Ironing is defined as the process of removing wrinkles from different types of fabrics. Early cultures have started to recognize the need for smoothing cloth and have sough different ways of removing wrinkles form fabrics long before the iron was invented. From the charcoal irons of the earlier decades, iron tools used for clothes and textiles have improved and lead to the development of the steam iron.

Though no one can specifically say when people started to press cloth smooth, studies showed that the Chinese were the first to use hot iron to smoothen clothes. They filled pans with hot coals which are then pressed over stretched cloth. In Europe, on the other hand, stones, glasses, and woods are being used to remove wrinkles from clothes before blacksmiths started to forge smoothing irons in the late middle Ages. Early forms of flatirons were made from stone, earthenware, and terracotta. Plain metal irons, on the other hand, were heated by a fire or on a stove and pads or thick rags were used to grip metal handles. These flatirons, or sad irons as they were popularly known, were sold in pairs-one sat near the fire while the other was used to iron.

Ironing clothes using sad irons can be a tough job. This is the reason why the mid 19th century witnessed an increase in patents for irons for the goal of finding a self-heating iron. The search and development of the self-heating irons- also known as steam irons – was finally achieved when the charcoal irons or box irons were invented. This irons work in the same concept as that of the Chinese people who use an iron container filled with charcoal to lengthen the time the iron is heated. When electricity was introduced in 1882, the first ever electric iron was also introduced and patented by Henry W. Seeley. These days, irons already come in different types.

There are two general types of clothes iron, namely, steam iron and dry iron. The classic type is the dry iron which allows users to adjust the temperature being used depending on the type of the fabric being ironed. Ironing with this type can be carefully monitored and not left unattended, thus, it causes less damage to clothing. On the other hand, the steam iron are quicker to use, easier to find and less expensive than the dry irons. They also comprise majority of the flat irons found in the market today. This type of iron has a small water tank filled by water which produces the steam. This team produced literally opens the weave of the fabric to allow users to easily iron out wrinkles.

Vertical steam irons, deluxe clothes irons, and travel irons are some of the common types of steam irons. Steam is produced vertically and horizontally with the use of the vertical steam iron. The deluxe steam iron, on the other hand, has non-stick sole, multiple steam holes, and steam tanks that are easier to fill up along with the common functions of most steam irons. The third type is the travel type which as its name implies can be a great company for travellers due to its small size, lighter weight and cordless characteristic.

Irons, regardless of type, may it be charcoal or steam iron, are essential part of any household. Removing creases and wrinkles from clothes is an effective way for one to look clean quickly. Thus, it is important that we choose the right iron for us properly.

Mr. Miller is a staff at a dry cleaning and laundry service company in Germany. To make the clothes look in their best form, Dampfbuegeleisen (as his German supervisor calls their steam irons) are operated to work out wrinkles from washed clothing.