All about Irons

Let's Get It Ironed Out

The History of Irons
Irons of one sort or another have been in use since the 1st century BC. At the time ironing was done with pans filled with hot coals that were used to smooth the fabric. In one form or another, heavy thick metal pans and boxes filled with coals were used to iron fabric up until 1900. Other types of antique irons consisted of thick iron with an insulated handle. Instead of being filled with coals they depended on their mass to retain heat.

Both styles fell in and out of favor until they began to be replaced at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. Irons that were heated with various fuels such as whale oil, alcohol, petroleum and acetylene would replace wood heated irons. Even though these liquid fueled irons posed quite a risk of fire they saw continued use in rural areas until the 1940s.

While electric irons have been around since 1892 they would not see commercial success until the twenties. The reason that they took so long to catch on had more to do with an inability to control the operation temperature. Electric irons would be practical until an effective thermostat could be invented. Shortly after the introduction of an effective electric iron the addition of steam made them truly revolutionary over older models.

Steam Iron Temperature Settings
Most irons come with fabric settings as opposed to temperature settings. You can use the following chart to approximate the correct temperature. Most often your iron will have settings that begin with linen then move down to cotton, wool then polyester. While some fabrics such as wool and linen afford some wiggle room, synthetics such as polyester, acrylic and nylon will melt ruining both the garment and the iron.

Linen: 445 °F

Rayon: 425 °F

Cotton: 400 °F

Triacetate: 390 °F

Viscose: 375 °F

Wool: 300°F

Polyester: 300 °F

Silk: 300 °F

Acetate: 275 °F

Acrylic: 275 °F

Lycra/Spandex: 275 °F

Nylon: 275 °F

The Future
While we currently slave over irons to get work shirts starched and creased correctly, there is a ray of hope. The German firm Siemans is currently working on bringing to market the first automatic ironing robot. There are also wrinkle sprays available that you can use in a pinch. Remember though, sprays can neither starch nor set creases so their usefulness is limited.

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