Ironing Board History

The first americanized ironing board was invented on April 26th, 1892. The ironing board was invented to make it easier for a person to iron clothes. Ironing was around for a long time before the ironing board was invented. For example, the first known ironing boards were used by the Vikings in the 9th century. They would use whale bone ironing boards and very smooth glass as an iron. the glass did not get hot. It was just very heavy so it could flatten surfaces. For example, chinese pan irons were used by 2 people stretching cloth in mid air while one person ironed with the ironing pan (Chinese Method). A kitchen table or two chairs with a large piece of wood resting on the chairs was often used for ironing before the first ironing board. There was even ways to find out what type of wood should be used, how thick the wood should

The first ironing boards were the “press boards”. These boards were small enough to fit on your lap. They were often used for ironing seams while making dresses. They were also used for pressing laundry. Wood warped on these boards very easily.

In 1866 the folding ironing board was invented. It was invented by Miss S A Mort. It was invented to make it more space sufficient. It also had a removable press board. Many people enjoyed this because it made it easier to iron sleeves. This ironing board was very popular. These also warped a lot. Sarah Boone got a patent in 1826. She got it for improvements to the ironing board. Manufacturer's loved the idea because it made another easy way for them to make money. These ironing boards look sort of like modern day ironing boards. They started the idea of narrow, curved shaped ironing board. They also made folding ironing boards much more popular. Many people liked the idea of removable legs so that you can set the board up anywhere. The wood still warped. Many people were trying to find a way to keep[ the wood from warping, but none of them were