Best Ironing Board

UPDATED March 2024 

An ironing board makes it easier for you to keep and maintain your clothing. Our shopping guide helps you find the best ironing board around.            

BEST IRONING
BOARD 2024

BOTTOM LINE

Available with different covers and in different sizes, this ironing board is suitable for any home. The cover itself stretches to fit over the board without coming off as you iron.

PROS

With this set, you get both an ironing board and a durable cover that is available in various designs. A built-in steam iron rest gives you room to set down your iron while working.

CONS

A small number of reviewers stated that their boards arrived with ripped covers and other damage. We also noticed reviews that claimed the legs were a little wobbly.

BOTTOM LINE

This pro model will make anyone feel like a professional dry cleaner. Mabel Home gives you loads of features that you won’t find on other boards, including extending wings and cord storage.

PROS

Shoulder wings attached to the side of this ironing board extend out to give you more room to work. It comes with built-in storage for your iron and an extra cover.

CONS

As this ironing board is fairly expensive, it might not fit your budget. Some users had problems extending and working with the board’s wings too.

BOTTOM LINE

Suitable for use anywhere in your home, this ironing board comes with its own rest that you can move around the board. It also features a heat reflective cover that lets you get your ironing done faster.

PROS

A Hot Spot on top of this board serves as a rest for your iron and can sit anywhere you need. This model works on any flat surface and has legs for lifting the top.

CONS

You may find that this board isn’t as stable as you would like. If you use a hotter iron, you can damage the fabric cover too.

BOTTOM LINE

Designed for mounting on a wall, this set comes with a cabinet that keeps your iron tucked away and out of sight. Inside the cabinet is an ironing board that swivels to accommodate both hands.

PROS

This set comes with both a board that folds down and a cabinet that you can mount on any wall in your home. The included board rotates in different directions to let you iron with either hand.

CONS

You may have a hard time finding a cabinet in a finish that matches your home. Some reviewers wished that the manufacturers used more solid materials in the construction of the board.

BOTTOM LINE

With legs that have a non-slip base and a locking design, this board lets you iron without worrying about it falling over. It also comes with a cover in the design of your choosing that protects the top.

PROS

This ironing board has legs with a T-design that support both ends of the board as you iron. It features a polyurethane pad on top and a cover that is available in several designs.

CONS

The legs on this board may not offer the stability that you want. You may find that you need to use a pad or cover on top of this board too.

Shopping Guide for the Best Ironing Board

An ironing board is an essential tool that every home needs. These boards have a completely smooth and flat surface that lets you create a clean pleat in a pair of pants and gives shirts a nicer finish. While you can iron on top of a table or a bed, those surfaces can leave behind wrinkles and imprints that change the way you want to work. 

Whether you want to look professional at work or look your best on a date night, you need the best ironing board. The top iron board for 2024 for your home might be a full-size model or one that folds flat for storage.

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Shopping Guide for the Best Ironing Board

I thought about size and design because I know that some shoppers prefer lighter models that they can store under a bed or in another out-of-the-way spot. My list includes options for those who iron every day and those who only need a board for special occasions. Once you look at the matrix of the best products, you can read through my shopping guide to find out more.

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Selection Criteria

Ironing boards typically use the same design, which might make you think that choosing one is an easy task. There are many things you should consider though, including the overall size of the board and whether you can fold it down for fast storage. I looked at around 50 boards when trying to find the best models. In addition to doing my research though, I also consulted with experts and found out what real shoppers thought.

My search for ironing boards led me to the top models that dry cleaners and other professionals use for work. I then compared those professional boards to the smaller models that you can store in your closet or laundry room. After looking at the ratings that the top boards had on Amazon and other sites, I picked the five models with the best overall reviews.

When you check out my product matrix at the top of the page, you’ll see the pros and cons of each board and my bottom line, which tells you why each one is worth your money. You will find longer product reviews in some of the sections below. Using my shopping guide will help you find the best ironing board for the money.

Selection Criteria - Best Ironing Boards

WARNING

Never use an ironing board without some type of padding or cover. The metal used on the top can damage your clothing.

If you’re like most shoppers, you might not realize that there are different types of ironing boards. Before I get into those types, which you’ll find in the below section, I wanted to first ensure that you understand what an ironing board is and how it works.

