An ironing board is useful, but not every household has one. Fortunately, if you find yourself in a pickle and can’t find an ironing board to use, there are several things you can do that will get the job done just as well while providing extra storage space.
To use an ironing board, you’ll need to cover a flat surface with some type of heat-resistant material. Here are options for makeshift irons as well as alternate appliances that work as makeshift irons.
How to Iron Without an Ironing Board: Alternatives
Washboard or Folding Board
Washboards and folding boards can be used in place of traditional ironing boards. Fold the board in half to make an ironing surface slightly smaller than the garment you are ironing.
Sit on a chair with your back straight and work the wrinkles out of the fabric by sliding the flat side of the board over it.
Ironing Blanket
Ironing blankets are designed specifically for this type of situation, but they do tend to be pricey. An ironing blanket is an easy way to keep your clothes smooth while being economical.
Ironing Board Cover
An ironing board cover is the simplest solution. Ironing board covers are typically made of cotton, which protects the surface you’re ironing on by absorbing excess heat.
Cover a large flat area (like a sofa or even the floor) with an old sheet, towel or blanket before placing the cover on.
Ironing Mat
Ironing mats don’t fit as many items as ironing boards do because they are designed to be portable and used only for smaller garments. However, some mats fold in half and can double as a makeshift ironing board when you need to get the wrinkles out of a few items.
Alternatively, you can place an ironing mat on top of a regular blanket or large towel to make an improvised board.
Iron
You can also use an electric hair straightening iron to remove wrinkles from fabrics in a pinch. The process works best for smaller items like silk scarves and cotton dresses.
Simply hold the flat side down on top of an item for a few seconds to smooth it out. You can also use this method to press collars, cuffs and hems.
Can I iron on a glass table?
A glass table is ideal for working on because it has a flat, smooth surface. You should not, however, put the heating iron on any exposed glass. If you have a hot table, rapid heating might cause the base of the table to fracture.
It’s critical that you never iron your clothing on top of your mattress or hardwood flooring or even the glass in your kitchen counter. You may accomplish this by laying a towel, blanket, or other item on top of your surface and the clothing you wish to iron, such as a blanket or a glass table.
Can you use cardboard as an ironing board?
On the flat side, cardboard is ideal for an ironing board. Cardboard does not have any gaps, which end up in your clothing. Use another blanket or a paper towel to prevent flames. Aside from the substance’s physical benefits, being covered in steam would most certainly harm the structure.
If you are ironing on the floor, then it should not have any impact on your ironing performance. We’ll discuss this again in the following article about ironing.
Do mirrors reflect a hot iron?
If you use a mirror to look at your clothing while pressing it, then be sure that the surface is not made of glass. If there is any exposed glass in the frame or stand of your mirror, then it can cause serious damage when the heating element touches it. A large area with no gaps in the material is best for an ironing board.
If you are ironing on a floor, then be careful when you use your hair straightener. If the heat from the appliance is too hot, it can damage certain surfaces in no time.
Is it possible to iron out of clothes?
Yes, you can do this if you have an iron that has a temperature setting which reaches at least 210 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use a lower setting on your iron, then it will not be hot enough to remove wrinkles.
If your clothing is wrinkled and small holes are present, then we recommend that you first go over any small holes with a needle and thread and then press the garment as usual.
The reason why we don’t recommend ironing holes is because the process can actually make the area larger.
How far away do I have to be from an iron?
If you are using any type of heating appliance, you must ensure that it does not come into contact with anything combustible or flammable.
Most irons have wall plugs, which you must keep at least one foot away. Look for an iron that has a flat, scratch-resistant cord.
Can you iron clothes with steam?
Yes, you can do this by using either the spray or concentrated steam setting on your appliance. Steam is best because it penetrates deep into layers of clothing and softens fabrics easily without scorching them or having to pass an iron over them too many times.
If you do not have a steam iron and want to remove wrinkles from clothing, then we recommend that you use your hair straightener. You can also use this method if your clothes are not wrinkled but just dirty or dusty.
What do you use to protect your hands while ironing?
We recommend that you wrap the hot areas of the appliance with a small towel or thick gloves. If an iron is heated for too long, it will begin to scorch things near it very quickly, so be sure to keep it on a safe surface away from combustible items.
Conclusion
In the end, it is much better to give up a piece of furniture for a few days than it is to ruin your clothing with a scorched iron. Make sure you cover surfaces properly and keep anything flammable or combustible away from heating appliances.