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DIY: You too can iron your own shirts

Posted May 23 2008, 01:12 AM by Karen Datko
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Ron at The Wisdom Journal has recently written some in-depth posts about weighty topics, like often-overlooked disability insurance and the oft-ignored benefits of higher gas prices. So we were caught off guard by his equally thorough post (including photos) about how to iron a shirt.

"Yikes! Did he say ironing?" Ron writes, anticipating readers' reaction. But when taking shirts to the cleaners costs more than $3 each, you can save $65 or more a month by doing it yourself.

First, he describes the equipment you'll need. For instance: Get a quality steam iron -- "Steam is your friend when ironing a shirt," he explains to beginners -- and make sure it has an automatic shutoff for your peace of mind. (Just in case, unplug it when you're done.)

After that comes detailed step-by-step instruction from a confident master who enjoys a job well done. He shares his frustrations ("The cuffs always drive me crazy.") and warnings ("Buttons can melt. Trust me. Not good.") At the end is a list of miscellaneous tips about related topics like maintaining your iron and unclogging the spray-starch nozzle.

He also notes that $65 a month at 8% interest equals almost $150,000 in 35 years.

He adds: "I know some people will claim that anything that takes time away from their other income-producing activities is a net drain on their time and income so they don't have time to iron. I agree. But please show me someone who is actively producing income 100% of the time." Plus, you can iron while you're watching TV.

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Comments

 

Thanks for mentioning my blog post. And for the record, I really do iron my own shirts and pants...this morning as a matter of fact. ;)

Ron Haynes (Posted 05.23.08 1:42 AM ) Report Abuse

I learned my local dry cleaners loads 40 pounds of like-colored clothes together.  Once I was informed of that practice, it was hard to argue paying for that service  was better for my silk shirts than the extra gentle cycle on my washer at home.  Plus, knowing my shirts were thrown in with 40 pounds of stranger's clothes was a little disgusting in my mind.  It is a good idea to ask about the cleaning process of your local cleaners.  

Dawn R. (Posted 05.23.08 9:29 AM ) Report Abuse

OMG!!! I've never even thought of going to the cleaners to have my clothes washed AND ironed! That's a new concept for me. It was always part of my chores as a kid to iron the family clothes- and believe you me, it was at least 2 laundry baskets full each week. Now all grown up, I actually look forward to it. I use it as 'down time'- I stick the ironing board in front of the tv, stick in a DVD & by the time the movie is done, so is my ironing.

I only send clothes to the cleaners if it's absolutely something I can't do myself.

origami star (Posted 05.23.08 12:25 PM ) Report Abuse

Who in GOD'S NAME takes their clothes to be ironed by the cleaners? Ironing is not hard! I have been ironing since I was a kid. BTW which investment tool does bring $150,000 with 8% in 35 years?

fummy (Posted 05.24.08 5:20 PM ) Report Abuse

I have been in the Navy for 23 years.  All my friends drop off their uniforms every week to get dry cleaned.  I have always done my own, figure I have saved thousands by now.  Not hard to do with good steam iron.  Plus you don't have to plan 2 to 3 days ahead, can wait til last minute to do it.

IRDGAS (Posted 05.25.08 9:57 AM ) Report Abuse

I agree with this article 100%. People tend to think they don't have time for such tasks, when actually they don't realise how much free time they really have. They just don't know how to use it. I do my own laundry when it needs it and it include ironing. I don't even let my wife do it for me, it helps me utilize my free time.  

Billy Westerman (Posted 05.25.08 2:04 PM ) Report Abuse

I am 61 years old and was a "housewife" or "homemaker" for many years and washing, ironing and mending clothes was part of my domestic chores. Skills and services taken much for granted by many and under valued by many more.Growing up we learned what was commonly known as practical skills. Cooking, cleaning, etc. etc. What young person today would go out into the world without learning to drive, a very practical skill? Why do the same youngsters refuse vehemently to do these chores, saying that they don't cook, clean, etc. etc.and no one should expect them to. Remember the phrase "Your Mama doesn't live here?" Maybe, the problem is that those folks relied on their Mama to do it all and maybe expected her to tag along with them when they went out into the world on their own.

ol'ladyO'Grady (Posted 05.25.08 8:58 PM ) Report Abuse

My mother taught me to iron when I was 13 years old (I won't tell you how long ago that was).  Every Sunday morning is ironing day when my husband and I both do the ironing, and yes  we even spray starch our jeans even though we both get "grief" from relatives, friends and co workers about it.  I even do my dry cleaning with a product I can put in my clothes dryer, works great (not that I have a lot of clothes that need to be dry cleaned.  I'm thankful my mother taught me to iron years ago even as I used to say a few unkind things under my breath!  

Ironing Mama (Posted 05.26.08 8:31 PM ) Report Abuse

You have to be kidding me!  Ironing mens dress shirts is a huge waste of time!  I guess if you have time to sit in front of the TV then go for it.  It's easy to find a cleaners to do your shirts for a buck a shirt.  I use a service that pics up my shirts at the house every Thursday and returns them all nice and pressed the next day.  it's wonderful!!  It affords me time with my family that I would have wasted sitting in front of the TV doing something that costs so little.  

Dave (Posted 05.26.08 11:50 PM ) Report Abuse

I have done ironing as part of my living. I love to iron it is very relaxing for me. I have had clients that wanted their husbands shorts ironed pillow cases, sheets and even towels. The pleasure I get when a shirt or pair of pants is done or sheets and pillow cases are on a clean bed looking crisp is amazing. The topping on the cake is how much my clients appreciate me.

judith (Posted 06.01.08 8:32 AM ) Report Abuse

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