Ironing Inspiration ~ The Classic Homemaking Collection

"My second favorite household chore is ironing.

My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint."

  ~Erma Bombeck

Before we begin, I have a small confession to make. Ironing, sadly and truthfully, is the least of my favorite homemaking loves. In fact, every time I read the words (shared above) by the late Ms. Bombeck, I am in tears (the humorous kind)! Here is a compilation of ideas, old fashioned homemaking tips, diy's and encouragement that may help to inspire you (and I) to love those linens and iron! I think in a very few minutes, your mind may be transformed to see the beauty in this little task!

"Ironing gratifies the senses. The transformation of wrinkled, shapeless cloth into the smooth and gleaming folds of a familiar garment pleases the eye. The good scent of ironing is the most comfortable smell in the world. And the fingertips enjoy the changes in the fabrics from cold to warm, wet to dry, and rough to silky. There is nothing like keeping the hands busy with some familiar work to free the mind. You can learn Italian while you iron, as a friend of mine did, or you can simply think."

~ Cheryl Mendelson, Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House

To begin, it helps to have a peaceful and clean environment to iron in. That is often difficult to do because the ironing board is usually the household item that gets stowed away and hidden. If you have a large laundry room, that would be ideal.

Decorating with old fashioned signs can also make it more enjoyable (you will find our printable set here). Our ironing board is kept in our back room and before ironing, I make sure the area is clear and clutter-free to make it a pleasant homemaking experience (such as the one described below).

Gentle Homemaking Inspiration

The Linens {An Old Fashioned Day} ~ Whatsoever Thy Hands

It is interesting to note that the artist Degas (who was famous for his impressionistic ballerina paintings), also took the time to capture women doing the daily duties of washing and ironing. 

Perhaps he saw the beauty in the ordinary homemaking arts! His work is depicted in all the paintings featured above this paragraph (except for the painting showcasing the "Gentle Homemaking Inspiration").

How to Clean Your Iron {Gleaned from Cleaning Plain & Simple by Donna Smallin}

The Sole Plate

• Wipe the soleplate with a sudsy cloth or nylon-mesh pad (make sure your iron is unplugged and cool). If starchy buildup or corrosion is present, remove either with a cloth saturated in white vinegar or make a solution by heating equal parts of vinegar and salt (until it is dissolved). Do not use abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads.

The Reservoir

• If mineral deposits are coming through the holes of the soleplate, the reservoir needs a routine cleaning. To do so, fill the reservoir approximately one-quarter of the way up with white vinegar. Turn on the iron and steam-iron a clean rag or towel until the reservoir is empty. The fumes may be strong so keep a window open and a fan going if necessary. If problem persists, refill the reservoir with water and continue to steam iron the rag until empty once again. Do a final rinse on the reservoir by filling it with (distilled or purified) water and then emptying it out. To prevent future buildup in your iron, use only distilled water.

Routine Maintenance

• Each time you use your iron, empty water from the reservoir while it is still hot so that it will dry out. This can be achieved by slowly and carefully tilting the pointed end of the iron down over a sink. For best results, always store your iron in an upright position.

A few do-it yourself ironing recipes can be made to create a sense of purpose in your ironing area. One of my personal favorites is this DIY Lavender Water. It makes for a lovely and aromatic ironing spray.

There is also an old fashioned spray starch recipe that can be made in minutes! Store these handcrafted goods in recycled glass bottles with attractive labels in order to foster a sense of delight in this homemaking task.

"You may also like to utilize the essential oils when ironing. You can either put 1 drop of essential oil in a plant mister and spray the clothes before ironing, or put a drop on a damp linen cloth and place that between the iron and the material. You could also put the essential oils directly into the water compartment of your steam iron, but essential oils are not water soluble and could leave a residue in the iron."

~ Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Is Ironing Still Relevant Today?

Perhaps you are thinking that the modern-day denim and knit clothing you own does not require such ironing and care. However, the clothes we wear to our Sabbath gathering should be considered. Are we dressing appropriately for the "House of God"? Do you remember the term "Sunday best"? Dressing up and ironing your clothing for worship shows its importance and seriousness. It shows something that our modern-day culture often neglects, it is called "reverence". Dear Moses met with the Creator in the dessert via a burning bush and learned this lesson. Our formal meetings in the church with the Almighty should be just as important. 

"Then He said, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet,

for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."

~ Exodus 3:5

"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace,

whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

For our God is a consuming fire."

~ Hebrews 12:28-29

"I find it soothing to take something wrinkled and make it smooth.

It feels anticipatory. It's what I do before a celebration."

~ Alexandra Stoddard

And life, my dear homemaker, is a celebration!

If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in:
Gentle Homemaking Inspiration
The Housecleaning Inspiration Collection
Wash Day Collection of Inspiration

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