How to Iron Without an Ironing Board

Ironing clothes is an essential household chore that keeps garments looking crisp and wrinkle-free. While an ironing board provides an ideal surface for ironing, it’s not always readily available. Thankfully, with some clever tips and substitute ironing surfaces, you can still get your clothes looking neat and tidy without lugging out the ironing board.

Use a Towel on a Flat Surface

One of the easiest ironing board alternatives is to use a towel on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a Flat Surface

A table or countertop works well, provided it’s at a comfortable height for ironing. Make sure the surface is heat-resistant.
The floor, bed, or sofa can also work in a pinch. Just put down an old sheet or tablecloth first to protect the surfaces.

Lay Down a Towel

Fold a bath or beach towel so it’s 2-3 layers thick. This provides padding and protects the surface underneath.
For large items like sheets, you may need to use multiple towels sewn together.
The towel should be slightly smaller than the garment, so you can iron the edges.

Iron As Usual

With your iron on the appropriate heat setting, iron the garment as you normally would on an ironing board.
Use light to medium pressure and work in sections. Lift and rearrange the towel as needed.
To keep the towel in place, you can use clothespins, rocks or other weights on the corners and edges.

This towel technique prevents direct contact between the hot iron and the surface underneath. The towel also provides a flexible, cushioned surface for smooth ironing.

Iron on a Mattress

A mattress makes an ideal substitute ironing surface in a pinch. Here are some tips for ironing successfully on a mattress:

Protect the Mattress

Put down an old sheet or mattress pad over the mattress. This prevents scorch marks or stains from the iron’s heat and steam.
You can also opt for an ironing blanket. These are specially designed to protect mattresses and other surfaces when ironing.

Choose a Flat Section

Focus on a smooth, flat area of the mattress without lumps. This allows for smooth ironing motion.
For a pillowtop or tufted mattress, iron in the channels between the padding for the flattest surface.

Lift and Press

Lift sections of the garment and press down firmly as you iron. This helps penetrate the padding.
Use bursts of steam to help relax wrinkles in thicker areas of the mattress.
Don’t drag the iron across the mattress, as it can catch on the fabric. Lift and press instead for best results.

With light pressure and lifting, you can get wrinkle-free results ironing on a mattress. Just take care to protect the mattress surface first.

Use an Ironing Blanket or Mat

For a sturdy fabric surface made specifically for ironing, an ironing blanket or mat is just the ticket. Here’s how to use one:

Pick the Right Size

Choose an ironing blanket or mat that’s larger than the garment, with room to maneuver the iron.
For ironing lots of clothes or large items like sheets, go for an extra-large mat.

Get It Set Up

Lay the mat on a heat-safe, stable surface. The floor, table, or countertop all work well.
For stability, you can secure the corners with weights or clamps to keep it from shifting.

Iron With Caution

Adjust the iron’s temperature setting based on the mat’s fabric. Most mats are cotton, linen, or microfiber.
Don’t let the iron sit too long in one spot, as it can scorch some mat fabrics.
Use short strokes and lift the iron as you move across sections.

With an ironing blanket or mat, you can iron comfortably without an iron board. Just take care regarding heat settings and iron motion.

Try a Laundry Basket

For a makeshift solution, an empty laundry basket can work as a substitue ironing surface:

Find the Right Basket

Look for a basket made from heat-resistant plastic or durable metal. Avoid wicker baskets.
The basket should be large enough to lay garments flat, but small enough to lift and move.

Pad the Bottom

Line the bottom of the basket with a folded towel for padding and protection.
You can also use crumpled aluminum foil, or an old cotton t-shirt or sheet.

Support the Sides

To help the basket hold its shape, place it in a larger container, like a box or bin.
You can also put books, jars, or other heavy items around the inside perimeter.
This prevents the sides from caving in as you iron.

With some clever padding and structural support, a basic laundry basket can get you through your ironing in a pinch.

Use an Ironing Board Cover

If you have an ironing board cover but no ironing board, try this clever hack:

Pick a Stable Surface

A tabletop or countertop works best, but a sturdy chair or bench can also work.
Make sure the surface is heat resistant and can comfortably support the weight of ironing.

Secure the Cover

Lay the ironing board cover out flat on the surface. The legs section can hang off the edge.
Use binder clips or clothespins around the edges to secure the cover in place.

