Best Ironing Board Cover Uk? The 68 Correct Answer

A look at the best padding for ironing boards – ironing board pad

Modern ironing boards come in a variety of designs; They can be traditional standalone boards or wall mounted. Some ironing boards even have their own drawer or cabinet that they fold into when not in use. These modern ironing boards save space and are popular with homeowners who live in smart homes or small apartments.

This article will tell you what to consider when choosing an ironing board cover to stock at your retail store. The padding you choose is important as it affects the functionality of the ironing board.

Things to consider when choosing an ironing board pad

Retailers will often carefully consider consumer needs when deciding what type of ironing board to stock. You will think about how the board is constructed and constricted and whether it is easy to install. Many shopkeepers do not think about what kind of padding is used for the ironing board cover.

If you own a retail business and want to stock a quality ironing board, you need to consider how the cover was made. The best ironing boards have easily removable, padded, heat-resistant, and cotton covers.

Venace makes high quality ironing boards that come with a cotton cover. Their boards are all well-padded and made from heat-resistant materials (buyers can also customize Venace flame-retardant fabrics if needed). Having Venace ironing boards in stock in your store gives you an edge as the company makes high quality, durable ironing boards. You have a choice of foldable and wall mounted boards available.

A good and modern ironing board pad is essential

Your customers want good ironing results because it makes ironing easier and less of a hassle. You must choose a modern ironing board cover with good padding. Most boards come with a cover that is included with the purchase.

However, many homeowners feel they need to upgrade to better coverage after purchase. This is an extra hassle that many people want to avoid. To stand out from your competitors, it would be wise to stock an ironing board with a quality, padded cover.

The best padding is heavy because it allows the cover to hold its shape better than a thin foam-lined pad. The padding of the ironing board covers consists of either foam or felt.

Heat resistant material

Ironing board covers should be heat resistant, as this allows heat to be transferred from the iron to clothing. Some covers have a textured, non-stick surface that aids in the ironing process and allows the iron to move smoothly over clothing without snagging.

non-stick material

It would help if you also look out for an ironing board with a non-stick coating as this will prevent clothes from sticking to the ironing board. Many covers have reflective material in their padding, which allows heat to be transferred back into the clothing for easier ironing.

Unbleached Cotton

Make sure the ironing board cover you choose is made from unbleached cotton. Cotton covers are particularly suitable for people who iron regularly. Ironing on cotton speeds up the process and gives excellent results.

durability

An ironing board cover should be strong and durable, which makes it durable. Your customers don’t want to have to buy new covers on a regular basis, so it’s important to stock an ironing board with a quality cover in your store. Ironing board covers should last a few years.

Scorch resistant

A high-quality ironing board cover is scratch-resistant because it reflects heat. The padding should also have adequate ventilation to allow moisture to pass through when using an iron’s steam function. This has the added benefit of preventing staining.

color and design

Ironing board covers are available in a wide range of colors and designs. While these are fun, they may not be to everyone’s taste. It’s a good idea to stock an ironing board with a neutral colored cover as it will complement almost any decor style.

Appendix

It would be helpful if you also thought about how the cover and padding attaches to the ironing board. A good ironing board cover cannot slip off the board during use. Most covers have a drawstring that allows them to be firmly attached to the board. Some have elastic binding, Velcro, or clips to hold the cover in place. These features make the cover adjustable.

maintenance

A good ironing board cover should be easy to remove for cleaning. Most consumers are looking for a cover that requires little maintenance and is easy to clean. When choosing an ironing board cover, it’s a good idea to look for one that is machine washable. Some ironing board covers should not be put in the washing machine and need spot cleaning.

Venace ironing boards

Venace make good quality foldable and wall mounted ironing boards that come with an attractive cover. The cover was designed with the user in mind; It has a thick layer of padding to give a smooth finish. Venace ironing boards are foldable and can be attached to the walls of the laundry room or installed in a drawer or cabinet.

Here are some of Venace’s products that you might want to stock in your retail store. The covers are available in either a light, neutral color or in a dark grey.

