You’ll agree technology has been pretty amazing. And sometimes it makes me eat my words. I think I once said a washing machine couldn’t potentially wash clothes better than my God-given hands. Now, for the clothes that say “hand wash only”, it takes God-given grace for me to finally wash them.
Ironing however, still remains one of those chores that doesn’t seem to have gotten any easier! My younger self genuinely used to know how to iron so well, in primary school. But maybe getting into boarding school, with irons not being allowed, and most people expertly folding their clothes under their bunk beds, I may have lost interest.
Even the most hardworking people people generally agree ironing is such a boring chore and some English shirt makers particularly market some of their shirts as being non-iron. I don’t see it though – as they still don’t look crisp without being ironed.
So some of these questions have been on my mind. Especially when I see people who are always well dressed, with properly ironed clothes. I know it’s random, but we discuss random on the blog too (like this post on sharing toothbrush with your partner – which has our most comments to date!) So you can whine about how boring ironing is, or share additional tips and tricks!
-Do you like ironing or do you agree that it’s the worst chore ever. If it’s not, what’s worse than it?
-Do you iron your clothes yourself or do you have someone do it for you? For me, there’s always a last minute request to the husband to help out. And 6/7 of the time, he obliges!
-I’ve come across flavoured ironing water in the store here in UK sold for about £1 -5 per litre. Apparently they’re supposed to add some fragrance to your clothes. Will you use them, or are you like me, #TeamOrdinaryWater? If you use ordinary water, do you often fill the iron with water properly or do you use your hand and a bowl to sprinkle this?
-What other items do you use to make ironing easier. Fabric softener? Liquid or Solid Starch?
“You can’t get spoiled if you do your own ironing!”
Meryl Streep
-Do you remember to iron the lining of clothes? As a kid, I once saw my aunt iron the inner lining of her skirt, and it made so much sense, because those are often so wrinkled!
-Of Kachee and Tee, someone always irons all their clothes before they travel, while the other will completely travel with non-iron clothes if possible. You can probably guess who is who. Do you always iron and fold your clothes before you travel? Or hope you can iron on arrival, or rather take just one non-iron item for the entire trip?
-My aunts iron their kids underwear. Do you iron underwear? Jeans? Bed-sheets?
-Where do you iron? On the floor? A random table? The bed or a proper ironing board? I’m trying to be all prim and proper now, so will often use an ironing board, but on a hurried day, the bed will do just fine!
“Ironing boards are just surf boards that gave up their dreams. Don’t be an ironing board”
-While browsing the internet randomly, I came across this iron that’s sold for £1500. The catch is that it doesn’t leave any creases. In what circumstances will you buy it?
-Have you ever burnt yourself with an iron? I have and more than 20 years later, the scar remains on my arm.
-Have you ever burnt an outfit while ironing? I know someone whose wedding dress got burnt while it was being ironed. The day went on though. Of course.
-Do you read the labels of outfits to determine what you should set temperature to set the iron to? You know it’s on there right?
“I iron for you, so I must love you!”
-When bulk ironing, iron things that need the lowest temperature first.
-Apparently, putting a strip of aluminium foil under the ironing board, cuts ironing time in half, as this doubles the heat and heats up the other side of the clothing!
-If you don’t have a proper ironing board, a towel is always a good idea (I bet many Nigerians know this already!)
-Fancy a good DIY (or just extra frugal?), you can make your own starch with some cornstarch and water. About 1.5 Tablespoon of cornstarch to 2 cups of water. Pour in a spray bottle, and voila!
-To clean iron sole plates, use a cloth dipped in baking soda (I hear toothpaste also works). Use cotton buds (Q tips) to clean the holes in the iron.
-Use the lowest setting for silk and polyester. Medium for wool and rayon and high for cotton and linen. For stubborn wrinkles, carefully go a notch higher.
-After ironing (especially for shirts), let them rest for a few minutes before you wear. To allow the flatness and creases set in.
-Iron sensitive fabrics, black clothing and details such as embroidery inside out. Or put a clean cotton or linen cloth over them before ironing.
-Using water definitely helps get crinkles out faster. Apparently boiled and cooled water is advisable, as it prevents sediments clogging into the iron and ultimately running on your clothes. Add steam for even better results!
“When something needs to be ironed, I put it in the ironing basket. If a year goes by and the item is still in the basket, I throw it away. This is a good system, since I only end up with clothes that don’t need ironing!”
In the midst of your weekend chores, share your thoughts and experiences on the above questions! Love Ironing? What are your tips and tricks?
Love,
Kachee… xX
pS: Okay, those random questions are actually 12!
