Top 15 Clothing Iron Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
Clothing irons are one of the most commonly used household items. They come in handy for many tasks, from getting the wrinkles out of your clothes to pressing a seam. But as handy as they are, clothing irons can also be dangerous. Every year, thousands of people are injured by clothing irons. No one wants to deal with dangerous accidents, but they can often be hard to avoid. With the proper knowledge and precautions, you can mitigate risk and ensure your household is as safe as possible.
This blog post will cover some important Iron Safety Tips. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep yourself and your family safe from potential hazards.
15 Safety Tips You Need to Know Before Using an Iron
Ironing clothes is a common household chore. However, many people don’t realize the potential safety risks associated with using an iron. Here are 10 tips to help you stay safe when ironing clothes.
1. Always Read The Manufacturer’s Instructions
Before using an iron for the first time, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to ensure that the iron is used safely and correctly. The instructions will usually include information on
- How to set up the iron?
- How to select the correct heat setting?
- How to clean the iron?
They may also include warnings about potential hazards. For example, many irons have a steam function that can produce hot water droplets. These droplets can cause burns, so it’s important to be careful when using this function. Following the manufacturer’s instructions can help users avoid accidents and keep their iron in good working condition.
2. Choose The Correct Heat Setting
While ironing clothes, it’s essential to use the correct heat setting. The heat setting on the iron should be based on the type of fabric you’re ironing. For example, delicate fabrics like silk should be ironed on a low heat setting, while heavier fabrics like denim can be ironed on a higher heat setting. Using the wrong heat setting can damage fabrics.
In general, using the iron on a lower heat setting is better, as it’ll help prevent the fabric from burning or scorching.
3. Use a Damp Cloth
When ironing clothes, one of the most important things to remember is the fabric’s moisture level. If the fabric is too dry, the iron will scorch it. If the fabric is too wet, the iron will steam the wrinkles out without flattening them.
The best way to avoid these problems is to use a damp cloth while ironing. The damp cloth will help regulate the moisture level of the fabric and prevent the iron from becoming too hot. As a result, using a damp cloth while ironing can help you achieve better results.
4. Iron In a Well-ventilated Area
Ironing clothes is a necessary part of doing laundry but can also be dangerous. Every year, there are reports of fires started by people ironing in poorly ventilated areas. Ironing is especially dangerous because heat and motion can cause sparks to fly from the iron. Even a small spark can quickly ignite a pile of clothes or furniture. That’s why it’s important to always iron in a well-ventilated area, such as opening a window or two and enjoying the fresh air. Your clothes will thank you!
5. Keep The Iron Clean
It’s also important to keep the iron clean. A dirty iron can leave behind streaks, marks, and even burns, ruining your clothes and making them look less than their best. Fortunately, keeping your iron clean is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes.
First, unplug the iron and allow it to cool completely. Next, remove any built-up residue by wiping the soleplate with a damp cloth. You can use a little baking soda or vinegar for tougher stains. Once the soleplate is clean, wipe down the rest of the iron with a dry cloth. Finally, store the iron in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it again.Â
6. Don’t Leave The Iron Unattended
Though it may seem like a simple household appliance, iron can be dangerous if not used properly. One of the most important safety rules is never leaving the iron unattended. An unattended iron can pose a fire hazard even for a short period. If you must step away from the ironing board, unplug the iron and allow it to cool down before leaving it unattended.
In addition, it’s important to keep the ironing surface clean and free of any flammable materials. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure that your ironing experience is safe and efficient.
7. Keep Children and Pets Away
Ironing clothes is a common chore in many households. While it may seem straightforward, a few safety precautions should be taken to avoid injury. Always keep children and pets away from the ironing area. The steam and heat from the iron can burn skin, so keeping them out of harm’s way is important.
8. Don’t Use Extension Cords
Many people make the mistake of using extension cords while they iron, which can be very dangerous. Extension cords aren’t meant to be used with high-wattage appliances like irons, and using them can put a lot of strain on the cord, causing it to overheat or even catch fire.
