The recent thread about how long your clothes last got me thinking about ironing clothes. Is this something any of you do anymore? Like shining your shoes? My guess is that those of a certain age do, and those younger do not. More and more shirts and trousers are made of permanent press, no-iron materials. Speaking of clothing lasting longer, clothes that don't have permanent-press additives will, with proper care, last much longer. Convenience has a price.
I don't trust professional cleaners with my clothes, not just because as a frugal guy I want to save money, but because professional cleaning decreases the longevity of clothing. I usually air dry clothing, then iron it. In between wears I usually steam my clothing to take out wrinkles rather than re-ironing. Sometimes I use a "crease release" spray.
I have a really good ironing board and cover, a Reliable model made in Italy, along with a high-end Rowenta iron. I use "ironing water" from The Laundress. Ironing is relaxing for me, a stress reducer like meditation for others. I started washing and ironing my own clothes when I was in high school.
What about you? Do you iron? What's your equipment? What's your routine?
P.S. For purpose of full disclosure, I also polish my shoes, shave with a DE razor and good shaving soap, and write with a fountain pen whenever possible
I don't trust professional cleaners with my clothes, not just because as a frugal guy I want to save money, but because professional cleaning decreases the longevity of clothing. I usually air dry clothing, then iron it. In between wears I usually steam my clothing to take out wrinkles rather than re-ironing. Sometimes I use a "crease release" spray.
I have a really good ironing board and cover, a Reliable model made in Italy, along with a high-end Rowenta iron. I use "ironing water" from The Laundress. Ironing is relaxing for me, a stress reducer like meditation for others. I started washing and ironing my own clothes when I was in high school.
What about you? Do you iron? What's your equipment? What's your routine?
P.S. For purpose of full disclosure, I also polish my shoes, shave with a DE razor and good shaving soap, and write with a fountain pen whenever possible