Read too: Four Lessons from Joy (The Movie about a Mop) and On Body Hair Removal: From the Head to the Toes
Bunmi O
September 24, 2016 at 08:52My most important ironing hack is my phone and earphones (careful not to burn these!) and I can speak to the parents or any of you lovely people or listen in to my favorite podcasts with intermittently chuckles and loud laughter till the whole ironing is done, and marvelling all the while at how I’m able to think that ironing is one of those chores that’s not as heavy as its name sounds 😃Has anyone ever felt that ironing passes as his aerobics/ weight-lifting for the day?
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 19:00Hahahahaha. Ironing as aerobics? No way. But I agree that music or seeing a movie (that requires little concentration) could be a useful hack.
Clara
September 24, 2016 at 09:02Ironing is against my human rights! 🙈 I hang my clothes as soon as the washing machine is and put them away as soon as they’re dry. The boy does the same.Thankfully neither of us have ever been fired or judged negatively, at least to my knowledge. Not sure if our career choices have anything to do with …I’m a nurse and he’s a “jurist” in an international organisation.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 18:59It is Clara, it is! Lol. I’m sure your clothes are not overly creased, so you’re fine!
TheShanyiLife
September 24, 2016 at 10:19Goodness gracious. I just realized how boring ironing is after reading this post. I iron twice in a while if the outfit needs it. I’ve burnt clothes and my arms alot. I used to iron every piece of clothing before traveling a while ago. I think I’ve stopped bothering about things like that which is not so cool. Ironing could be fun with good music in the background.http://www.theshanyilife.co…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 25, 2016 at 21:40Maybe it’s actually not so boring to you if you never realised it. Loool! But it’s a good habit to pick up. It def makes you more organised and you don’t have to worry about ironing on your travel. I think having music is actually a good hack!
DamiLoves
September 24, 2016 at 10:25Ah..ironing, the most painful chore that a home maker encounters. I absolutely detest ironing beddings and duvet covers. Had no clue about aluminium foil, I’ll try that out today 😃I don’t know how to love him
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 18:58Did you try it? Did it make any differene for you?I’ve never ironed bedding oh. they are huge! Won’t even know where to start. I just maybe have someone do it.
Bababi
September 24, 2016 at 12:21I also do not like ironing but I love my clothes looking perfectly smooth. So what I do is; decide all what I want to wear each day for a week (sometimes 2 weeks) and iron all on Sunday. That way I can rest from ironing for at least a week.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 18:56That’s what I planned to be doing oh. But still not time! Too much stuff to do biko.
Olaa Bobade
September 24, 2016 at 13:21With every new post from you, I realise something we have in common. Believe me when I say I hate ironing more. I never ironed in Secondary school except it was really necessary and it was always a junior or a classmate I begged. It’s that bad. I even got into trouble at home because of it. Lol. I’ve worn a rumpled shirt to school on a Monday simply because I kept procrastinating till light went off and I really didn’t feel like wearing something else. Ironing just has to be the most boring task ever but I know a few people who enjoy it. How weird. Laitanbee Blog
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 18:57Hey Twinnie! LolFew people like it really. But often with music and all. Hate it when light goes off and I don’t feel like wearing anything else. Gosh!
Oluwatoceen!
September 24, 2016 at 14:35Most times my clothes do not require ironing but when it does I do it anyway. I ve lost two amazing pieces of if clothings to ironing and it was so painful chai, especially that peach top i wore only once. I didnt think ironing was that bad until this post. Lol#teamirononthebedthatinternist.wordpress.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 18:55Wore just once? That’s painful man!!!
Lohla's Melange
September 24, 2016 at 15:39I may be the only one who doesn’t mind ironing. Its really not something I think about, but I hate hate hate washing plates, clothes and cooking rme… But I have to cook anyway.Been a while, I’ve missed this place how are you mami?
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 25, 2016 at 15:10I have missed you on here! Considered sending an email, but wasn’t too sure. Looool! I don’t actually mind washing plates if the sink isn’t toooo full and overwhelming. Cooking def depends on my mood!
Lohla's Melange
September 26, 2016 at 06:40Awww… Whenever you feel like sending a mail, just do it!😀
Dammy
September 24, 2016 at 16:51I absolutely hate ironing. I’m drawn to clothes that don’t need to be ironed.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 25, 2016 at 15:09Me too!! But sometimes, it just can’t be avoided.