Iron With Caution

Adjust the iron’s heat setting according to the cover’s fabric, usually cotton or linen.
Don’t leave the hot iron sitting in one spot too long, as it can scorch the fabric.

While it requires some creative securing, an ironing board cover transforms most flat surfaces into perfect ironing stations.

Use a Sheet of Insulation Foam

For a thin but heat-resistant surface, try ironing on rigid insulation foam:

Pick the Right Foam

Opt for rigid polystyrene foam insulation panels, available at hardware stores.
The foam should be 1/2 to 1 inch thick so it’s firm but flexible enough for ironing.

Check the Heat Rating

Look for foam rated to withstand temperatures up to at least 200°F to support ironing.
Avoid flexible foam sheets, as they can melt under the heat.

Cover With a Cloth

For the smoothest ironing surface, cover the foam with a tightly stretched cotton cloth.
You can lightly glue or tape the cloth edges to secure them.

The stiff foam provides an ironing surface shape similar to a board, while the cloth on top allows for gliding the iron easily.

Use a Sheet of Plywood

For a super sturdy DIY ironing surface, plywood is difficult to beat:

Select the Right Grade

Choose sanded plywood in a thin 1/4 inch thickness for the smoothest surface.
Avoid porous grades like veneer core or OSB that could scorch.

Cut It to Size

Cut the plywood to around the dimensions of an ironing board, about 15 x 54 inches.
Use a table saw or handheld circular saw and straightedge guide for clean cuts.

Add Protective Covering

Cover the plywood with a taut cotton cloth or ironing board cover, secured at the edges.
You can also wrap it in aluminum foil for easy protection.

With plywood’s smooth, rigid surface, you can iron wrinkles away with ease, then tuck it out of the way when done.

FAQs About Ironing Without an Ironing Board

Is it bad to iron without an ironing board?

Ironing without an ironing board won’t damage your clothes, provided you take some precautions. Avoid direct contact between the iron and any surface not designed for ironing. Always use a protective layer like a towel or blanket to prevent scorching. Take care not to catch the iron on uneven surfaces and risk burning the fabric. With some common sense, ironing sans ironing board can be done safely.

What household items can be used as an ironing board?

Many common household items can substitute for an ironing board in a bind, like towels laid on a table or counter, mattresses, blankets or mats designed for ironing, rigid insulation foam, plywood, and laundry baskets or boxes filled with crumpled foil or towels. The key is selecting a surface that’s heat-resistant, provides reasonable padding, and allows you to easily maneuver the iron.

Is it better to iron on the floor?

The floor can work in place of an ironing board provided you take some precautions. Lay down an old sheet to protect flooring from scuffs or stains. Fold a few towels and place them on top to create a padded surface. Make sure the floor area is clear of objects that could block or catch the iron. The main disadvantage of floor ironing is needing to assume an uncomfortable hunched position for long periods.

Can you iron clothes on a bed?

Yes, you can iron clothes directly on a bed. Clear wrinkles from sheets or garments by laying them flat on the mattress. Protect the bed first by putting down an old sheet or special ironing blanket. Focus on smooth, flat sections of the mattress without tufts or creases. Lift sections of the garment and press them between your hands as you iron to help penetrate the padding.

What can I use if I don’t have an ironing board cover?

If lacking an actual ironing board cover, you can improvise with other fabrics. Try tightly stretching and securing a cotton cloth or muslin sheet over a flat surface. Or opt for heavyweight canvas, denim, or quilted fabrics that resist wrinkles and heat well. For a quick fix, use aluminum foil or a layer of parchment paper to protect surfaces from iron scorching.

Conclusion

While ironing on an ironing board is ideal, it’s heartening to know you have plenty of household substitutes in a bind. With a little creativity and improvising, you can still get wrinkle-free results sans ironing board. Just focus on picking a surface that’s secure, heat-resistant, andpadded. Protect delicate surfaces from scorching using old cloths, towels, or foil. Adjust your ironing motions to accommodate the surface. In no time, your clothing will look crisp and properly pressed, even without an ironing board handy.

So next time you’re traveling or your ironing board is buried deep in storage, break out this guide. Follow these ironing hacks using everyday household items, and you’ll get garments smoothed out in no time. With the help of towels, blankets, laundry baskets, and more clever ironing board stand-ins, crisp creases sans ironing board are certainly within reach.