The Venace Wall Mounted Ironing Board

The Venace Wall Mounted Ironing Board is versatile and easy to use. It can be attached to the wall and can be rotated 180 degrees both to the left and to the right. This product includes everything your customers need to mount the board on their wall. It’s easy to install the ironing board and provide a solid foundation, making ironing less of a hassle.

This ironing board frame has been treated with a white coating, making it rust-resistant, durable and long-lasting. The Venace Wall Mounted Ironing Board has a built in wall bracket that allows the board to be folded twice. It can then be stored flat against the wall to save space.

This board comes with a removable cotton cover that is easy to clean and heat resistant. It has thick padding that helps create a smooth iron-on surface. The cover is stylish and has bold diagonal stripes in neutral colors. The color scheme is likely to be popular with consumers as it suits their decor.

Venaces wall mounted fold down ironing board

The wall mounted fold down ironing board saves space as it folds flat against the wall when not in use. Constructed from heavy duty steel, this product is easy to mount with a frame that screws to the wall. It features a one-click unlocking mechanism that makes it easy to set up.

Your customers will love the wall mounted fold down ironing board as it is stable and secure. It doesn’t wobble like many ironing boards do, especially traditional ironing boards. This product comes with a removable, heat-resistant cover made from cotton. It comes in a dark gray that customers will love as it suits any color scheme and is less likely to stain or smudge from steaming clothes.

Venaces pull-out built-in ironing board

The built-in pull-out drawer ironing board features a unique folding design that allows it to be installed in a drawer. This allows the board to be hidden out of sight in a drawer or cabinet, saving space. Consumers love these panels as they can be installed in the kitchen and are invisible when not in use.

This ironing board comes with adjustable slide rails; Easy to install, it pulls out of the drawer smoothly and quietly. The ironing board comes complete with thick padding and an attractive cotton cover. It is heat resistant, which helps transfer heat to clothing.

Venaces foldable, extendable ironing board

The Venace fold-out ironing board can be installed in a closet. It is easy to pull out and rotate 180 degrees left and right. This is how your customers find the perfect ironing position.

This board comes with an attractive light colored cotton cover that is removable and easy to wash. It is heat resistant and has thick padding that creates a smooth surface for ironing.

Conclusion

If you are a professional shopper who wants to stock foldable wall mounted ironing boards in your retail store; You might want to consider Venace’s products. All Venace ironing boards come with an attached cover that has high quality, thick padding. These are durable and popular with homeowners.

Whether you’re replacing your ironing board cover due to stains or other damage, this article covers everything from measurement to final fit. Most generic covers fit many sizes from popular brands, but you should know your exact measurements before ordering a new cover.

Also check out our article on the best ironing board covers for our top covers or visit our review of the best ironing boards for a complete set.

1. How to replace an ironing board cover (install, adjust and tighten)

There are 4 types of attachment systems: drawstring, bracer clips, hook and loop straps, or hook and loop straps.

All systems allow for some margin of error and can be adjusted smaller (but usually not larger) by tightening the adjustment under the board and pulling the excess fabric together, giving you a smooth ironing surface.

Remove the old cover. Discard the foam backing if it is not integrated with your board cover. If the foam backing is separate, align the new cover with the foam. Align the single or double layer on the top of the board until it is straight. Hold the cover down firmly while gently tightening and adjusting the fastening system. Smooth the surface while gradually tightening it

Note: If you find your ironing board cover is too big, the drawstrings are easy to adjust and tighten. Small adjustments and a little patience are all you need.

2. How to measure your ironing board for a new cover

Simply measure the surface of your ironing board to get the correct measurements

First measure the length of your ironing board from tip to tail not including the iron rest. Then measure the width of your ironing board at the widest point from side to side. You don’t have to consider the thickness of the ironing board or the height of the padding

You should end up with a standard ironing board size of about 54 inches long and 14 inches wide. Try to buy as close to this measurement as possible. If you can’t find the exact size, you should go a little larger, not smaller.

If you need more information, check out our Ironing Board Size Chart.

When it comes to special boards with unique shapes, like a professional ironing board for quilters, it is not advisable to order a standard cover. You will need to find the exact brand match online or contact the manufacturer directly if you need a replacement cover. This guarantees a perfect fit.

