Ironingis the use of aniron,usually heated, to remove wrinkles and unwanted creases fromfabric.[1]The heating is commonly done to a temperature of 180–220 °C (360–430 °F), depending on the fabric.[2]Ironing works by loosening the bonds between the long-chainpolymermoleculesin the fibres of the material. While the molecules are hot, the fibres 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. Manymodern fabrics(developed in or after the mid-twentieth century) are advertised as needing little or no ironing.Permanent pressclothing was developed to reduce the ironing necessary by combiningwrinkle-resistantpolyesterwithcotton.[3]
The first known use of heated metal to "iron" clothes is known to have occurred in China.[4]The electric iron was invented in 1882, byHenry Seely White.Seely patented his "electric flatiron" on June 6, 1882 (U.S. Patent no. 259,054).[5]
Equipment
editIron
editThe iron is thesmall applianceused to removewrinklesfrom fabric. It is also known as a clothes iron, steam iron, flat iron, smoothing iron or iron box.
On 15 February 1858 W. Vandenburg and J. Harvey patented an ironing table that facilitated pressing sleeves and pant legs.[6]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.[7]In 1892Sarah Booneobtained a patent in the United States for improvements to the ironing board, allowing for better quality ironing for shirt sleeves.[8]
Ironing board cover sizes
edit| Size[citation needed] | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| A | 43 × 12 | 110 × 30 |
| B | 49 × 15 | 124 × 38 |
| C | 49 × 18 | 124 × 45 |
| D | 53 × 18 | 135 × 45 |
| E | 53 × 19 | 135 × 49 |
Tailor's ham
editAtailor's hamordressmakers hamis a tightly stuffed pillow in the shape of a ham used as a mold when pressing curves such as sleeves or collars.[9]
Commercial equipment
editThis sectionpossibly containsoriginal research.(September 2017) |
Commercialdry cleaningand 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.
Recommended ironing temperatures
edit
| Textile | Temperature[citation needed] | Temperature[2] | Dot mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toile | 240 °C | ||
| Triacetate( "Estron", "Silene", "Tricell" ) | 200 °C | 220–250 °C | |
| Cotton | 204 °C / 400 °F | 180–220 °C | * * *[10] |
| Linen(flax) | 230 °C / 445 °F | 215–240 °C | * * *[10] |
| Viscose/Rayon | 190 °C | 150–180 °C | * *[10] |
| Wool | 148 °C / 300 °F | 160–170 °C | * *[11] |
| Polyester | 148 °C / 300 °F | *[10] | |
| Silk | 148 °C / 300 °F | 140–165 °C | *[11] |
| SympaTex | *[10] | ||
| Acetate( "Arnel", "Celco", "Dicel" ) | 143 °C | 180 °C | *[11] |
| Acrylic | 135 °C | 180 °C | |
| Lycra/spandex | 135 °C | ||
| Nylon-6 | 150 °C | 150 °C | * |
| Nylon-66 | 170 °C | 180–220 °C | *** |
| Dot mark | Temperature |
|---|---|
| * | < 110 °C |
| * * | < 150 °C |
| * * * | < 200 °C |
Another source suggests slightly higher temperatures, for example, 180-220 °C for cotton[2]
Chemistry
editThis sectionpossibly containsoriginal research.(September 2017) |
When the fabric is heated, the molecules are more easily reoriented. In the case of cotton fibres, which are derivatives ofcellulose,thehydroxyl groupsthatcrosslinkthe cellulose polymer chains are reformed at high temperatures and become somewhat "locked in place" upon cooling the item. Inpermanent presspressed clothes, chemical agents such asdimethylol ethylene ureaare added as crosslinking agents.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"Ironing".The Free Dictionary By Farlex.Retrieved2012-05-24.
- ^abcFritz Schultze-Gebhardt, Karl-Heinz Herlinger "Fibers, 1. Survey" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wily-VCH, Weinheim, 2000.doi:10.1002/14356007.a10_451
- ^"IRONING definition".linguazza.Retrieved2022-07-12.
- ^Oldandinteresting
- ^Enchantedlearning
- ^U.S. patent 19,390
- ^Mario Theriault,Great Maritime Inventions 1833–1950,Goose Lane, 2001, p. 31
- ^Ramirez, Ainissa (July 26, 2020)."Two inventors who should have statues".The Hartford Courant.Retrieved6 August2020.
- ^"Tailor's ham and Seam Roll Free Pattern".Sewing Princess.Retrieved2012-05-24.
- ^abcde"Bra att veta vad man har på sig"(PDF).Ulla Popken. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2009-11-22.Retrieved2010-02-04.
- ^abc"General care"(PDF).Lanidor.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2011-07-13.Retrieved2010-02-04.
External links
edit
- History of Ironingfrom oldandinteresting
- Theory and Technology of Ironing
- Antique Ironsfrom the Virtual Museum of Textile Arts