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Ironing

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Ironing is a way to make clothes look neat and smooth.

Ironing a shirt
Ironing a shirt

People use a tool called an iron to remove wrinkles. These unwanted creases can make fabric look messy. Most irons get very hot to do this job. The heat depends on the type of fabric you use. It is a helpful way to care for your things. Many people find it important to keep their clothes looking good.

Ironing works through a special way it works with molecules. Fabric is made of long-chain polymer molecules. When these molecules get hot, the bonds between them loosen. The weight of the iron then straightens the fibers. They hold this new, flat shape as they cool down.

Ironing a shirt
Ironing a shirt

Some fabrics like cotton need extra help from water. Adding water helps loosen the bonds even more. This makes it easier to get a smooth finish.

People have used heat to iron clothes for a long time. The first known use of heated metal happened in China. Later, many new inventions changed how we do this task. Henry W. Seely invented the electric iron in 1882. He even got a patent for it on June 6, 1882.

Flat-iron-stove 2
Flat-iron-stove 2

Before electric irons, people used different ways to heat their tools. Some shops even used a tailor's stove to heat many irons quickly.

Many different tools help make ironing easier and better. In 1858, W. Vandenburg and J. Harvey patented an ironing table. This made it easier to press sleeves and pant legs.

Ironing a shirt
Ironing a shirt

In 1875, John B. Porter patented a folding board in Canada. Sarah Boone improved the ironing board in 1892. Her design helped people iron shirt sleeves with better quality. Tailors also use a tailor's ham to press curved parts. This is a stuffed pillow shaped like a ham.

Today, we have many ways to handle wrinkles. Some modern fabrics are made to need very little ironing. Permanent press clothing uses polyester and cotton to stay smooth.

Flat-iron-stove 2
Flat-iron-stove 2

Large businesses use big machines for this work. A steam press can do a lot of ironing at once. Some places might even use a rotary iron. These tools help keep clothes looking great for a long time.

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File:Ironing a shirt.jpg
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File:Flat-iron-stove 2.jpg
Flat-iron-stove 2.jpg
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