Part 15

Take a look at the iron used in your home. It isn't heavy to lift, and has a handle that fits your hand easily. It looks graceful and has a smooth bottom, called the sole plate. And it may have a narrow, pointed tip which is helpful in ironing pleats, corners and gathers.

The Iron and Safety

If you are going to learn to do some ironing yourself, the most important thing for you to remember is SAFETY. You should read all about the iron first in the instructions which came with it.

Never use an iron carelessly. Remember the safety rules:

1. An iron should never be left even for a few minutes without being disconnected. Turn off by removing the plug from the outlet, or by turning the control lever to "off."

2. Let the iron cool before putting it away.

3. Wrap the cord carefully around the iron after it is cold.

4. Always stand the iron where it will not fall off on a child or pet or your own toes.

WHAT TO DO: Learn About Your Iron

Materials Needed: An automatic iron, some old play clothes, towels, napkins or handkerchiefs, and an ironing board.

Steps to Take:

1. Watch an experienced person iron.

2. Ask questions about what clothes need to be sprinkled.

3. Study the thermostat settings on the dial or indicator.

4. Ask about the kind of fabric each piece of clothing is--cotton, linen, silk, nylon, etc.--and why the iron should be at high heat for some, cooler for others.

5. Set the thermostat for the amount of heat needed, and with an older person watching you, iron some handkerchiefs, napkins, bath towels, and a pair of play shorts or blue jeans.

6. During a month iron some of these articles for your family, keeping a record of how many you do and what they were.

7. Take care of your iron. Be responsible for storing it.

+--------+-----------------+-------------------+---------------------+ | | No. | | Store Iron Properly | | Date | Articles Ironed | Type of Article | (check) | +--------+-----------------+-------------------+---------------------+ | | | | | +--------+-----------------+-------------------+---------------------+ | | | | | +--------+-----------------+-------------------+---------------------+

IRONING IS FUN

1. I (use) (do not use) an adjustable ironing Board at home. If I do, I adjust it to the height that just clears my knees easily as I sit in a comfortable chair. Yes No

2. There are three kinds of irons usually used--dry iron, steam iron or a combination steam or dry iron. I use a ---- iron.

3. I (have) (do not have) the instruction book. (If you do, read about the iron.) I know the iron's parts by their correct names. They are----.

4. I disconnect the iron if I leave it even for only a minute. This is a safety measure as fires have been known to start from irons left connected. Yes No

5. I take hold of the plug--not the cord--when disconnecting the iron. Yes No

6. I wait until the iron is cold before wrapping the cord around the handle and storing the iron because----.

7. Most irons have a thermostatic control. The iron I am using has settings for----.

8. The purpose of the thermostat is----.