3. Where to buy an ironing board cover

Because of the variety and availability, as well as better prices, we recommend that you buy your ironing board covers online at Amazon.com. Shipping is super fast and you get a cheap Amazon return policy.

4. What is the best material for an ironing board cover?

Most ironing board covers are made of cotton, which is good for the average household’s ironing needs. If you find that you’re going through the covers faster than you’d like, you might consider upgrading to a metalized or silicone-coated cardboard cover, which has excellent durability and will last longer.

Cotton ironing board cover

This natural and strong fabric provides good thermoregulation while allowing steam to penetrate the fabric easily without causing underlying moisture. Since it can withstand higher temperatures, it is less likely to discolor after repeated use.

Metallic cotton cover

Metallized cotton is suitable for slightly heavier requirements. The cotton cover is reinforced with a metal such as aluminum or copper. This works by reflecting heat back into the garment for faster ironing time. It is suitable for both steam and dry irons.

Silicone coated circuit board cover

Cardboard covers coated with silicone are extremely hard-wearing as well as fire and dirt-resistant. (Whether silicone or metalized is better is still pending.)

polyester cover

Stay away from cheap polyester covers!

5. Best replacement for ironing board foam padding

Most ironing boards come with padding, but it’s a good idea to replace the ironing board foam if you can feel the carbide base of your ironing board. Foam padding may compress after prolonged use and exposure to heat. The padding on an ironing board helps absorb the pressure of ironing across seams.

Without adequate padding (at least 1/16 inch) you risk garments scorching or shining. In some cases, the metal mesh at the base of your ironing board can even leave an imprint on your clothes.

There are three types of padding that you can add to your board. Keep in mind that some plate covers are already padded so you may not need an extra layer.

felt padding

Both natural and synthetic options are available. The compacted fibers and density of the felt provide a strong and durable ironing surface that won’t stretch out of shape. The felt pad should be larger than your board and then cut to the shape of your board. Brabantia has a one-size-fit-all option (53 inches long x 19 inches wide x 0.2 inches thick) and fits both small and large boards.

foam padding

Foam is heat resistant but has average durability. It’s a cheap synthetic material and quite porous, so it tends to stretch out of shape. Thicker foam inserts are more durable.

wool padding

Wool is much more durable, breathable and heat resistant. The compression of the natural fibers in the wool filling allows heat to flow through the clothes when ironing and then radiate back into your fabric. This heat retention efficiency shortens your ironing time.

6. Drawstring vs Elastic Edges

Drawstring covers are much easier to adjust to slightly smaller boards, while elastic edges have much less room for error and should be ordered to fit snugly.

You’re ironing your favorite white shirt when—suddenly! — The iron leaves a brown stain on the sleeve. darn it!

This can be caused by burnt-on spray starch, melted synthetic fabric, or rusty water in the tank. Whatever the reason, the soleplate of an iron should be cleaned whenever there is visible residue or it no longer glides smoothly. Follow these tips from Meg Roberts, President of the Molly Maid Dry Cleaning Service, to keep your clothes iron-free and iron stains a thing of the past.

Want more tips straight to your inbox? Sign up for our Everyday Solutions newsletter.

For sticky spots:

Believe it or not, newspaper makes a great iron cleaner. (You can also use paper towels or a dry cotton towel.)

Start by setting the iron on the highest setting (do not use steam) and run the hot, dry iron over the paper towel until clean. If additional rubbing is required, sprinkle a tablespoon of salt on newspaper and repeat the process. To rinse off residue, once cool, run the iron over a damp, clean towel.

How to remove oily substances:

To remove oil from the soleplate, unplug the iron and allow it to cool. Wipe the entire soleplate with a cloth dipped in white distilled vinegar. Rinse with a damp cloth. If oily stains remain, wipe with a cloth dipped in ammonia. Rinse with a damp cloth. Dry completely.

How to remove stains:

To remove mineral deposits from the soleplate, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected area and scrub with a damp cloth. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

To remove mineral deposits from the air vents, scrub the air vents with a cotton swab and some baking soda paste. Wipe off with a damp cotton swab.