In addition, extension cords are often not as durable as regular electrical cords, so they can easily be damaged by the heat of an iron. For these reasons, it’s always best to plug your iron directly into a wall outlet. Not only is this safer, but it’ll also help you avoid accidental damage to your clothes.
9. Don’t Store The Iron In a Wet Location
When it comes to storing your iron, you should keep a few things in mind. First of all, it’s important to choose a dry location. If the iron is stored in a damp place, it can rust and damage it. Additionally, it’s important to keep the iron out of direct sunlight.
The sun can cause the metal to warp or discolor. Finally, make sure to keep the iron away from any flammable materials. If the iron is stored too close to gasoline, it could catch fire and cause serious damage.
10. Avoid Wrapping The Iron While It’s Cooling Down
While it may be tempting to wrap the power cord around the iron while it’s cooling down, this can damage the cord and potentially cause a fire. The insulation on the cord can become brittle and crack when exposed to the high heat of the iron, allowing electrical current to escape. This can create a dangerous situation, especially if the cord is wrapped around flammable materials like fabric or paper.
In addition, wrapping the cord around the iron can cause kinks and knots that make it difficult to use. So, for safety’s sake, it’s best to wait until the iron is completely cooled down before wrapping up the cord.
11. Avoid Using Iron With Broken Cases or Exposed Wires
One of the most important safety precautions is discontinuing use if the case around the iron becomes broken and wires are exposed. This is because exposed wires can pose a serious shock or fire hazard. If the case around your iron is starting to break, it’s important to take action immediately.
First, unplug the iron from the power outlet. Then, check the cord for any signs of damage. If the cord is damaged, it must be replaced before using the iron again. If the damage is just to the case, you may be able to replace just the outer shell. However, if you’re not sure how to safely repair the broken case, it’s best to discard the iron and purchase a new one.
12. Avoid Using a Damaged Or Leaking Iron
Using a damaged or leaking iron can be extremely dangerous. Not only can it damage your clothes, but it can also cause burns or start fires. Always check to ensure it’s in good working condition when using an iron. Do not use it if the cord is frayed or the plate is cracked. Also, empty the water reservoir before storing the iron, as leaks can occur if the water freezes.
13. Don’t Multitask While Ironing Clothes
Do you know that multitasking can be dangerous? When you try to do two things at once, your brain cannot focus properly on either task. This can lead to mistakes being made and potentially even accidents. So what does this have to do with ironing clothes? When ironing, you need to pay close attention to your actions.
If you try to multitask and do something else simultaneously, you could easily burn your clothes or worse. So next time you pull out the ironing board, make sure to give yourself some uninterrupted time to focus solely on the task.
14. Always Iron On a Sturdy Ironing Board
Ironing clothes can be tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the best ways to make ironing a bit easier (and to avoid damaging your clothes) is to always use a sturdy ironing board. A good quality ironing board will have a smooth surface that won’t snag your clothes and will be stable enough that it won’t wobble when you use it. In addition, a sturdy ironing board will last for many years, so it’s worth investing in a good one.
There are various ironing boards on the market, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs. For example, if you frequently need to transport your ironing board, you might want to choose one with collapsible legs. And if you’ve limited storage space, you might want to opt for an over-the-door ironing board. Whichever type you choose, always ensure it is sturdy and well-made.
15. Avoid Ironing Clothes On The Bed Or Floor
When ironing clothes, most people choose the bed or the floor as their surface. After all, these are flat surfaces that provide ample space for moving the iron back and forth. However, there are a few reasons why you should avoid ironing on these surfaces. First, bedding and carpets are not heat-resistant and can be easily damaged by a hot iron.
Second, there is a risk of tipping over the iron when it’s placed on an unstable surface like a bed or floor. Finally, ironing on a hard surface like a countertop or ironing board will give you a better result. So next time you need to press your clothes, choose a safe and sturdy surface.
Conclusion
Ironing clothes can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Always unplug the iron before cleaning it or performing any maintenance, and check the cord for any damage. In addition, avoid using a damaged or leaking iron, and never try to multitask. Always use a sturdy ironing board and iron on the bed or floor. However, by following these Iron Safety tips, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe while pressing clothes. Thanks for reading!
