Skip to content

Ironing

Ironing get it done in Harrogate.

Click Here to Find Clothing Alterations

Pressed! Harrogate Services – Visit the website here

Location: 44 Pannal Ash Drive Harrogate HG2 0HU – Phone: 01423 441862
……………………………………………………..

Pristine (Harrogate) – Visit the website here

Ironing Services

Location: 19 Hazel Avenue, Harrogate HG1 4FP – Phone: 07403 416626
………………………………………………………

A Historical Overview of Ironing and the Evolution of Irons

Before the advent of electricity, ironing was quite different from what we know today. This article delves into the historical journey of ironing and how it evolved over time. From primitive methods of heating irons to the invention of the electric flatiron, we’ll explore the fascinating history of this essential household task.

  1. Pre-Electric Irons:
    • Before electricity, irons were heated through combustion, using fires or internal arrangements.
    • American Henry W. Seeley’s invention of the “electric flatiron” in 1882 marked a significant milestone.
    • The challenges included the weight of early electric irons, which could be almost 15 pounds, and their slow heating times.
    • The introduction of an electric iron with a carbon arc in France in 1880 is still a subject of debate.
  2. Ancient Ironing Methods:
    • Ancient ironing methods included containers filled with burning substances and solid metal lumps heated directly.
    • Metal pans filled with hot coals were used for fabric smoothing in ancient China.
    • Later, an iron box that required periodic aeration through bellows was employed.
    • Liquid-fuel irons, using fuels like kerosene, ethanol, whale oil, and more, were common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  3. Evolution of Irons:
    • The transition from primitive methods to more efficient ironing solutions saw the emergence of electric and steam irons.
    • Electric irons were an improvement, but early models lacked temperature control.
    • The first thermostatically controlled electric iron appeared in the 1920s.
    • Steam irons, credited to Thomas Sears, became popular in the 1940s and 1950s.

Conclusion: Ironing has come a long way, from ancient methods involving hot coals to the modern electric and steam irons we use today. The invention of electric and steam irons revolutionized the way we press our clothes, making this household chore more convenient and efficient. Understanding the history of ironing helps us appreciate the evolution of this essential task in our daily lives.

Click Here to Find Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Back To Top