page_title: Ironing
section_title: Commercial equipment
hierarchical_section_title: Ironing / Equipment / Commercial equipment
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Bügeleisen-Ofen, Schneiderofen. Das Bügeleisenöfchen ist mit Holz oder Kohle zu beheizen. Die Eisen sind nummeriert, um das jeweils heißeste Eisen herauszufinden. Die Griffe der Bügeleisen sind abnehmbar. Alter unbekannt, etwa Anfang 20. Jahrhundert. English: Flat-iron-stove.
context_page_description: Ironing is the use of a machine, usually a heated tool, to remove wrinkles from fabric. The heating is commonly done to a temperature of 180–220 °Celsius, depending on the fabric. Ironing works by loosening the bonds between the long-chain polymer molecules in the fibers of the material. While the molecules are hot, the fibers are straightened by the weight of the iron, and they hold their new shape as they cool. Some fabrics, such as cotton, require the addition of water to loosen the intermolecular bonds. Many modern fabrics are advertised as needing little or no ironing. Permanent press clothing was developed to reduce the ironing necessary by combining wrinkle-resistant polyester with cotton.
  The first known use of heated metal to "iron" clothes is known to have occurred in China. The electric iron was invented in 1882, by Henry W. Seeley. Seeley patented his "electric flatiron" on June 6, 1882.
context_section_description: Commercial dry cleaning and full-service laundry providers usually use a large appliance called a steam press to do most of the work of ironing clothes. Alternatively, a rotary iron may be used.
  Historically, larger tailors' shops included a tailor's stove, used to quickly and efficiently heat multiple irons. In many developing countries a cluster of solid irons, heated alternatively from a single heating source, are used for pressing clothes at small commercial outlets.
caption: A tailor's stove
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