If the iron leaves brown water stains on clothes when using steam, it’s time to clean the container. Empty the container completely and fill it up with 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar and 3/4 cup distilled water. Set the iron to full steam and run it back and forth over an old towel until the container is empty. If the iron has a spray option, spray until the water no longer appears discolored. Refill the container with distilled water and repeat the process to ensure all mineral residue is gone.

To avoid future stains and mineral deposits, only use distilled water (it does not contain dissolved minerals) and completely empty the reservoir before storing the iron.

As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your particular iron. If you have misplaced the manual, check to see if the online version is available on the manufacturer’s website.

This article was originally published on November 27, 2017.

Hello,

Welcome to Crafty Sewing Sew. A craft and sewing blog by Helen Harrison.

I started this blog to share what I’ve learned and learned about sewing, machines and everything in between.

I started my passion for sewing and crafts when I was a little girl and progressed to a degree in historical and performance costume.

Now I spend my time finding the best machines, gadgets, and new projects to try.

Ironing board covers are washable and you do not need any special detergents. Show more photos

Ironing board covers protect your clothes not only from dirt and debris on the fabric, but also from the imprint of the frame of the ironing board on your clothes. Covers are available to fit a variety of ironing board types and sizes, including benchtop and freestanding models. Like other materials, ironing board covers are not immune to dust, dirt, and debris from your iron.

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To wash

You can wash an ironing board cover to remove dust, dirt, and debris from its fabric. Each cover includes a care label that provides manufacturer instructions on how to clean the item. If the care label says the cover should be hand washed, or the cover does not have a care label, remove the cover from the frame of the ironing board, and then dampen a sponge with lukewarm water. Apply a mild detergent to the sponge, wring out any excess and wipe the cover with the damp sponge.

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machine wash

If the care label on the ironing board cover states that the item is to be machine washed, place it in your home washing machine along with mild detergent and cold water. Set the machine to a gentle or delicate cycle and have the cover washed. If the cover is old or frayed, you may want to remove it from the washing machine before the spin cycle begins to prevent the cover from coming loose.

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dry

Hang the ironing board cover on a clothesline, drying rack or flat surface to dry. Do not tumble dry the cover at home – the heat from the tumble dryer can damage any coatings on the cover.

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Regular grooming

Wash your ironing board cover regularly to prevent dirt from getting on your clothes. To clean the ironing board frame, remove the cover and then spray the frame with an all-purpose cleaner or clear water. Wipe the frame with a sponge or a clean rag. Dry the frame, including all ventilation holes, with a clean rag or cloth before replacing the cover. When replacing the cover, make sure you pull the cover firmly onto the ironing board frame so there are no creases, then set your iron to its highest setting and iron the cover to smooth out any small creases.

DIY plastic-free ironing board cover and natural wool pad

Last November, I decided it was time to get rid of the small, dingy, and potentially toxic desk ironing board we’d been using for years. And by we I mean Michael. Still haunted by memories of ironing my father’s shirts in the damp basement laundry room with crickets chirping and imaginary mice scampering from corner to corner, I avoid ironing as much as possible. Michael, on the other hand, irons his work shirts every week and I wanted him to have a nice, full ironing board with a non-toxic pad and cover, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money.

Get an ironing board for FREE

Knowing that I would start a year not buying anything new, I decided to look for a used ironing board. I posted an ad on Nextdoor, a social network where neighbors can keep in touch about what’s happening in the hood, and asked if anyone had an ironing board they didn’t want.

I would have gladly paid for it, but one of my nice neighbors offered me his old one for free! I just had to lug it home before work one morning. The joints are a little rusty and squeaky, something I’ve wanted to deal with since we got it over a year ago, but it’s sturdy and Michael isn’t complaining, so honestly I’ll probably never get around to it get squeak. Free is free, right?

Looking for a plastic free pad

My next task was to find a base that is not made of synthetic materials (i.e. plastic) and does not contain toxic flame retardants. Here I was willing to spend some money. After some Googling, I settled on the Sonoma Wool Company’s Ironing Board Pad, made from 100% pure wool from locally raised sheep in Sonoma County, CA. Wool is inherently flame retardant and this underlay is thick and durable.

