other cases you will have to purchase the necessary elements yourself:
- Stand for iron or steam generator. Mounts to the side of the tabletop. Almost irreplaceable. Allows you to place the iron at hand, rather than looking for a special place for it or occupying the ironing surface.
- Iron cord clamp. This restriction prevents the cord from hanging down during ironing, getting tangled or catching on the edges of the board and clothes.
- Built-in extension cords with sockets. Necessary if it is not possible to open a mobile ironing board near an outlet or stretch an extension cord across the entire room.
- Boards for ironing sleeves and hangers. Usually removable or folded under the board. They allow you to smooth out wrinkles in difficult places without any tricks and avoid creases.
- Linen shelf. It is usually located under the board. Not the most necessary, but convenient package - with it you won’t have to be distracted by putting ironed clothes in a closet or other place.
- Stand for hangers or bracket for shirts . Similar in use with a linen shelf.
In addition, some boards operate in several modes, which makes ironing complex or thin fabrics easier:
- after ironing with the function of heating the ironing surface, the laundry turns out dry, immediately ironed on the second side;
- multi-layered or delicate fabrics with ruffles are ironed without an iron using the supercharger mode;
- in vacuum mode (blowing), the fabric is pressed against the board and does not wrinkle.
When choosing components, it is important not to overdo it. Due to the abundance of accessories, the ironing board will turn out to be bulky and possibly unstable. And in a small room it is completely inappropriate, despite its functionality.
Legs and fabric-covered tabletop – do you need more? It seems that choosing the right ironing board is easy. The only hindrance is the wide range of different brands. However, what is actually much more important is not the name of the manufacturer that is being heard, but your own visual assessment of the ironing board. Taking into account the above-described points, you can easily select a high-quality and functional product so that it suits the taste of the housewife in appearance, and also does not take up much space.
Manufacturers and prices
Popular companies producing ironing boards:
- Barabantia;
- DeLonghi;
- Euroflex;
- Karcher;
- Leifheit;
- Meliconi;
- R&R;
- Top House;
- Vileda.
In addition to the above brands, there are many worthy manufacturers producing high-quality products in different price categories.
The price range is from 500 rubles. for simple models up to 35,000 rubles. for modern multifunctional ironing systems. The lowest price you can pay is for non-electric models made from inexpensive materials with a cotton cover. A classic, stable board is simpler and cheaper, but a modern ironing system can make tedious long-term work easier and more enjoyable. There's no point in spending thousands on a device whose features won't be used regularly.
How can I replace the holder?
It is important to understand that the design of the antenna holder is the most convenient. But there are other options that are usually not included with ironing boards:
- Compact holder in the form of a short clothespin. It can be attached either to the board itself or to an iron stand. The holder for a standard diameter cable is located on the edge of the clothespin. Can be useful when traveling or on a small board, but the bottom cable feed makes things a little more complicated.
- A strong plastic clip for the wire itself. It differs from the previous version in that it is attached not to the working surface, but directly to the wire, rolling it in a spiral. This helps reduce the length to the most comfortable and safe one.
- Wall holder. The design also includes a stand for the iron. It is attached to a cabinet or wall with screws, which is where the difficulty lies: for a high-quality result, appropriate skills are required. Typically used with stationary ironing boards. Must be selected according to the size of the iron.
The antenna included with the ironing board, although it seems like a useless part at first, but then, as you use it, it attracts with its comfort. Buyers say that after several days of use, ironing without it is no longer so convenient. In this case, the antenna can be purchased either complete with the ironing board or separately - as well as other configurations of holders that are similar in function.
Household appliances Ironing board
Types of built-in ironing devices
There are plenty of options for ergonomic, practical ironing devices that relieve space and fit seamlessly into the interior.
Folding
There are several types of folding ironing boards, including the following:
Classic wall-mounted version of the ironing board. The table top-lid (solid wood, laminated chipboard or moisture-repellent plywood) is attached to a frame-frame with a simple folding mechanism, and the latter is attached to the wall (at two or four points). When folded, the board is positioned vertically; when working, it is positioned horizontally on the floor. There are two possible methods of fixation: without a supporting leg or for (reinforcement) on a stand resting on the floor.
If the ironing device is hidden in a box with a sliding decorated panel or a hinged door, imbalance can be avoided.
Ironing board with wall mirror. A two-in-one variation: on the outside there is an elegant reflective surface of any shape or size, on the inside there is an interior device for ironing clothes. The mirror sheet can be hinged - sliding to the side or hinged - a traditional single-leaf structure using canopies, a box and a movable sheet. An additional advantage of combining two functionalities is unloading the scarce space of a small apartment and its visual expansion. A built-in ironing board with a mirror can be integrated into any interior style by framing the reflective surface with a suitable finishing or decorative material (baguette, molding) - natural wood, wild or ornamental stone, stucco, plastic.
