I bet the shape of this iron made you think it was an antique. But did you know that back in the day, people used to burn coal to heat these irons? It is a charcoal iron.
Can you imagine how difficult it must have been to load these up? But people who used to own these swear by them. They say the heat was way more even. It is the reason why some people in India still use them. Have you ever seen one?
The charcoal iron is an early version of the clothes iron that a few people use today. It gets its name from the fact that it has a container inside of its base where burning charcoal is placed to heat it.
The charcoal embers are kept burning by the holes that cover the base and allow air to circulate. The top of the iron has a chimney or funnel that sends the smoke upward, away from the clothing.
How to use a charcoal iron?
If you’re using a charcoal iron, there are a few things you should keep in mind to get the best results. Make sure you have enough charcoal and find a flat surface or an ironing board to use. You’ll also need to put a cotton sheet over the surface before you begin ironing. Once everything is ready, you can proceed to the following step.
- Insert a couple of charcoal blocks after opening the latch. The surface will begin to heat once the charcoal starts to heat up after being lit.
- Sort your clothing according to type.
- Use a thick cotton sheet, and carefully iron your clothing. Cotton sheets will help shield them from direct heat that could harm the fabric.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using charcoal iron?
Even though charcoal iron is an old invention, it is still used by many people today. Here are some of the well-known advantages and disadvantages of using charcoal irons.
Advantages
- Energy-Saving
- Inexpensive
- Fabric-safe
Disadvantages
- Time-Consuming
- Heavyweight
- Non-Environment Friendly
- Dependency on coal
Conclusion
Though charcoal irons are not efficient as electric and steam irons. Charcoal iron has been around for a long time and is popular in many parts of the world, especially in Asia.
Charcoal irons are still an effective tool for removing wrinkles from fabrics.
Safety is always a top priority when using a charcoal iron. Always wear gloves and glasses to protect yourself, and make sure the device is placed on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
Make sure the charcoal is entirely out of the chamber before shutting it. By following these simple safety measures, you can ensure a safe and successful experience when using a charcoal iron.
