377 Years Ago: The First Documentary Mention of the Iron Ironing boards were invented a very long time ago. In the 4th century BCE, in ancient Greece, people used hot metal rods to crease and smooth clothes.2 photos

Before the iron was invented, people used slightly heated stones to smooth clothes. In ancient times, a frying pan heated over charcoal or a tool made of ridged wooden boards and an ironing board were also used for this purpose. The item to be ironed would be wrapped around the ironing board, and then the board would be rubbed back and forth over it. The first mention of an iron was found in the expenses ledger of the royal court; the entry dates back to February 10, 1636. The iron mentioned in this record, costing 5 altins, was the simplest type of heating device. It weighed about 10 kilograms and was made as a single piece.

In the 18th century, steam irons were used. These irons had lids that could be opened to add coal, and fans needed to be used periodically to blow air into the side openings. Later on, irons with metal tubes for connecting to gas cylinders appeared, and pumps were installed on their lids. There were also alcohol irons, which resembled kerosene lamps; the surface of these irons was heated by alcohol poured inside, which was lit when needed. However, due to the shortage of alcohol, this innovation did not last long. For a long time, irons were expensive and only available to a few people.

For example, an alcohol iron could cost as much as a whole flock of sheep! Aluminum irons were also developed, but they were not meant for ironing; instead, they were used to export precious metals abroad. With the advent of electricity and technological advancements, electric irons came into use. From an electrical engineering perspective, their working principle is based on the generation of heat when an electric current passes through a resistive heating element. Typically, the heating element in an electric iron is placed as close as possible to the sole of the iron, and the handle is made of thermally insulating material to prevent burns. Modern electric irons also have small water reservoirs; water is used to create steam, which enhances the ironing effect.