Ironing is the use of a machine, usually a heated tool, to remove wrinkles from fabric. The heating is commonly done to a temperature of 180–220 °Celsius, depending on the fabric. Ironing works by loosening the bonds between the long-chain polymer molecules in the fibers of the material. While the molecules are hot, the fibers are straightened by the weight of the iron, and they hold their new shape as they cool. Some fabrics, such as cotton, require the addition of water to loosen the intermolecular bonds. Many modern fabrics are advertised as needing little or no ironing. Permanent press clothing was developed to reduce the ironing necessary by combining wrinkle-resistantpolyester with cotton. The first known use of heated metal to "iron" clothes is known to have occurred in China. The electric iron was invented in 1882, by Henry W. Seeley. Seeley patented his "electric flatiron" on June 6, 1882.
Equipment
Iron
The iron is the small appliance used to remove wrinkles from fabric. It is also known as a clothes iron, steam iron, flat iron, smoothing iron or iron box. Sarah On 15 February1858 W. Vandenburg and J. Harvey patented an ironing table that facilitated pressing sleeves and pant legs. A truly portable folding ironing board was first patented in Canada in 1875 by John B. Porter. The invention also included a removable press board used for sleeves. In 1892 Sarah Boone obtained a patent in the United States for improvements to the ironing board, allowing for better quality ironing for shirt sleeves.
Ironing board cover sizes
Tailor's ham
A tailor's ham or dressmakers ham is a tightly stuffed pillow in the shape of a ham used as a mold when pressing curves such as sleeves or collars.
Commercial equipment
Commercial dry cleaning and full-service laundry providers usually use a large appliance called a steam press to do most of the work of ironing clothes. Alternatively, a rotary iron may be used. Historically, larger tailors' shops included a tailor's stove, used to quickly and efficiently heat multiple irons. In many developing countries a cluster of solid irons, heated alternatively from a single heating source, are used for pressing clothes at small commercial outlets.
Automatization
Different machines have been shown to automatize ironing, as Effie and Panasonic Sustainable Maintainer. Both machines individually treat clothes and then fold them onto a shelf.
Recommended ironing temperatures
Textile
Temperature
Temperature
Toile
240 °C
-
Triacetate
200 °C
220–250 °C
-
Cotton
204 °C / 400 °F
180–220 °C
* * *
Linen
230 °C / 445 °F
215–240 °C
* * *
Viscose/Rayon
190 °C
150–180 °C
* *
Wool
148 °C / 300 °F
160–170 °C
* *
Polyester
148 °C / 300 °F
*
Silk
148 °C / 300 °F
140–165 °C
*
SympaTex
*
Acetate
143 °C
180 °C
*
Acrylic
135 °C
180 °C
Lycra/spandex
135 °C
Nylon-6
150 °C
150 °C
*
Nylon-66
170 °C
180–220 °C
***
Temperature
*
< 110 °C
* *
< 150 °C
* * *
< 200 °C
Another source suggests slightly higher temperatures, for example, 180-220 °C for cotton
