1 144 



The Cornell Reading-Courses 



This is really the more economical and satisfactory ironing machine, 

 although its original cost is greater. The plate may be heated by gas or 

 gasoline. Both lands of ironing machines are shown in Figs. 46 and 47. 

 The hot-roll ironing machine shown in Fig. 47 may be heated by gas or 

 gasoline by a slight change involving a small expense. If power is available 

 the ironing machine may be run by power. The use of one of these 

 machines reduces greatly the time required to iron in the usual way. 

 Garments with gathers and sleeves cannot be thus ironed to look perfectly 

 smooth and well shaped, but all bed and table linen, towels, handker- 

 chiefs, stockings, such underwear as may not require perfect smoothness, 

 kitchen aprons, etc., may be done successfully and satisfactorily. 



Irons. — A number of irons are now on the market for summer use when 

 it is not desirable to have sufficient fire in the range to heat the irons. 

 Some of these are: electric irons, gas irons, and, most practical of all for 

 the. country home, denatured-alcohol irons. 



For general laundry purposes one size of the ordinary sadiron is suffi- 



FiG. 48. — Types of laundry irons 



cient, but it is advisable to put several irons into a well-equipped laundry, 

 to use for the various kinds of work to be done. Among them should be 

 heavy, medium heavy, and small-pointed irons, the last for ironing ruffles, 

 laces, etc. 



A frequent cause of poor ironing is the condition of the irons. They 

 must be kept clean and free from rust to do good work. New irons should 

 be heated thoroughly and rubbed wdth wax or grease before using. If 

 irons are to be put away for any length of time they should be covered 

 with a thin coating of vaseline, clean grease, or paraffin, or wTapped in 

 waxed paper. If starch cooks on, it should be removed immediately with 

 a dull knife. If irbns become dirty from careless use, or from being left 

 on the stove during the preparation of the meals, they should be thor- 

 oughly washed with soap and water and carefully dried. To keep irons 

 smooth while using them, rub with wax or paraffin and wipe immediately 

 with a clean cloth. They improve with wear, if they have good treatment. 



