Built-in ironing boards are comparatively uncommon in the homes once considered a house necessity. But in case you’ve got an older house with this charm that is built in, you can certainly appreciate the convenience of concealing your board from sight’s bulky and awkward shape. Although convenient, built-in ironing boards can be a bit hard to replace. Instead, your worn-out board can be turned by a restoration project into a new wonder.
Metal Restoration and Cleaning
Unfold the ironing board in the wall from its compartment that is hidden. Inspect legs and the board to get any permanent damage, such as metal or dents. If you notice any damage, contact the ironing board manufacturer for additional schooling.
Assess the ironing board hardware for rust or rust. If any damage is noted, replace the hardware with new pieces. If you still have the company’s product manual, it will indicate the exact dimensions and varieties of hardware required. A call to the manufacturer is able to help you figure out the right pieces if you possess the info. Eliminate the hardware if the manufacturer is no longer in business and take it to a local home improvement store. The partners should be able to help you fit the hardware.
Wash the areas around the hardware together with warm water and dish soap. Use a sponge to clean the very small nooks and cracks, where dust and grime is likely to accumulate over time. If the hardware is extremely dirty, remove it from the board and let it soak in a bowl of soapy water to five minutes. Allow the pieces to dry for at least 30 minutes.
Spray compressed air around the hardware. The atmosphere not only aids the areas dry but also removes any residual debris. In the event the board is squeaking or sticking, a little bit of lubricating spray can help.
Tighten all screws using a screwdriver. Twist the screwdriver until the screw no more moves but do not induce it to tighten. Twisting can actually strip the screw, making it hard to remove or tighten in the future.
Pour a small number of white vinegar onto a cloth. Scrub the metal legs of the ironing board using the vinegar-soaked cloth to remove scum and rust. As you complete the remaining portion of the restoration project Allow the legs atmosphere dry.
Fabric Cover
Eliminate the current ironing board cover if possible. You may be able to carefully cut the cover in the board using a razor, When it is affixed to the board with stitching or adhesive. If the cover can’t be safely removed by you, just keep it.
Cover the ironing board using a large piece of pattern paper. The paper should expand at least three beyond all borders of the board to five inches. Trace the borders of the board onto the pattern paper. Remove the paper, paying attention to not tear it. Put a flat working surface with the pattern paper.
Assess the height of the ironing board. This dimension should just include the board in addition to the legs. Add a boundary of this dimension — and two inches — around your pattern. So, if your board is 1 inch , add a border. Cut the pattern from this paper.
Lay your fabric print-side down onto your working surface. Smooth the fabric and iron wrinkles out if necessary. Although the exact quantity of fabric you will need depends upon the size of your board, two yards should be adequate. Arrange the pattern paper. Pin the pattern and fabric together, together with pinking shears, and cut the cloth along the edge of this pattern.
Fold 1 inch of cloth toward the center back around the borders and pin into place. Iron the fold to keep it in place. Sew the base of this flap using a standard straight stitch around. This should produce a pocket that is hollow around the edge of the ironing board cover when stitched. Cut a slit in this pocket at one end of this cover.
Cut a piece of thick cotton rope or cotton twine at least 10 to 15 inches more than the perimeter of your ironing board cover. Affix a large safety pin to one end of this string and thread it through the ironing board pocket. Before the series emerges, continue threading all the way around the cover. You should have an equal quantity of chain emerging from every end of their pocket.
Place the cloth print-side up in your ironing board. Pull on this series to assemble the edges of the cloth around the edges of the board’s ends. Keep pulling until your cover has a fit and secure the strings.