The pad comes as a rectangle. You cut it yourself to fit your ironing board.

My cats had fun with the ingredients.

DIY ironing board cover

Did you know that many ironing board covers are coated with perfluorocarbons? According to consumer advocate Debra Lynn Dadd in her book Toxic-Free:

Today, most iron and ironing board covers are coated with tetrafluoroethylene plastic, better known as Teflon. Given that heating plastic causes it to outgas its toxic fumes, irons and ironing board covers seem like odd places to put it, especially since a non-stick coating isn’t even required for the task. Tetrafluoroethylene vapor may irritate eyes, nose and throat and cause breathing difficulties.

After shelling out some green for the pad, I decided to get smart with the cover. As I googled further, I found instructions on how to make a simple ironing board cover on the Frugal Family Times website. The author uses an old curtain for her cover. I decided to go to Goodwill and pick out a used 100% cotton sheet. I took my friend Mark along as he would be helping me sew the quilt.

Look, I don’t really sew. But Mark has a sewing machine and knows how to use it. In fact, he made really cute reusable bags and backpacks and posted them on his Facebook page. So we carried the sheet back to his house to get to work.

After accidentally buying a fitted sheet, we first sat down on the floor with seam rippers and ripped out the elastic. Little did we know then that this rubber band would be very useful later in the process.

Then Mark got out his ironing board and ironed the creases out of the fabric. I suppose it’s ironic having to use an ironing board to iron an ironing board cover you haven’t already made.

Then we spread the sheet out on the floor, placed Mark’s ironing board on it (his is the same size as mine) and with a fabric marker pen traced the ironing board 3-1/2 inches from the side of the board.

I cut out the ironing board shape with scissors. (Sorry about the constantly changing colors in these photos. It was dark in Mark’s apartment and my camera seemed to have gone a little crazy.)

Mark turned down the edges 1/2 inch and ironed the seam down. (More ironic irony.)

Then he folded the edges down an additional 1 inch, ironed again, then pinned.

This wide seam is used to pull the cord through. Mark went around the seams twice to make sure they were secure. IMPORTANT: Leave a small opening somewhere along the seam. You will need it later to pull the string through.

After all the seams were sewn, I brought my ironing board shaped sheet home. The remaining step would be to get a string and run it through the tube we created with the stitching. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough heavy string for this project. And then I remembered: the leftover rubber band from the sheet! I attached a safety pin to it and fed it through the seams.

The safety pin is under my thumb in this picture. Just knead and pull and knead and pull until it’s all the way around.

I then placed the cover on the ironing board, pulled the elastic taut, and used the same safety pin to secure the ends together under the ironing board. I tucked the rest of the elastic into the ironing board cover.

And voila! All finished!

save money

Even though I got the ironing board for free and the sheets dirt cheap at Goodwill, I still paid a pretty penny for the pad. $59.95 to be exact. Checking Amazon tonight I see a 100% cotton cover and wool base combo for a lot less. The list does not reveal where the wool comes from or where the products are manufactured. But it says both the pad and cover are “untreated and chemical-free.” Despite the fact that EVERYTHING in the universe is made from chemicals and so “chemical-free” is a meaningless term, I think they mean that cotton and wool contain no flame retardants or perfluorochemicals.

It was worth knowing where the wool came from and supporting a local business, but I know not everyone would be willing to pay as much as I did for an ironing board mat. Or to spend time creating a cover. Do you think this is a good alternative?

Ironing board cover size. Can you believe it? I usually do them at the end, which is a bit schlep. Now, armed with the correct measurements and a template I cut for the shaped end, I set out to find a cover. Thanks again.”

…”

“Thank you. What a comprehensive and helpful article. I’m 79 and have yet to purchase the right one

Do you want to replace a Brabantia ironing board cover?

Ironing board cover A = our size M

Ironing board cover B = our size L

Ironing board cover C = our size XL

Ironing board cover D = our size XL

Ironing board cover E = our size XXL

Would you like to replace a Leifheit ironing board cover? Then you can choose our sizes S to XL for the Leifheit sizes S to XL.