Most models are fairly basic in design and feature a solid top. This top looks like an oval or an egg because it has a rounded end. The opposite end will usually have a flat edge. You can put the collar of a shirt on the rounded end to iron along the natural curve of the shirt. The straight end allows you to give pants and other clothing a crisper and sharper edge.

What is an Ironing Board - padding legs

Ironing boards typically have two legs on the bottom. These legs can fold up and lay flat against the bottom of the board, which makes storing it easier. Some models may have four legs that are shorter in size. 

Those legs give the board more stability as you iron. I also found models that have built-in storage areas and compartments too. You might prefer one that has an attached basket or shelf for starch and other cleaning and ironing supplies that you need.

The best ironing board for the money is this model from Brabantia. It comes with a cover that fits on top of the board and won’t slip off. The cover has a cord system that allows it to stretch over the board and grip to the sides. 

No matter how much pressure you use or how quickly you iron, that cover will always remain in place. I like that the manufacturer gives you different cover designs to choose from to match your home. You’ll also find that the ironing board itself comes in multiple sizes too.

The legs on this board adjust to let you use it at four different heights. It has a minimum height setting of 30 inches and a maximum height setting of 38 inches. This board is also wider than others on the market and can accommodate an entire shirt or one pant leg. 

A built-in rest makes it easy for you to keep an eye on your iron. You can run the cord right through this rest and set your iron down when arranging a piece of clothing. This model also features a child safety lock. You can lock it with one hand and ensure that your kids don’t knock the board over.

  • No more wrinkles: The biggest benefit to having your ironing board is that you can press your clothing and remove wrinkles. Wrinkles can form because of how you store your clothing or because of the products that you use to clean those fabrics.
  • Save money: While you can pay dry cleaners to clean and press your clothing, the cost can add up over time. A simple ironing board can pay for itself in just a few weeks of use or less.
  • Do craft projects: Sewing enthusiasts and those who love arts and crafts projects often use irons regularly. You can use your board as a flat surface when cutting fabric for a new project and when using heat transfers.
  • Save space: The right ironing board can also help you save some space around your home. You might choose one with a cabinet that you can mount onto a wall in your laundry room or a folding model that you can slide under your bed or couch.
  • Less back pain: An ironing board can also reduce some of the back pain that you feel when ironing clothes. You’ll want to look for a model that rises to a height that feels comfortable.
Benefits of Using an Ironing Board - Leg Stability
Leg stability
Benefits of Using an Ironing Board - Flat Top
Flat top

Types of Ironing Boards

Ironing was once such a common task that many homes had built-in ironing boards. Depending on the age of your home, you might still have one in your kitchen or laundry room. This type of board has a hinged base. You can pull the board down from the wall and release the legs before ironing. 

Newer boards still feature elements of that classic design, namely a hinged base that lets you adjust the legs. There are a few different types of ironing boards that you might find appealing today. We’ll go over those types before delving into the features of these boards.

Built-In

Depending on the amount of free space that you have in your home, you might consider a built-in ironing board. Even if you never had one in your home before, you can install one in around an hour or less. These boards have a mechanism on the bottom that supports the legs. 

You can install one in your closet and keep it out of the way when you don’t need it. When you do need it, you simply pull down on the top and drop the legs down. These models come in different sizes to fit any home.

Compact

Whether you live in a small home or just want to reduce the amount of space that your cleaning supplies take up, you should consider a compact ironing board. These boards are both smaller and more compact in terms of both size and shape. 

The downside to a compact board is that it may not be large enough for your clothing. You’ll need to move the fabric around the board to iron all sides, which may result in creases forming. Compact boards typically do not have legs and will require that you put the board on top of another table or surface to use it.

Wall Mounted

A unique option for your home is an ironing board that you mount onto a wall. Let’s say that you have a washer and dryer tucked away in a corner of your kitchen because your home lacks a dedicated laundry room. You can mount an ironing board right above those appliances or on one side of them. Similar to built-in models, mounted ironing boards require that you drop the legs down and fold down the top. The top sits flush with your wall to reduce the amount of space that the board takes up when not in use.

Portable

Though compact models are great for small homes, an even better option is a portable ironing board. These boards come in a few different sizes and are lighter in terms of weight. You may find one that is so small that you can slide it right inside a cabinet in your bathroom or kitchen. 

