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The Iron Will of Ironing

Do you know why ironing became so important? It might not be what you think. There were health reasons...
16 - Curator's Corner Iron
A Coleman gas-powered iron. Pump to pressurize the tank of fuel and light it up.
When we think of our daily chores, we usually need to do some laundry. Usually, this means loading our washing machines and dryers, but everyone does have different ways of doing this. Some people may separate colours, use cold or hot water, or air dry on a line. One thing that everyone might not do is iron their clothes. During the Victorian times, ironing was a popular thing to do and done by servants or the woman of the house. People ironed to keep clothes looking nice and wrinkle-free, and to help kill lice. Ironing was not an easy chore to complete, and Victorian irons were dangerous. Typically, Victorians would heat their irons by placing the metal base on a hot surface, such as stoves, and then used it to iron clothes on an ironing board. There were several different types of irons used by the Victorians. For example, one model was the Flatiron (or Smoothing Iron), which had a flat metal base. The Sadiron was similar to the design of the Flatiron but larger and heavier. Sadirons also could come with asbestos-lined bottoms. Flatirons and Sadirons weighed up to 2 ½ to 16 lbs and could cost up to $6 to $19.20 (today $150 to $400). One unique iron was called the Box Iron, which was heated by hot coals inside it rather than heated on a stove. These irons sold as groups, which you could buy a dozen for $15 to $36 (today $360 to $860) and weigh 6 to 18 lbs. That is not even including extra handles, bases, and stands for the stoves. Victorians also had the opportunity to buy heated fuel irons. These irons used fuels like kerosene, ethanol, and gasoline in a canister at the back of an iron, which heated the iron like a gas lantern. These models could weigh 6 lbs and did not requiring re-heating like their predecessors. The gasses were not pleasant smelling, but the ease to use made it worth it. Gasoline and alcohol models could cost $48 ($1,000 today), which does not include the price of refills. The invention of the first Steam Iron in the 1890s, by Henry Steele, created a new wave of irons. In the 1920s, more electric steam brands would appear, such as the Eldec and the Steam-O-Matic. Today, if one wishes to purchase a modern iron, steam is the popular option in most home appliance stores. For a basic model, you can pay $22, but for more deluxe models, around $100. Plus, these new models weigh 1 lb to 4lbs and have an easy plug-in system, no dealing with hot stoves, coals, or gas. With the invention of electricity, we can iron without the hassle and the dangers. With diverse new models, you can pick something that fits your exact needs. So, why not try ironing your clothes as it can help you look dashing and keeps you safe from lice.
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