Bonds loosen
Ironing fabrics works, as has now been proven, because under the influence of temperature, the bonds in the microparticles of polymers forming the fibers of a given fabric loosen. When the mentioned fibers are hot from the iron, they straighten under its pressure and maintain their proper shape after the ironed material cools down. Some materials, such as cotton, require the use of water when ironing.
In ancient times
In the past, in the 8th century, the Chinese used so-called “hot pans” with burning coals inside, which were used to iron silk. In the 18th century, an iron was simply a one-sided smoothed “block of iron,” which is where the name iron came from. This block of iron necessarily had to have some kind of iron handle, commonly called a holder. After heating this iron on the kitchen stove plate, the heat of the iron allowed for effective ironing of all materials.
When the iron cooled down
After cooling, such an iron had to be reheated by, as is known, placing it on the stove plate. The shape of the iron very much resembled a human foot, with a pointed tip and a flat back edge, or “heel.”
Years passed
Over time, irons were not only placed on the stove plate but were even put into a hearth, fueled by charcoal. Later, charcoal was thrown into the middle of the iron to achieve its proper temperature. Years passed, and charcoal was replaced by a piece of metal called a “soul,” and it was this soul that was placed in the hearth, not the entire iron, as had been done until then.
Seeley’s idea
The electric iron was constructed in 1882 by Henry W. Seeley, who placed a heating coil with a power of several hundred watts inside it. Over time, the next invention concerning the iron was the construction of a thermoregulator.
“Dziennik Polonijny” at the Kielce History Museum was able to see a relevant exhibition on this topic.
