Ironing Board Covers

Why to use an ironing board cover

• The hot iron can probably burn wooden ironing boards or can render extreme heat to metal ironing boards. Ironing board covers help in protecting the ironing board as well as the clothes that you are ironing.
• Since they are available in stunning colors and patterns, ironing board covers can lend a stylish look to your ironing area.
• Ironing board covers are available in different materials which can suit your individual and specific needs.
• Ironing board covers facilitate the easy ironing of creases and wrinkles in the clothes since they provide a certain degree of cushioning.
• The errand of ironing can be done faster with the aid of ironing board covers thus saving your valuable time.

Types of ironing board covers

• Metal ironing board covers: Ironing board covers that are made of metal help in accelerating the process of ironing. They can also help in minimizing the consumption of electricity since they reflect the heat upwards from the cover to the clothes that are being pressed.

• Cotton ironing board covers: Cotton ironing board covers are quite popular and are found in most households. These covers are capable of sustaining a substantial amount of heat with the added advantage of not actually absorbing the heat. The cotton ironing board covers are high on durability and last for a very long time.

• Silicon infused covers: Ironing board covers that are incorporated with silicon are mostly used for commercial purposes. They are great to ensure an ironing experience that is easy and effortless.

How to choose an ironing board cover

There are a few factors that you will need to keep in mind when buying an ironing board cover. This will help you in buying a cover that will help in reducing the stress associated with ironing.

• Size of ironing board cover:Most of the ironing board covers measure 49 inches by 18 inches, but there are variations in some cases. When buying an ironing board cover, be sure to measure the ironing board so that you do not end up with a cover that is too small or too large. A cover that is too large will result in the forming of ridges on the surface of the ironing board which will not exactly be helpful in procuring wrinkle free clothes. If you own a specific type of ironing board that is exceptionally big, then go for extra large ironing board covers.

• Fitting of the ironing board cover:The ironing board cover that you buy must fit well unto your ironing board. The cover primarily enables you to iron out the wrinkles and creases effectively. Therefore the ironing board cover you choose must ideally not move or slide once it has been slid over the ironing board. Ironing board covers that come with Velcro and drawstrings will ensure that it fits snugly onto the ironing board. You could also choose ironing board covers that can fit any type of ironing board. Many covers can be conveniently adjusted according to the size of the ironing board itself. Thus if you ever change your ironing board you do not have to scour for another cover.

• Fastening of ironing board covers:Fastenings usually come in two different varieties. There are the ones that come with elastic and the ones that are equipped with drawstrings. The former version comes with elastic around the edge which in turn provides a tight and easy fit. On the other hand the drawstring version comes with strings that can be fastened according to the level of tautness that is required.

• Backing of the ironing board cover:The backing of the ironing board cover comes in two types. The backing made of felt offers a soft and unhindered surface for ironing clothes. Ironing board covers that have a foam backing also provides a smooth ironing plane.

• Cost of the ironing board cover:The cost of the ironing board cover should not really be a consideration since the most costly versions are only slightly more expensive than a basic cover. Cotton ironing board covers are usually the simplest and cheapest covers that are available.

• Color of the ironing board cover:The ironing board cover that you buy must have a fabric with a color that will not fade or run. When exposed to high levels of heat, the colors of some ironing board covers can grow fainter. This could also mean that the colors might stick to the clothes that you are ironing. You certainly do not want to end up with clothes that have smudges of color seared into them.

• Fabric of the ironing board cover:The fabric of the ironing board cover comes in numerous varieties. The delicate nature of Ironing boards calls for a need to protect them. Thus the ironing board cover that you choose must not only save the ironing board from dirt and grime but must also protect the board from the wear and tear of daily use. All ironing board covers are stitched with a fabric and you could choose a fabric that would be compatible with your particular requirements.

  • Inflammable nature of ironing board cover fabric:The foremost thing to keep in mind is that the fabric of the ironing board cover should be not be inflammable in nature. Ironing is a process that entails high levels of heat at certain times. Thus it is extremely essential that the safety of the user and the household is not compromised in any way. The fabric of the ironing board cover should be such that it is not only resistant to fire but is also capable of withstanding high temperature levels.

  • Maintenance of fabric of ironing board cover:Ironing board covers are prone to getting dirty on a frequent basis and thus require regular laundering. Some fabrics are not able to cope up with frequent washing and are thus difficult to maintain. When you invest in an ironing board cover, choose a fabric that is strong and durable and would consequently require less maintenance. Ironing board covers made of cotton are a great choice.

  • Pattern of the ironing board cover fabric:The fabric of the ironing board cover needs to be of a color and pattern that would complement the existing décor of your ironing area. Even if the ironing board is mounted on a wall or a closet the color should be in accordance with the background so that there is no conflict in the patterns. White fabrics are a common choice as far as ironing board covers are concerned. But there are shades like pastels, assorted colors and bold colors which can contribute in making your ironing area visually appealing. Printed fabrics are also a good choice for ironing board covers.

  • Synthetic fabric for ironing board covers:Most of the synthetic fabrics are not capable of withstanding high temperatures. Thus it would probably stain your clothes, stick onto the ironing board or could even ruin the iron.

Caring for ironing board covers

Most of the ironing board covers are made of cotton or felt while some have Teflon or silicon coating. This coating makes it easy to clean starch and other build up and will not stick to the fabric. But if your ironing board cover does have a considerable build up of starch or if it is peeling or is dirty, it can easily transfer to the clothes that you are ironing. Thus it is imperative that you clean the ironing board cover at regular intervals of time.

• Set up your ironing board apparatus.
• Loosen the drawstring or straps of the ironing board cover and remove the cover and the pad that is lying underneath.
• Place the cover and pad on a level surface.
• Thoroughly clean the surface of the ironing board with a spray cleaner or just with the help of some clean water.
• Dry the ironing board completely. Most ironing boards are equipped with holes. So you must ensure that the holes are also dry. If your board is made of metal this will prevent the formation of rust.
• For ironing board covers that are visibly dirty, use a sponge that has been soaked in a mild detergent and wipe away all signs of dirt and debris.
• Hang the ironing board cover on a clothesline to dry before you use it again.
• If the ironing board cover is made of cotton or felt you could wash it in the washing machine on the delicate cycle with a mild detergent.
• Once the ironing board cover is dry replace it onto the ironing board and secure it with the straps or drawstrings. Ensure that the cover fits tightly against the ironing board.
• Set your iron to the highest setting and using steam, iron the cover by applying pressure to the board.