Domestic Arts

Ironing. Love it or hate it. Well, I hate it. It is however, a necessary evil in the guest house line of work. We bought one of the steam bench press models. It is extremely efficient when ironing small items like tea towels but come to the super king sized sheets, it becomes a mission. I have learned the hard way, to wear a long sleeved shirt when performing the ironing chore, as the lower arms burn quite easily when glanced with the hot surface. The 100% cotton sheet is concertinaed into the fold of the machine and edged out slowly until the whole sheet is pressed, with sprays of water. The manoeuvre is awkward and needs the pull out ironing board to support the rest of the bulk. Once ironed, the sheet needs to be firmly tucked and hospital cornered onto the guest bed. I am feeling virtuous as all the beds are made up and await guests, on their nicely pressed sheets. I think, given the present weather, guests would be more interested in the electric blanket than a nicely ironed cotton sheet.