Clothes Irons

Irons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and weights according to the use to which they are to be put.

Sad irons are the ordinary irons with attached handles. The handles of some styles are ventilated to keep them cool. These irons are sold by weight, ranging from 4 to 8 pounds. The usual family will require :

1 8-lb. iron for table and bed linen;
1 6-lb. iron for ordinary garments;
1 3 or 4-lb. iron for thin garments.

At least three are always necessary for efficient work.

The word "sad" is used here in its obsolete meaning of "heavy".

Irons with detachable handles are convenient because the irons do not require a holder. The handles are usually of wood, sometimes of iron, and are also sold separately,

Box irons are hollow, holding pieces of heated metal or hot charcoal, which are slipped in at the wide end and held by a spring. They are easy to keep clean. They do not come in many sizes. The heat may be regulated by a damper.

Gas, gasoline, alcohol, and electric irons have heat applied in various ways from the inside. These styles give an even, continuous heat, save steps, and can be used in any room.

Flouncing irons are narrow with long, slender points. They are convenient for gathering and shirring the material.

Polishing irons are small, chunky irons with a corrugated surface, which gives more friction than a smooth one. They are used for polishing shirt fronts, collars, and cuffs.

Fluting irons have two fluted surfaces, one fitting into the other. The ruffle to be fluted is first ironed smooth and then laid, a section at a time, between the heated surfaces of the fluting iron.

Goffering irons are scissors-shaped instruments for plaiting or crimping.

Puff irons are egg-shaped or with a rounded knob, over which puff trimmings can be passed.

Irons are faced with steel or nickel. Steel-faced ones must be kept in a dry place to prevent rusting. If they are to be stored for any length of time they should be coated with a thin layer of grease or oil to prevent rusting.

Ironing stands are frames to keep irons from resting on the ironing sheet.

Iron heaters are sold for use over a single gas burner. They are cast iron plates, either round or square, with a ventilated edge. They distribute the heat more evenly and prevent the irons from being smutted by contact with the flame.