Go to the Ironing Board Covers menu to order your ironing board cover in the color and size you want.

If you’ve only used cheap, wobbly ironing boards, you’re probably working too hard. A solid board with a smooth top layer and the right amount of compliance makes the job easier. Since 2015 we’ve spent 54 hours researching and testing 22 boards and mats and our two-time winner, the Brabantia Ironing Board B is still our favourite. It’s the best we’ve tried for the price – it’s durable, won’t wobble, and is just the right size.

The Brabantia Ironing Board B is the best ironing board I’ve ever used – it’s stronger and lighter than more expensive ironing boards I’ve tested, but it’s a fraction of the price. The Brabantia B opens silently and folds compactly, making it convenient to use and easy to store in a small apartment or laundry room. We also like that it comes with a 10-year guarantee, indicating that Brabantia is confident its ironing board will last. I’ve been using this board regularly since early 2017 – even moved it across the country – and it looks as good as new. The iron rest is firmly attached, which isn’t ideal if you like using the angled end of the board. But the Brabantia B is one of the few stands I’ve tried that really holds an iron steady, and the cords don’t get tangled between the iron rest and the board (an issue with several other models I’ve tested).

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For an oversized, stable ironing board, we prefer the Homz Durabilt DB100 premium steel plate ironing board. If you’re tall or need more space for large projects, the Homz is 1½” taller than the Brabantia B, giving you 5″ more length to work with. The Homz is just a hair less stable, but it’s still very stable, which is particularly impressive considering its size (other large boards we’ve tried were more wobbly). Its extra wide legs ensure it stands firmly on the ground and it can support the weight of the largest and heaviest blankets and quilts. The Homz also has a removable iron rest, so unlike the Brabantia B, both ends of the board are easily accessible. The Homz’s legs can be difficult to open. And this board takes up more storage space and is more expensive than the Brabantia B, but we’ve recommended it since 2016 and still find it sturdy and reliable.

Countertop ironing boards can be fiddly and unstable, but the Honey-Can-Do Countertop Ironing Board with Iron Rest is sturdy and useful, and it’s a good choice if you don’t need (or don’t have the space for) a full-fledged ironing board. Size ironing board. I tested it again in 2015 and 2019 and it’s still the best little board I’ve tried. It’s also a fraction of the price of our full-size recommendations. Whether it’s sitting on top of your washing machine or tucked away in your closet, the Honey-Can-Do handles shirts and linens with ease. But it’s not long enough to iron pants on unless you’re working in sections. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty (the longest of our picks).

The Above Edge Magnetic Ironing Mat is the most convenient of our storage tips, and it’s the only one that can turn any tabletop, counter, or washing machine into an instant ironing surface. It’s a little more awkward to use though, as you often have to keep a hand on the mat to steady it on a smooth surface (it has magnets to attach to metal). It’s not as effective for ironing dresses, button-down shirts, or other highly detailed garments, but it works for small, quick jobs when pulling out an ironing board is too tedious. The Above Edge is also great for keeping on a sewing table when you want to easily iron seams.

Ironing board cover size. Can you believe it? I usually do them at the end, which is a bit schlep. Now, armed with the correct measurements and a template I cut for the shaped end, I set out to find a cover. Thanks again.”

…”

“Thank you. What a comprehensive and helpful article. I’m 79 and have yet to purchase the right one

DIY plastic-free ironing board cover and natural wool pad

Last November, I decided it was time to get rid of the small, dingy, and potentially toxic desk ironing board we’d been using for years. And by we I mean Michael. Still haunted by memories of ironing my father’s shirts in the damp basement laundry room with crickets chirping and imaginary mice scampering from corner to corner, I avoid ironing as much as possible. Michael, on the other hand, irons his work shirts every week and I wanted him to have a nice, full ironing board with a non-toxic pad and cover, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money.

Get an ironing board for FREE

Knowing that I would start a year not buying anything new, I decided to look for a used ironing board. I posted an ad on Nextdoor, a social network where neighbors can keep in touch about what’s happening in the hood, and asked if anyone had an ironing board they didn’t want.

