Save the environment, don't iron...

melsb · **Save the environment, don't iron...**

I don't know about this one but thought it had some interesting tips, especially how much electricty an iron uses. Hanging the clothing in the shower I've heard before but I personally have never had a lot of success but I know people who do it.

Follow a few simple steps to cut down on your ironing time, while still keeping clothes and other fabrics looking their best.

Typical portable irons draw a whopping 1,000 to 1,800 watts, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That's as much as 10 to 18 100-watt light bulbs! Luckily, you can save energy (and elbow grease) by removing clothes from the dryer and hanging them up, or neatly folding them, while they are still warm. This will prevent many wrinkles from forming in the first place. (It also means your roommates don't have to bug you about leaving your clothes in the dryer).

If your favorite shirt or work pants do get creased, hang them up in the bathroom while you shower, and the steam will straighten them out. If you do have to break out the iron, save energy by doing a large load at once. Don't overheat the thing: iron lightweight fabrics first on lower heat settings, then work your way up. Dry ironing tends to use less energy than getting all steamed up.

Many utilities suggest ironing at night, when electricity is cheaper and loads are lower.

momto3crazykids · 12-14-2007, 09:35 AM

my husband would die if I stopped ironing. lol. he likes all his button up shirts and pants ironed really flat and straight.

LuvMySoldier · 12-15-2007, 01:17 AM

Although I hang my clothes out to dry - unless it's just too cold outside now to do so - there are still some clothes that need ironing once they come in off the line. Not always, but most of the time I'm happy with how my clothes turn out being line-dried. My life sure would be simpler if I had a dryer, but then I'd feel too guilty drying my clothes in it.

I never realized how much energy irons use, though. And I guess it's a good thing I iron at night too, to save some energy.