People learned very soon that some cloth from the natural fibers was creased, especially during washing. Because they did not want to wear these dresses with these folds and creases, they had to try removing them.

Already in antiquity the press machines were known, on which the fullers made this ”ironing”.

The flat – irons were appeared only in the 15^th century for the first time. These irons were fomented on stoves. The great tailor’s irons were hollow and the white – hot wooden coal was put into them. Also the spirit’s irons were appeared, how it is clear from the advertisement from 1895.

”The patent spirit’s iron Brilliant and Ideal belongs among the best irons of the world, it could be used within 10 minutes, it does not do black, does not smell and it is available for all kind of linen.”

 The electric iron was invented from 1890 till 1894 and had approximately the same shape like today’s one. These irons were spread only after the first world’s war however.

Irons are differenced with a shape, size, solving of details, but the principle on which they have been working is the same all time. There is pressed the heating element into the ironing board – mostly from cast aluminum conducting heat well – this element is emblazed with current and warm up the ironing board this way. The handles of irons are made of plastic, which conducts heat badly, in order that the handle does not too warm up from the hot iron and does not burn somebody’s hands.

Since the certain time the irons have been equipped with a thermostat. This one protects the iron before overheating and also gives possibility to set up suitable temperatures for ironing the certain cloth according this how the certain temperatures are prescribed or recommended. For improving the ironing effect the modern irons are equipped with the watering and fomentation equipment.

The modern iron gives possibility of dry ironing, fomentation and watering. The thermostat is commonplace.
(taken from  http://www.isolit-bravo.cz/obchod/stuff.php?type=1&s_id=45&t_uid=t_bb2efe)