How to choose the best ironing board for you 

Different types of ironing boards

There are two main things to keep in mind when choosing the right ironing board for you: how much ironing you’ll be doing, and where you’ll be storing the board. For large amounts of ironing, a standing ironing board is the best option, while if you are only an occasional ironer, a compact folding board or an ironing mat might be the best thing for you. 

Ironing board storage is often a sticking point, but every board in our range is designed with easy-storage in mind. If you have a larger home and a bigger family, Glide would be a good choice, while if you live in a smaller apartment our compact folding option Pocket might better fit in with your space. We also offer a table-top mat, Swift™, which will suit your needs if you just need a grab-and-go option to use on occasion. 

Let’s dig into the differences a little further…

Understanding ironing boards by size

Glide is our heavyweight champion, designed for large loads of washing and larger garments. Big households will find Glide suits most needs, with its heavy-duty frame and technology, this sturdy ironing board can handle repeated use.

All three sizes of Glide are available with standard covers or with our Glide Plus covers which come complete with multi-layer DripShield™ Technology that’s breathable, allowing excess moisture to spread across the cover and wick away. Adjustable height ranges and easy pull handles make the board easy to set up to use comfortably.  Glide comes in three sizes:

For occasional ironing, Swift™ is our table-top saviour. Portable and perfect for last-minute touch ups, this affordable ironing mat allows you to set up an ironing space on any flat surface, delivering high-quality, quick and easy ironing every time. Swift™ can also be hung on the back of a door for steaming shirts or dresses, so it’s a brilliant ironing solution for when you need a crease-free look last-minute.

For venting and moisture management for steamers, Swift™ features a fold-out, non-slip silicone rest, and a hanging loop so you can steam garments on a door or wall. When you’re finished ironing or steaming, just fold Swift™ flat to store away in a cupboard.

Cover to cover, explained:

Flexa™ – With an innovative StretchMesh™ nose designed to fit over the tip of any board.

Glide/Glide Max/Glide Compact – The standard cover includes a 100% cotton top-layer with a heat-resistant silicone iron rest and an easy-change toggle. 

Glide Plus /Glide Max Plus/Glide Compact Plus – A multi-layer cover with DripShield™ technology that's been designed to cope with large volumes of ironing, or for use with steam generator irons. It is breathable, allowing excess moisture to spread across the cover and wick away.

Pocket/Pocket Max – The standard cover for our folding ironing board includes a 100% cotton top-layer, with a thick padded felt underlay. Elasticated sides make it easy to change and ensure it fits snugly.

Pocket Plus/Pocket Max Plus – A multi-layer cover with DripLock™ technology that's been designed to cope with large volumes of ironing, or for use with steam generator irons, for both sizes of our compact folding boards.

What’s the best way to properly use and care for an ironing board? 
The best way to use an ironing board is setting it up on a stable surface and at a height that is comfortable for you, near a plug socket for your iron. The right way to care for your ironing board includes keeping the frame and cover clean, and storing it upright, away from dust and in a dry area to prevent moisture.

How do I set up an ironing board safely? 
Our ironing boards are all easy to set up. Pocket can be opened by unclipping and unfolding onto your table top. Swift™ simply needs unfolding onto your table top surface. Free-standing ironing boards should be used on a level floor. Our ironing boards all feature locking mechanisms and heat-safe silicone pads for your iron to be stored on, but be sure to never leave your iron on the pad unattended and be cautious if using an ironing board around children. 

How should I clean and maintain an ironing board?  
Your ironing board frame can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The cover can be gently de-linted and wiped clean.  

How should I close and store an ironing board  
To close and stow away your ironing board, follow the folding steps on the instructions.

What is the pointed end (nose) used for?  
The pointed end (known as the nose) of an ironing board is used for accessing tight spaces such as collars, sleeves, shoulders, cuffs, and between buttons on shirts, as well as for smoothing pleats in skirts or dresses and getting a crisp finish on garments with tricky areas such as decorative seams or details. 

How to fit an ironing board cover  
First, measure your board to find the right cover. Begin by finding the nose of your board and the widest width, then measure the top surface. Take note of the shape of the board's nose (is it rounded or tapered?), then choose a cover that is designed for the same nose and is slightly larger than your surface size to ensure it covers the whole board. Our covers are easy to change, with clever, adjustable toggles that let you tighten the fit and avoid wrinkles perfectly.