Before buying one of these boards though, you should keep in mind that you’ll face the same problems that you would with a compact model. You may need more space to iron your clothes. These boards can also leave you suffering from back pain because you need to bend over the top.

Freestanding

One option that might work well for you is a freestanding board. This is the most common type available. Most feature legs are made from steel or some other type of metal. Those legs have a mechanism that lets you change the height of the board. 

This comes in handy when multiple people in your home need to iron. Freestanding boards usually have plastic or rubber caps on the bottom of each leg, which keeps the metal from damaging your floors. Most come with a pad that sits on the metal top too, which keeps the metal from leaving imprints behind.

Types of Ironing Boards - Freestanding

If you want to spend more money upfront and hope to avoid wobbly boards and those that feel rickety, you need a board such as this one from Mabel Home. Its extra-wide design gives you all the space that you need for ironing any type of clothing. 

It’s even wide enough for ironing towels and sheets. Mabel Home has a patent on the two wings located on the end of the board too. These wings pop up to extend your workspace but also retract down when you need less space.

The board itself features a layer of cotton padding on top that ensures imprints and impressions don’t form on your clothing. Though you can iron directly on top of this padding, you can also add the extra cover to get more protection. Located on the back of the board is a built-in tray that can hold a standard iron or a steam iron. 

The tray is resistant to heat and will not melt or break down. This tray also has a spot that lets you run your cord right through the center. You’ll also like the durable metal legs on this board, which have a powder-coated finish that lasts for years.

What About Ironing Mats?

Ironing mats and ironing pads refer to the same type of product. This is a small mat made from a soft material with an even softer layer of fabric on the top. Many have an extra piece of fabric on the end that looks like a small loop. This lets you roll the mat and secure it in place before tucking the pad away. 

Some manufacturers refer to these products as travel ironing pads and travel ironing boards. Though you can keep one in your home for those times when you need to iron, you can also tuck one inside your suitcase when traveling.

These mats are great for those who attend work conferences and other events. Your hotel room might not come with an ironing board, but your room will have a flat surface that you can place the mat on top of before ironing. 

All you need to use one of these products is a flat surface. You can use one on top of the bathroom counter or even on a table or dresser. I recommend looking for one with a non-slip bottom. This will keep the pad from moving as you move the iron over your clothing.

A popular life hack claims that you can use a simple towel in place of an ironing board. You will fold that towel in half and lay it on your bed or counter. Once you place a piece of clothing on top, you can iron right across the surface to remove wrinkles. If you try this hack even once though, you’ll quickly find that your clothes look even worse because the towel leaves impressions behind in the fabric.

Though you may think that you can use your counter or any other surface for ironing, you need an ironing board. These boards are a good choice for anyone who wears clothing made from delicate materials. Even if you primarily wear cotton and natural fabrics, you can use an iron on your board to give those items a fresh press before leaving the house. If you need to look professional every day at work, you need one of these boards.

Ironing boards are also a great choice for crafting enthusiasts. You can use heat transfers to add fun designs to shirts and create clean edges when quilting. Ironing boards are suitable for a wide range of craft projects for both adults and kids.

Dangers of Ironing on Your Counters

  • Can scorch the counters and leave behind black marks
  • May actually melt through some counter materials
  • Increases your risk of burning yourself
Who Needs an Ironing Board

A good ironing board for those who iron regularly is this model from Minky. Minky designed a Hot Spot, which is a feature that you won’t find on any other model. The Hot Spot is a small piece that sits right on the top of the cover. It lets you rest your iron on the board without damaging the cover or burning through your clothing. You can move this Hot Spot as you iron to keep it out of your way.

The cover itself has a fun design that uses polka dots in bright colors against a black background. Those circles match the color of the Hot Spot. This model also features a cover that reflects heat as you iron to help you finish your work faster.

Though the board has a standard size, it comes with legs that let you adjust the height to the exact distance that you need. You can use the board right on top of your bed or counter, but you can also use the included legs to lift the board to 36 inches off the ground. I also like that this model folds down quickly and easily. You can store and set up the board in minutes.