Retractable
A folding version of the ironing board, placed inside a furniture box (in a cabinet, chest of drawers). It is fixed on the guides by the widened part of the base, the tabletop “breaks” in the middle, folding in half - the narrowed part is laid on the wide one - face to face. The dimensions of the retractable ironing board are proportional to the size of the drawer, stability depends on the quality of the guides.
Built-in
Maximum space saving. The optimal variation for small apartments. It is usually made to order when purchasing a wardrobe or installed with your own hands in both a wardrobe and a kitchen cabinet (a labor-intensive but functionally rewarding process of filing partitions, installing a fastening system and fixing structures).
Basic requirements for an ironing board
A good ironing board is one that meets the requirements, namely:
- Lightweight , that is, with a weight that a woman can handle without much effort;
- Reliable so that it does not wobble, bend or fall off;
- Compact , so that when folded it takes up a relatively small volume;
- Convenient so that the ironing process does not irritate, but is quick and comfortable. This is facilitated by a wide working surface, optimal location of the socket and a retractable stand for the iron, as well as the presence of an adjustable board height, a stand for smoothing out sleeves, and a bracket for shirts;
- High quality. In order for the board to serve for a long time, you need to choose the ironing board wisely, paying attention to everything: the table top, legs, fastenings.
How to maintain the functionality of a structure for a long time
The ironing board does not require special care. But there are certain tips worth considering:
- Bolt fastenings require periodic inspection. This will avoid breakdowns and guarantee safety. The connection points are inspected, the fasteners are tightened using a standard screwdriver;
- The cover is washed at least once a month. It's good if there is a replaceable cape. This will help reduce wear on the coating and extend its service life. The inner foam padding is changed once every 2–3 months;
- parts are cleaned of dust, excess moisture is removed from the surface with soft material.
By following the recommendations and choosing a quality board, you can forget about all the unpleasant emotions caused by ironing. A reliable product will last a long time and will not create problems for the owners.
The article has been verified by the editors
What is better to choose for your home: an ironing board, a table or an ironing system?
Which is better for sewing at home: an ironing table or an ironing board? It all depends on the size of the room where you sew. If the space allows you, you can equip your workspace with an ironing table. There are ready-made options in stores, but if you have a small budget, you can use a regular wooden or metal table. The main thing is that it must be stable, and for use under an iron, you can cover it yourself with a blanket with a cover without scars or relief patterns. The size of such a table is usually wider than ironing boards, and this allows you to work with the iron many times faster. When I first started sewing, I used an ironing table, but then, to save space, I switched to a board.
The ironing board differs in size from the table in its width. If you iron a stack of bed linen or curtains at once on an ironing table, then it is convenient to iron clothes on the board: shirts and dresses. In addition, it is equipped with a height adjuster and an iron stand. Between these two planes for ironing, the board is closer to me.
There are also ironing systems where a steam generator with an iron is attached to the ironing board, but if you don’t plan to iron clothes in batches, you definitely don’t need such a tool.
What should an ironing cover be like?
This element also deserves special attention, since if it is of poor quality, the service life will be significantly reduced in the end. It is important to know that this is not only a working element of each ironing device, but also a detail responsible for the aesthetic beauty of this thing. A good ironing cover must be soft, otherwise you will have to constantly lay down an additional cover, and this is very inconvenient. It is worth giving preference to models that have a double lining, which will greatly facilitate the process of ironing things.
When purchasing, give preference to a soft cover for your ironing board.
If we consider inexpensive analogues, they are made from cotton material. More expensive covers are made from synthetic and water-repellent fabrics that are highly resistant to moisture.
Ironing board cover with water-repellent surface
Most modern manufacturers of ironing boards equip their products with removable covers for the working surface so that they can be quickly replaced with new ones. If you choose this option, you should pay attention to how the cover is secured. If necessary, it should be quickly removed and put back on, but at the same time, even during long and intense work, it should not constantly slip or fidget.
Reliable fastening of the cover to the ironing board
At the moment, ironing covers are being manufactured, the main difference of which is the presence on their upper part of a special innovative inclusion, which serves to effectively clean the iron after use. Models with metal inserts are also common, allowing you to achieve the effect of double-sided ironing.
Ironing board cover with iron cleaning function
If we look in detail at the most inexpensive ironing boards, namely their base, then most often it is made of wood, and the cover is simply nailed to it with nails or staples. If you use such a thing intensively enough, then very soon the cover will wear out and you will have to purchase a new ironing board or look somewhere for a cover to replace the old one. If the initial design of the product allows for the possibility of replacing the cover, this will allow you to save a lot of money in the future. Often, removable covers for boards are supplemented with elastic bands, through which they are secured. On sale you can see many analogues, where they are replaced with ropes. It is advisable to give preference to them, since the latter option will not stretch over time.
Ironing board with removable cover