The History and Evolution of Iron: From Ancient China to Modern Technology

Iron: A History of Technological Invention and Evolution

Jakarta – Iron is a very helpful tool for us today. It has a long history of technological invention and evolution. According to Starlet Cleaning, iron has been used since Chinese civilization and has undergone significant changes over time.

During the Chinese period, there is no exact record of when ironing was first done. However, the earliest records indicate that as early as the 1st century BC in China, people were already using metal pots filled with hot water to smooth clothes and remove creases.

In the 17th century, people used large sheet irons, commonly called flat irons, equipped with a handle that was heated over a fire. The goal was to smooth the wrinkles of the fabric. However, using these irons required waiting for them to heat up and then stopping when they cooled down, repeating the process again.

During this period, people also used charcoal irons. They used iron boxes filled with hot coals or hot metal inserts. To make the ironing process more efficient, people used several irons at the same time. This was done to anticipate the long and tiring process of heating the irons. When one iron got cold, they would switch to another that was already hot.

In the 19th century and early 20th century, iron development became much more modern. Many irons were heated with ethanol, natural gas, or whale oil. The electric iron was invented by Henry W Seeley in the 1880s in New York. This tool used aluminum or stainless steel to heat the plate to a temperature that could be maintained stably. It also had a thermostat that turned the heating element on and off if it got too hot or cold. The electric iron began to enter the market in the 1920s with a thermostat to control the temperature.

Another significant invention during this period was the steam iron, invented by Thomas Sears. It was first used by a New York cleaning company in 1926 but only became a commercial success in 1938. Steam irons flooded the market in the mid-1900s, selling for US$10 (Rp 149,732).

Today, many improvements have been made to make ironing work easier. There are several features to consider when buying a new iron, such as the anti-scale collector to prevent the steam output from being affected by lime scale, automatic shut-off setting, the spray feature to make it easier to smooth wrinkles, and the Andilium soleplate to make it more durable.

The history of iron innovation has been long and continues to evolve. For those interested in buying a new iron, they can click HERE. (Link: https://www.lazada.co.id/products/-i1030138176-s1556244691.html?spm=a2o4j.lazmallone_&disable_deeplink=true&laz_trackid=2:mm_304620329_122900624_2081900899:clkgg3ao61h3bil9pbm70c&mkttid=clkgg3ao61h3bil9pbm70c)

In conclusion, iron has come a long way from its early use in ancient China to the modern and advanced irons we have today. The continuous innovation and improvement of ironing technology have made ironing work easier and more efficient.

*This article was written by Mahendra Lavidavayastama, a participant in the Merdeka Campus Certified Internship Program at detikcom.

What advancements in ironing technology have occurred in recent years, and how do they improve the ironing experience

Ly 20th century, technology began to play a more prominent role in ironing. The invention of the electric iron revolutionized the process. The first electric iron, invented by Henry W. Seely, was introduced in the late 1800s. This new iron allowed for a constant supply of heat, making the ironing process much faster and easier.

As technology advanced, so did the design of the iron. Steam irons were introduced in the 1920s, which used steam to help remove wrinkles. This innovation greatly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of ironing.

Another significant development in iron technology was the introduction of the steam generator iron. These irons have a separate water tank that produces steam at a higher pressure, allowing for even better wrinkle removal.

In recent years, even more advanced features have been added to irons. Some irons now come with built-in temperature controls, allowing for different heat settings depending on the fabric being ironed. Others have automatic shut-off features for safety.

The evolution of ironing technology has also led to the creation of ironing boards. The first ironing boards were simple wooden tables, but now they come in various designs and materials, allowing for easier ironing.

In addition to household irons, industrial irons have also seen significant advancements. Industrial steam irons are used in a wide range of industries, from garment manufacturing to dry cleaning. These irons are more powerful and efficient, allowing for faster and higher-quality ironing on a larger scale.

Overall, the history of ironing technology is a testament to human ingenuity and the desire for convenience and efficiency. From the simple metal pots of ancient times to the advanced steam generator irons of today, ironing has come a long way. The evolution of ironing technology has made this once tedious task much more manageable and has had a profound impact on our daily lives.