Laundry Equipment
Flat Irons also known as Sad Irons
These are those irons constructed of cast or wrought iron. Many of these
irons were designed to have cooler or cold handles such as the Mrs Potts
irons with detachable wooden handles. Some foundries made irons in graduated
sizes from 0, 1 and 2 up to 24 or more. These irons were popular in the
late 19th century and the early 20th century.
Box Irons or Slug Irons
These were the main design alternative to the flat iron in the 19th century
but they were widely used in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries as
well. They were hollow and contained a metal slug that was heated and
then inserted into the iron with tongs. Slug irons were constructed of
brass or iron and were often highly decorated.
Charcoal Irons
These were heated with charcoal or wood coals and had a number of air
vents that controlled the air supply. Many had chimneys for exhaust gases.
Oriental charcoal irons were open pan and very early in origin.
Goffering Irons and Fluters
These were designed to produce ruffles or frills. Nineteenth century
fashion involved a lot of frills, pleats and laces in both men's and women's
clothing. Goffering irons were often very decorative and made of brass
or iron. They consisted of a hollow barrel which varied in size and was
mounted on a stand. They were heated by placing a heated poker or slug
inside the barrel. Fluters produced ruffles by pressing dampened fabric
between two heated ribbed surfaces.
Polishing irons
These were special irons used to put a shine on cuffs and collars. They
were an oval shape with rounded edges and usually made of cast iron.
Hatters Irons
These were specially shaped to smooth the felt brim of the hat.
Goose Irons or Tailor irons
These were long flat cumbersome irons used to press seams.
Electric Irons
These date back to the beginning of the 20th century when the use of
electricity revolutionised the method of heating irons. Many ingenious
inventions have been made to improve the performance of electric irons
along with a range of construction materials. Irons in the 20th century
were made from china, enamel, Bakelite and steel. In the 21st century
irons are all thermostatically controlled and have in built steam options.
The need for ironing has been reduced by the introduction of fabrics which
are crease resistant.
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