  • Damaged cover: When you press too hard on the iron or use it at a high temperature, you risk damaging the cover. This allows the metal or wood on the board to poke through the cover.
  • Wobbly legs: Ironing on a board with wobbly legs is like trying to keep your balance on a beam.
  • Wrong size: You’ll also want to replace any board that is too small or large for your needs. A large board requires more space to store, while a small board will require that you spend more time ironing.
  • No storage: Many top boards have storage for your iron and any other tools or supplies that you might need.
When to Replace Your Old Board

Signs Your Ironing Board is Too Small

  • You need to keep moving and adjusting your clothing to reach all areas of the fabric
  • The clothing you iron hangs over the sides of the board
  •  You want to iron larger pieces of fabric for quilting and other projects

What Size Ironing Board Do You Need?

Though I mentioned some of the signs that your ironing board might be too small in a section above, you may still not know what size you need. A standard ironing board is one that manufacturers call a full-size ironing board. It must measure at least four feet long from the flat end to the tip of the rounded end. These models will also measure at least 12 inches across, though some have a width of up to 18 inches across. 

Full-size boards of this type are best for adults who need to iron and press both shirts and pants. The longest boards let you iron an entire sleeve or pant leg without stopping to adjust the fabric.

If you only iron a few times a month or less often, you might feel comfortable with a much smaller model. Compact and portable boards often measure 12 inches across and have an overall length of two feet or less. Some models are just a foot long also. Compact ironing boards are often a good choice for crafting enthusiasts too. You can keep the board set up in your crafting room or keep it hidden in an out-of-the-way spot.

What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - Brabantia Ironing
Brabantia Ironing
Length: 49
Width: 15
What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - Mabel Home Extra
Mabel Home
Length: 58
Width: 37
What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - Minky Hot Spot Pro
Minky Hot Spot Pro
Length: 55
Width: 36
What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - Household Essentials
Household Essentials
Length: 41
Width: 11
What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - HOMZ T-Leg
HOMZ T-Leg
Length: 53
Width: 13

Mounted ironing boards are a great option for those who want to keep them tucked out of the way. I like this model from Household Essentials, which comes with its cabinet. The manufacturer includes instructions that show you how to cut an opening in your drywall and how to hang the cabinet inside that opening. 

You can pick between a cabinet with an unfinished oak design or one with a white finish. Inside the cabinet are a series of shelves that help you keep your ironing supplies close by. The cabinet also has a door that you can mount on the left or right side.

The interior of the cabinet also has enough space for the ironing board itself. This board has a small leg that lifts to keep it stable. You can mount the cabinet at different heights based on how you want to use the board. 

Though some shoppers didn’t like the MDF used in the construction of the board, it’s solid enough for regular use. The board swivels to both the left and right sides to give you the clearance that you need based on which you use. Household Essentials offers different accessories that work with this model, including a cover and a light kit.

Leg Features to Consider

  • Adjustable design: Even if you think that you’ll always iron in the same spot, you must look for a board with adjustable legs. Those legs adjust down to a minimum height and up to a maximum height, which is usually 36 inches.
  • Non-slip feet: Anytime that you iron on a slick surface such as hardwood, you’ll worry about the board sliding whenever you move the iron.
  • Locking option: You may want to consider ironing boards that come with locking legs too, especially if you have kids and/or pets. All it takes is a pet or a child bumping against the board to make it collapse.
  • Material: Metal such as steel is the best leg material because it offers the stability that you need without adding extra weight to the board.

Reasons to Choose Metal Legs

  • More stable
  • Offers more support
  • Will not bend or break
  • Keeps the weight of the board down
Leg Features to Consider - metal
Benefits of Using an Ironing Board - Leg Stability

Padding vs. Cover

As you shop for a new ironing board, make sure that you pay attention to listings that mention a cover without talking about padding. Far too many shoppers think that a cover will also function as a pad. They focus more on picking a fun or unique cover design than on finding out how much protection that cover offers. 

You should think about the cover in the same way that you would think about the shirt that you wear during the day. This is what other people see. The padding underneath the cover acts like your undergarments and provides extra support for the board.

Some manufacturers now offer combo covers that act as both a cover and a pad. Instead of putting the pad on top of the board and having you place the cover over the pad, manufacturers attach the pad to the cover. You can remove this piece to clean the board or to check for damage. 

