My Top Tips for Choosing and Using the Ironing Board for Dinner Linens
I’ve owned several ironing boards over the years, and I’d love to share my experience with you! Whether you’re shopping for an ironing board or looking for tips on how to use it for dinner linens and more, I’ve got you covered. Personally, I use both a freestanding foldable ironing board and a mini ironing board, each serving different purposes. Your choice will ultimately depend on your ironing needs, budget, and available space. Let’s dive into the key features to consider when selecting a freestanding foldable ironing board!
On the page:
- How to Choose the Best Freestanding Collapsible Ironing Board
- Setting Up the Ironing Board
- Alternatives to an Ironing Board: What to Consider and Use Instead
- What to Use If Your Ironing Board Doesn’t Have a Rest for the Iron?
- My Irons Collection (I ended up with 3)
My ironing board is the Better Homes & Gardens Gray Wide Top Freestanding Ironing Board. My ironing board is a mid-range option for household use, perfect for ironing linens and more. It has a great balance between quality and affordability. If you like it and live in the USA, you can find it at Walmart. To add a touch of charm and extra padding, I also purchased an additional floral cover for it—practical and stylish!
How to Choose the Best Freestanding Collapsible Ironing Board: Key Factors to Consider
1
Choose an ironing board with built-in rest for iron. The reason, it is so unstable and inconvenient to place the iron directly on the soft surface of the ironing board.
*Iron rest is preferred with an angeled option. If we place the steaming iron on an angled surface, the iron stops steaming. If the surface is horizontal, steaming continues when iron is not in use.
2
A bottom storage tray is not necessary but nice to have. It folds in and doesn’t take up extra space when the ironing board is folded. I use this shelf for placement of my ironed or not ironed linens and hang my water spray bottle.
*I use my storage tray to hang a spray bottle, napkins need to iron and hang wet starched napkins to dry. Perfect for napkins!
3
Look for a stable and durable ironing board with a thick enough cover.
*If you are not happy with the thickness of the cover, you can buy an additional pad and cover.
By considering these factors, you can choose an ironing board that best suits your needs and preferences.
Setting Up the Ironing Board
Step 1: Choose the Right Location For Ironing
Select a safe and suitable location for ironing, keeping it away from children and pets. While it may seem obvious, it’s an important safety reminder.
Step 2: Adjust the Height Of the Ironing Board
Adjust the ironing board to your preferred height for comfort. You can choose to iron while standing or sitting, depending on your preference. Collapsible ironing boards typically offer multiple height settings, and you’ll find the adjustment handle located underneath the board for easy customization.
Step 3: Check For Stability
Make sure the legs of the ironing board are locked into position. Lightly press on the surface for the test before placing the iron on it.
Alternatives to an Ironing Board: What to Consider and Use Instead
Can I Iron Without An Ironing Board?
Yes, you can! A thick towel or a cotton comforter can serve as a substitute for an ironing board. However, it’s essential to be cautious about the surface underneath, especially if you’re steaming fabrics. High temperatures and trapped steam can damage surfaces beneath the fabric.
*Ironing boards are designed with a metal mesh underlay to allow steam to escape safely. Avoid ironing on a plastic table or any delicate surface, even with a protective towel, as the heat and moisture can cause warping or other damage. Choose a sturdy, heat-resistant surface for the best results.
Small Ironing Board for Napkins and Small Garments
If you often iron only napkins or small garments, a compact ironing board is a perfect solution. I love mine—it’s lightweight, easy to store, and ideal for quick tasks like ironing napkins or working on small sewing projects. It’s so convenient to pull out of the closet whenever I need it!
What To Use If My Ironing Board Doesn’t Have Rest For Iron?
The solution is a silicone iron rest pad, which is heat-resistant and perfect for handling hot irons. If you’re using the iron for steaming, you can create an angled resting position by placing a roll of aluminum foil under the iron plate for support. This setup keeps the iron at an angle, preventing it from steaming while it rests.
My Irons Collection
I have three irons: a Rowenta, a Shark, and a Panasonic, all over 10 years old. While I primarily use my Rowenta, both the Shark and Panasonic still work reliably, proving that all three brands are built to last.
⇓ Check Out My Newest Recipes ⇓
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