Toluwalade Toyin-Kehinde
September 24, 2016 at 17:34Why does it feel like I read 50 questions though? 😂😂 I hate and love ironing.. I’ld rather have someone iron my clothes for me because it really is boring and tiring… Especially when you’re used to ironing small pieces of material (XS size 😂) and now you have to iron medium size (pops size).. Like I’m not used to such large surface area pleaseee! but then I never leave the house without ironing(people that wear rumpled clothes put me off… Especially when it’s so obvious and you’re in a corporate place) .. Yes that includes jeans, handkerchief and sometimes socks(it helps kill bacteria that wasn’t killed by the detergent so I heard) Lmao so how do I say I don’t love it when I go overboard with it.. Still, it’s boring.. I iron on my bed though… Cause my bed is comfort and I cannot come and go and stress myself plus I like to take my time. I wouldn’t buy that £1500 iron oo… Who iron epp? Tskwww.toyinwithfashion.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 18:55Loool! Babe. You sound like just reading the questions was a chore. I know what you mean by loving it yet seeing it as a chore! £1500 iron is pure jokes!
Evita
September 26, 2016 at 06:08I actually enjoy ironing. I’d rather iron than wash dirty dishes.lol.😜 I can’t stand rumpled clothes at all. My mum even taught me how to iron men’s clothes but that thing is difficult! Their clothes are so big and heavy, makes the ironing difficult. I can iron on any surface but I prefer my bed or an ironing board. And I’m going to try out that cornstarch mixture you mentioned…can’t be wasting money on spray starch in this Buhari economy.😂Thanks for sharing these tips with us. Have a great week ahead.evitainprogress.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 06:15Men’s clothes are the worst! I can’t even try it. It just ends up looking so creased! Let me know how the mixture goes!! Have a great too Evita! Xx
Funke olotu
September 26, 2016 at 09:28I hate ironing, my God.. I don’t even iron 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈 I’ll rather wear my crop tops than to wear shirts, I’m not a fan of cooperate outfits so it’s easy for me but when it’s a must that I iron I iron rubbish and my friends help me after insulting me.. haha cheers to good friends that don’t want you to go out looking rough, after graduation I don’t know how I’m going to exist 😭😂😂https://funkeolotu.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 09:36Hahahah! Your friends must love you! It might be a bit tough when you start working of if you get a regular 9-5 because work outfits often need to be ironed and it’s so annoying!! 😭
Phiona
September 26, 2016 at 10:33I hate ironing yet i can’t stand putting on something that is not ironed! Wish i could get someone to do it for me but the must be really good at it 🙂 thanks for the tips
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 19:01You’re welcome Phiona! If only we could get someone to do it all.
Cee Jay
September 26, 2016 at 12:45Well, i won’t say i hate ironing, ’cause i’ll rather iron than wash clothes. I just love the beautiful sight that smiles back at me after ironing any outfit. It makes it worth all the trouble and it gives me a sense of fulfillment. But i better not be ironing every day. That i can’t handle. Thankfully, hubby doesn’t mind doing both for me, so i just sit back, relax and give him moral support! *wink
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 26, 2016 at 19:01Hhahahaha@ moral support! That’s pretty much what I do as well.
Mz Charidee
September 27, 2016 at 17:08I hate ironing, jeez! especially men clothing, kukuma kill me na, lol. But I love the look of crisply ironed clothes tho. As I for me I manage to go as long as possible without having to iron, mostly just iron them in Bulk and hang them.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 23, 2016 at 09:09Men’s clothes are honestly the worst! But I also really love well ironed clothes. Such a struggle!
Abby
October 1, 2016 at 15:45Gosh! Ironing is so boringggg. I moved to a different state and I bought an iron with me, best believe I haven’t used that iron more than once in about six months since I’ve been here. Doesn’t help that I work in a plant where I wear jeans and tee and put on a coverall every blessed day. Lol£1500 for Iron? *Cries in rough clothes*😭
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 3, 2016 at 12:20Cries in rough clothes! Lmfaooo. Once in six months.. I’m wayyyy better than you. Hahaha. Guess you don’t really need it though.
Precious
October 6, 2016 at 04:20Hahaha I hate ironing. Like seriously hate ironing. And ironing hates me right back. I can’t seem to get a piece of clothing properly ironed. My dad used to do that for me back in the day. He appeared to enjoy it and his ironing is always PERFECT. These days when the cloth is so twisted and begging me for some straightening, I pass it to Mr N. Men are better at this thing.PreciousCore.com
oma amadi
October 6, 2016 at 15:53I hate ironing so much that I sometimes bribe my siblings to help me iron and sometimes my dad helps me out, and yes i’ve actually burnt myself while ironing, during uni days, i was ironing and watching a movie at the same time, I dropped the iron on the bed to straighten out the clothes and the thing just dropped on hand, I still have the scar till date.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 23, 2016 at 09:10I used to bribe my siblings too!!! Hahahaha. I don’t even remember what I was doing when I got the scar. But yes, it’s still there on my leg.