These models do a good job of protecting your clothing from the board without causing wrinkles and other impressions to form in the fabric. You should consider the softness of the material and whether it is thick enough to cover the board.

Expert Tip

Make sure that the ironing board you buy has padding that is at least 1/2-inch thick. Thinner pads can let your iron pick up on any bumps or designs in the board.

If this HOMZ model proves anything, it’s that you don’t need to spend a ton of money on an ironing board. With an affordable price, this is the best model for budget shoppers. Many customers also like that the manufacturer makes it in the United States. They also like that they can choose from several different cover options, including both prints and solid colors. 

That cover has elastic cording all around the bottom that snaps against the board to keep it from slipping off. The board itself uses real steel and has holes along the metal that help the board stay cool.

I like the legs on this model, which adjusts up to a height of 35 inches. The base of each leg has a non-slip design that keeps the board from sliding when you apply pressure to the top. Even if you iron in a room with a tile floor, you’ll get the stability that you need. 

The legs also have a T-design that gives you more support. Some shoppers like the polyurethane foam pad that sits inside the cover. This pad helps you iron without leaving behind any marks or wrinkles. The classic design of this board features both a rounded end and a sharper end.

Cover Features to Consider

Now that you know how a cover differs from a pad, it’s time to look at the features you should consider in the cover itself. Those features include:

  • Nonstick design: In the same way that nonstick cookware keeps food from sticking to your pans, a nonstick cover will keep clothing from sticking to the top of your board.
  • Heat reflection: When ironing on a standard cover, hot spots can form because you kept your iron in one spot for too long.
  • Ventilation: You’ll also want to look for an ironing board that comes with a cover that offers some type of ventilation. Most manufacturers place small holes across the surface of the cover that you cannot see with the naked eye.
  • Elastic fit: You should also look for covers that have an elastic fit. This refers to covers with elastic bands or cords around the edges. That elastic snaps to the board and forms a tight fit.

Best Materials for Ironing Board Covers

Cotton
Felt
Metallic materials that mix cotton with copper

Choosing Your Frame

While onboard storage and the design of the cover might seem important, one of the most important elements of an ironing board is the frame. The frame refers to the base of the board as well as the legs that support the top. Most frames use rolled steel because it’s strong and durable. Rolled steel will also last for years. Aluminum is another popular choice. Though many think aluminum weighs less, it weighs about the same amount that steel does.

Choosing a board with a metal frame is important because you want the frame to support the weight of the board as well as your iron and anything you want to put on the top. It should also support any accessories that you hang from the sides. Some extremely cheap models use very flimsy plastic. When you put any weight on the top, the frame can bend or snap right in half.

You may want to consider the design of the legs on the base of the frame, especially in terms of the width of those legs. Legs that spread out further offer more support than legs located close together. If the legs are right next to each other, putting pressure on either side or end can cause the board to flip over.

Do Manufacturers Ever Use Wood Frames?

You will not find many ironing boards that feature a wood frame or wood legs. While wood is durable, it’s not as strong as metal. Some mounted models do have wood legs inside a cabinet that act as a frame.

Features to Consider When Buying an Ironing Board

Though I already talked about some of the different things to consider when shopping for an iron board, we’ll now get into some of the basic things you should look at, including:

  • Weight: You need to select an ironing board that you can easily handle on your own because you never know when someone will be around to help you.
  • Height: The height of the board is important because you want to feel comfortable as you iron. Most of the models I found have a total height of 36 inches.
  • Vent holes: In addition to ventilation holes on the cover, you should look for a board that has ventilation holes across the top and underneath the cover too. Those holes allow the heat from the iron to move through the board and dissipate into the surrounding environment.
  • Type: If you aren’t sure which type is best for you, I highly recommend that you read through my section on the different types of ironing boards.

Types of Covers

  • Elastic covers: The most popular and most common type of cover is one with an elastic band around the bottom. That elastic keeps the cover in place and can last for up to a year or more.
  • Cord covers: A cord cover is one that uses a simple cord instead of an elastic band. You’ll need to press down on a plastic piece and pull on the cord before placing it on top of the board. Once you have the cover in place, you can adjust that same piece to pull the cord tightly around the board.
  • Buckle/snap system: Some ironing board covers today feature a buckle or a snap system. You will put the cover on the board and then connect the buckles or snaps on it to those found on the board. Buckle and snap systems take more time to set up than the other covers do.

