Aluminum Foil for ironing
 

Recently at a retreat, I needed to starch a lot of fabrics before I cut them. I have a homemade ironing board that I take to the retreat (2' x 3') and the cover is stapled to the board. This makes it a chore to clean the ironing board cover when it gets dirty. I wanted to make a slipover cover for the board for when I am starching. Unfortunately, I ran out of time.

Suddenly a light bulb went on over my head and I purchased a roll of aluminum foil and used it to cover the board when I starched the fabric. It did a great job of keeping the board clean and it even seemed to make the starch dry faster as I ironed the fabric on it. When I was through, all I had to do was ball up the foil and toss it.

The one thing that I would do different, however, is next time I will bring my heavy duty large width foil with me. The store brand I purchased was a little too light for the job and did move around a bit when I moved the iron. The heavier foil would hold onto the ends of the board a lot better.

So, until I get around to making an extra cover for when I am starching fabric, I will utilize the foil to keep my ironing board clean.

Clever idea!!!

thanks for the tip

Why not? Obviously, it worked in a pinch and there were no adverse problems that cannot be easily addressed. Thanks for sharing; others may need the info.

Great idea! Thanks.

Good idea, thanks for sharing

Creative idea! :)

Thanks for the hint. I don't use starch right now because it makes the ironing board cover so icky.

I wish I would have read this tip a few weeks ago. I have a brand new ironing board cover that is already stained from using starch. Thanks for posting this tip!

Great idea!! Especially buying 100% recyclable aluminum foil.

You don't need aluminum foil to do that. Freezer paper works just as well. And you don't roll it into a ball and throw it away each time. I've had my freezer paper on my big ironing board for at least a year now. It sticks as you iron and stays there until you peel it off. I used the heavy duty freezer paper that came from the plant that wrapped my cow.

Great idea. Thanks for the tip of the day!

I have one of those June Tailor Ironing board about 2' x 3' and I tuck it into a pillowcase to protect it and keep it clean from starch and scorching. easy to take off and wash in washing machine. But I like your idea. the foil is reflective and may hold the heat in the fabric better. Great idea.

Thanks for the great tip!
And also yours, Maviskw!

I do as Jane Quilter said, I use a pillow case and then toss it in the washing machine.

I, too, cover my small ironing board with freezer paper. When it gets really bad looking I rip it off and replace it with more freezer paper.

Great idea, Mavita. I always have freezer paper with me. Now, where to buy cow size freezer paper... LOL

Another clever way of using things other than the original reason they were made for. Quilters sure come up with some great and useful ideas. Thanks for sharing.