Hanging cords from chandeliers and 8-kilogram coal irons: The dangerous past of the iron

Behind the modern, lightweight, and steam irons that tidy our clothes in just a few minutes every day lies an incredible history filled with fires, arm-breaking weights, and strange electrical solutions. Before electricity, ironing clothes was truly a matter of heavy physical labor and danger:

-The most widespread models were hollow, heavy cast-iron irons. Glowing coal embers taken from the stove were filled into these irons.

-The weight of the iron sometimes reached 5–8 kilograms. Women's arms were completely exhausted by the time they ironed a single shirt.

-The biggest problem was soot and sparks: a small spark escaping from the cracks in the lid would instantly pierce a silk garment, and the soot of the coal would darken white fabrics.

In 1882, American inventor Henry W. Seely patented the first electric iron. However, there was an unexpected obstacle ahead: There were no wall outlets in homes!

-At that time, the electrical grid was designed solely to illuminate streets and single lamps in rooms.

-To iron, women would climb a special ladder, unscrew the bulb of the chandelier on the ceiling, and plug the iron's cord into that lamp socket.

-Long wires dangling from the ceiling in the middle of the room swung dangerously and created a risk of short circuits.

At the beginning of the 20th century, power plants did not generate electricity at all during daytime hours, because electricity was considered necessary only when lights were turned on at night:

-To make money during the day as well, electric companies encouraged women to buy electric irons.

-However, since power was low, a special schedule was applied in cities: For example, every Tuesday was declared an "Official Ironing Day," and power stations transmitted current to the lines only on the mornings of that specific day.

-The first electric irons did not have a temperature regulator (thermostat); the irons would continuously heat up and turn fabrics into charcoal.

-In 1926, the "Eldec" company introduced the first steam model by adding a small water tank inside the iron.

-Thanks to steam, it became possible to open even the most stubborn wrinkles in seconds without burning the fabric.

-That heavy, strange device plugged into the ceiling lamp socket has transformed into the most harmless and perfect assistant we use hurriedly in front of the mirror every morning.