How to Set Up an Ironing Board

Once you buy a new ironing board, you need to know how to set it up in your home. You should get a set of instructions that walk you through this process. If you lose those instructions or just aren’t sure what to do, you can follow along with my steps.

Setting up the board requires that you extend the legs. You can usually pull down on one leg, which will cause both legs to drop down. If you buy one with a locking mechanism, you will push on the mechanism to lock it in place. Before locking the legs, make sure that the board is at the height that you want and that the legs are sturdy enough to support the top.

Many models now have an adjustable height feature. This lets you pull down on the legs to push each one closer to the edges. The further you pull the legs apart, the closer the board will sit to the floor. When you push the legs closer to the center of the board, it will sit higher off the ground.

You’ll also need to attach the cover to the board. Elastic covers are easy to use because you just place one end on the board and stretch the cover until it completely stretches over the board. Other types of covers may require that you loosen and then tighten a cord or that you buckle snaps to keep the cover on the board.

Benefits of Adjustable Legs

  • Work in any room
  • Suitable for homes with people of different heights
  • Easy to use
  • Can adjust the legs to work on different surfaces
  • Many models will lay flat for use on a bed, counter or table
  • Fold down into a smaller and more convenient package for storage

Ironing Tips and Tricks

  • Choose the right temperature: Before using your iron, make sure that you set it to the right temperature. I included a simple chart below that shows you which temp to use with different types of fabrics.
  • Set up your clothing: When you place an article of clothing on your board, you need to make sure that it is as flat as possible.
  • Work from the inside out: Experts recommend that you turn your clothing inside out and iron the interior. You can then flip the item around and iron the outside of that garment.
  • Use moisture: A good way to remove all wrinkles from an item of clothing is with a little moisture. If you have a steam iron, it will produce that moisture as the water inside heats up and becomes steam.
  • Pay attention: Always pay attention to your work as you iron, which will help you see when the iron is too hot before you burn or melt your clothing. Even if you watch television or listen to music, you’ll want to keep an eye on the board.

Temperature Settings to Use

Linen: 445 degrees Fahrenheit
Cotton: 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Silk: 300 degrees Fahrenheit
Wool: 300 degrees Fahrenheit
Nylon: 275 degrees Fahrenheit

Ironing Tips and Tricks

How to Care for Your Ironing Board Cover

  • Remove the cover: If you have an elastic cover, you can simply tug on it to remove it from the board. Other covers may require that you remove clips or untie a cord first.
  • Spot wash: You can spot wash most covers with a solution of water mixed with a few drops of laundry detergent until you see bubbles. Dip a sponge or a soft cloth in the mixture before dabbing the solution on the stains that you see. You may need to use more pressure or a scrubbing motion to remove deeper stains. After rinsing the cover in cool or warm water, you can let it dry.
  • Dry correctly: To dry your cover, you’ll want to let it sit out for a few hours or overnight. You can hang the cover from a drying line inside or outside. Some prefer putting the cover on a flat surface and letting it dry that way.
  • Washing machine basics: The only ironing board covers that you can clean in a washing machine are those that use natural materials such as cotton. Other materials can melt in the washing machine or become warped. When the cover becomes warped, it will no longer fit on your board.

WARNING

Never put your ironing board cover in a dryer. Even if it uses natural materials, the dryer can do serious damage to the cover.

Tips for Cleaning Your Ironing Board

  • Rust: You can use something as basic as WD40 to remove rust spots on the metal legs or frame. Once you remove the cover, look for any discolored spots that appear brown or red. Rust can eat through the frame when not removed properly.
  • Clean dark marks: If you use your iron at a high temperature, you risk burning through the cover and leaving scorch marks on the top of the board. Most marks will come loose with a little elbow grease. You can use the same mixture you did to spot-clean the cover to remove those marks from the surface.
  • Wipe down the top: You can also wipe down the top at the same time that you remove the cover. This lets you remove any debris stuck to the board before it damages the cover.
  • Oil the metal: Even if you take care of your ironing board, you may hear a screeching sound when you open the frame and extend the legs. A good solution to that problem is a little oil. Spray oils and lubricants are best because you can control where the liquid goes. After applying the oil, you’ll want to use a dry cloth to remove any excess before it drips on your floors.