I would have gladly paid for it, but one of my nice neighbors offered me his old one for free! I just had to lug it home before work one morning. The joints are a little rusty and squeaky, something I’ve wanted to deal with since we got it over a year ago, but it’s sturdy and Michael isn’t complaining, so honestly I’ll probably never get around to it get squeak. Free is free, right?

Looking for a plastic free pad

My next task was to find a base that is not made of synthetic materials (i.e. plastic) and does not contain toxic flame retardants. Here I was willing to spend some money. After some Googling, I settled on the Sonoma Wool Company’s Ironing Board Pad, made from 100% pure wool from locally raised sheep in Sonoma County, CA. Wool is inherently flame retardant and this underlay is thick and durable.

The pad comes as a rectangle. You cut it yourself to fit your ironing board.

My cats had fun with the ingredients.

DIY ironing board cover

Did you know that many ironing board covers are coated with perfluorocarbons? According to consumer advocate Debra Lynn Dadd in her book Toxic-Free:

Today, most iron and ironing board covers are coated with tetrafluoroethylene plastic, better known as Teflon. Given that heating plastic causes it to outgas its toxic fumes, irons and ironing board covers seem like odd places to put it, especially since a non-stick coating isn’t even required for the task. Tetrafluoroethylene vapor may irritate eyes, nose and throat and cause breathing difficulties.

After shelling out some green for the pad, I decided to get smart with the cover. As I googled further, I found instructions on how to make a simple ironing board cover on the Frugal Family Times website. The author uses an old curtain for her cover. I decided to go to Goodwill and pick out a used 100% cotton sheet. I took my friend Mark along as he would be helping me sew the quilt.

Look, I don’t really sew. But Mark has a sewing machine and knows how to use it. In fact, he made really cute reusable bags and backpacks and posted them on his Facebook page. So we carried the sheet back to his house to get to work.

After accidentally buying a fitted sheet, we first sat down on the floor with seam rippers and ripped out the elastic. Little did we know then that this rubber band would be very useful later in the process.

Then Mark got out his ironing board and ironed the creases out of the fabric. I suppose it’s ironic having to use an ironing board to iron an ironing board cover you haven’t already made.

Then we spread the sheet out on the floor, placed Mark’s ironing board on it (his is the same size as mine) and with a fabric marker pen traced the ironing board 3-1/2 inches from the side of the board.

I cut out the ironing board shape with scissors. (Sorry about the constantly changing colors in these photos. It was dark in Mark’s apartment and my camera seemed to have gone a little crazy.)

Mark turned down the edges 1/2 inch and ironed the seam down. (More ironic irony.)

Then he folded the edges down an additional 1 inch, ironed again, then pinned.

This wide seam is used to pull the cord through. Mark went around the seams twice to make sure they were secure. IMPORTANT: Leave a small opening somewhere along the seam. You will need it later to pull the string through.

After all the seams were sewn, I brought my ironing board shaped sheet home. The remaining step would be to get a string and run it through the tube we created with the stitching. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough heavy string for this project. And then I remembered: the leftover rubber band from the sheet! I attached a safety pin to it and fed it through the seams.

The safety pin is under my thumb in this picture. Just knead and pull and knead and pull until it’s all the way around.

I then placed the cover on the ironing board, pulled the elastic taut, and used the same safety pin to secure the ends together under the ironing board. I tucked the rest of the elastic into the ironing board cover.

And voila! All finished!

save money

Even though I got the ironing board for free and the sheets dirt cheap at Goodwill, I still paid a pretty penny for the pad. $59.95 to be exact. Checking Amazon tonight I see a 100% cotton cover and wool base combo for a lot less. The list does not reveal where the wool comes from or where the products are manufactured. But it says both the pad and cover are “untreated and chemical-free.” Despite the fact that EVERYTHING in the universe is made from chemicals and so “chemical-free” is a meaningless term, I think they mean that cotton and wool contain no flame retardants or perfluorochemicals.

It was worth knowing where the wool came from and supporting a local business, but I know not everyone would be willing to pay as much as I did for an ironing board mat. Or to spend time creating a cover. Do you think this is a good alternative?