The Simple Process of Ironing Clothes

(A Vintage Iron; Source: tias.com)

Introduction. The practice of ironing clothes has been around for many years. Before the first lightweight electric iron was invented in 1822, people used flat irons that “weighed up to 15 pounds” and needed constant reheating (Smoothing Iron, para. 6). Today, people all over the world enjoy ironing their clothes with an iron that is easily heated and equipped with the necessary settings to keep their clothes safe from burns and to prevent the iron operator from sustaining injuries. The purpose of the ironing process is to eliminate wrinkles on clean clothes.

Ironing clothes is a simple process that involves some preparation and knowledge of operating an electric iron. The major steps explained here are 1) how to prepare to iron clothes, 2) how to iron clothes that require delicate care, 3) how to iron clothes that require high heat setting, and 4) how to complete the process.

Definitions

An ironer – is a person who irons clothes, synonyms: launderer, presser.

The Process of Ironing Clothes

How to prepare to iron clothes. Once one’s clothes have been washed and dried, the launderer will have to iron them to remove those unwanted wrinkles. Before ironing clothes, the ironer has to set up an ironing board. Second, she sets the iron on the ironing board and plugs it into the electric outlet, having set the temperature setting on low. Then, the ironer sorts his or her clothes based on fabrics: she puts delicate clothes separately from those clothes that require high heat.

How to iron clothes that require delicate care. The delicate clothes have to be ironed first because iron heats much faster than it cools off. Because the intense heat can irreparably damage delicate materials, the ironer sets the heat setting on the lowest level of heat. One can use a special ironing cloth to protect a delicate garment. Once one has stretched a piece of garment on the ironing board, ironing can begin.

How to iron clothes that require high heat setting. After making sure that the delicate clothes have been ironed, the ironer sets the heat setting on high and pours purified water into the dedicated spout usually located near the top of the iron. The clothes have to be ironed carefully with the ironer pressing the spray button often to eliminate hard-to-remove wrinkles.

How to complete the process. After having ironed the last piece of garment, the ironer unplugs the iron from the outlet and puts it on a firm surface to cool down. Then, she folds and puts the ironing board away. Finally, the ironer puts her newly ironed clothes on hangers and hangs them in her closet.

Short Summary and Conclusion. In order to get one’s clothes looking neat, one has to go through the process of ironing clothes. Starting by setting up the ironing board, following by ironing clothes according to the garment handling requirements, and finishing the process by putting the clothes away, a person can take care of his or her garments. It is important to note that the delicate clothing has to be ironed first because if it is done another way around, one can damage the delicate material with the hot iron. The iron has been a valuable household appliance for a long time, and, according to Smoothing Iron (2011), “Irons will have a place in department stores for as long as consumers take pride in the smooth appearance of their clothing” (para. 10).      

References:

National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. (1995-2011). Smoothing iron. Center for
     Integrating Research and Learning. Retrieved March 12, 2012, from
     http://magnet.fsu.edu/education/tutorials/museum/smoothingiron.html