Expert Tip

Before applying a lubricant or an oil, consider taking your ironing board outside and placing it on a tarp or old newspapers. This will keep the liquid from damaging your home and allow you to work in a well-ventilated area.

Optional Features That are Worth Your Money

I wanted to take a look at some of the optional features found on a handful of boards that are worth your money. While you might not find these features on all boards, you may find that you prefer a model that comes with one or more of these options.

  • Sleeve attachment: A sleeve attachment is a small piece that is roughly the same size and shape as a shirt sleeve. It connects to the end or the side of the board and lets you slip the shirt sleeve around the attachment.
  • Rack/hook: You may want a board that comes with some type of rack or hook that sits on the end of the board. Once you finish ironing an article of clothing, you can hang it from this rack to keep it free from wrinkles as you move on to the next item.
  • Organizer: A few models today come with organizers that attach right to the side or the end of the board. You’ll find some organizers that you can remove and carry with you when putting the board away. Organizers give you space for all the supplies you need to iron.
  • Rest: Many shoppers prefer ironing boards that feature a rest designed for the iron. This simple feature will keep the heat produced by the iron from damaging your clothing.

Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe

  • Set a good example: Kids learn best when you set a good example for them to follow. When you practice safety tips and iron properly, your kids will learn from you.
  • Work with them: You can teach your kids how to set up the ironing board and how to iron to show them how to properly use both the board and the iron. Until you feel comfortable, you should keep an eye on your children as they work. You can later let them take over this chore.
  • Choose a locking board: A board that has a more solid and stable design is a good choice too because it will keep kids from knocking down the board or pulling it over on them.
  • Talk to your kids: You might think that your children are too young to understand the dangers of using an iron, but even toddlers can learn what not to touch. You must explain to young children that they should not touch the iron when it’s in use. As your kids age, you can talk with them about what can happen if they knock over the board or touch a hot iron.

WARNING

You should read the labels on old boards and covers carefully because those items may contain asbestos. Asbestos can cause breathing problems and serious medical conditions such as cancer when inhaled.

How Much Should You Pay for an Ironing Board?

A good ironing board is something that every home needs. You might think that these boards are fairly cheap and that you don’t need to spend much money on one. The truth is that manufacturers offer these products at both low and high prices. Before you buy a cheap model though, you should think about how often you will use the board and how much you want to spend.

You can get a cheap ironing board for as little as $20 or even $10. Compact and portable models are typically the cheapest. Full-size ironing boards with folding legs can cost $30 or more. I recommend spending at least $50 on one that you will use every day or a few times a week. Pro boards and those that feature onboard storage will retail for between $100 and $150.

The most expensive ironing boards out there are the mounted models, especially those that come with their cabinets. You might spend $150 on a simple model that uses MDF or plywood. Those made from real hardwood will cost more. In addition to looking at the wood used in the cabinet, you should also consider the board itself and whether it will meet all of your ironing needs.

What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - Brabantia Ironing
Brabantia Ironing
$92.99 - $70.55
What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - Mabel Home Extra
Mabel Home
$138.95
What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - Minky Hot Spot Pro
Minky Hot Spot Pro
$162.38 - $49.92
What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - Household Essentials
Household Essentials
$162.99 - $177.20
What Size Ironing Board Do You Need - HOMZ T-Leg
HOMZ T-Leg
$30.92 - 29.99

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Built-in ironing boards usually come with a cabinet that you mount inside a wall of your home. You can place one right next to your washer and dryer or in another convenient location. These models typically require more space than mounted models do. With a mounted ironing board, you can install it without the use of a cabinet.

A: The best type of detergent for spot cleaning or cleaning your ironing board in a washing machine is one designed for delicate fabrics. You can usually use the same soap that you use for cleaning your clothing. Some may want to avoid detergents with a strong scent. This smell can stick to the cover and transfer onto your clothes.

A: The biggest benefit to boards that are longer or wider than average is that they give you more room. If anyone in your home wears plus or big and tall sizes, you’ll find that these boards are large enough to accommodate those items. You’ll also have more space for working on sleeves and legs too.

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