Pressing iron overheating can be caused by many factors. If left unattended, an overheating iron can be dangerous with a fire outbreak being one of the things it can lead to.
What Is a Pressing Iron?
A pressing iron is a heated tool that is used to straighten a piece of fabric by removing its wrinkles. The iron is usually heated at a temperature between 180 and 220 °Celsius (356-428 Fahrenheit).
Ironing functions by loosening the bonds holding the long-chain polymer molecules within the fibers of the material. The fibers are straightened by the iron’s weight while the molecules are hot. However, as they cool, they hold their new shape.
Certain fabrics, like cotton, for instance, often require the addition of water to help loosen its intermolecular bonds. Newer fabrics made from the mid-twentieth century to date are marketed as requiring little or no ironing.
The first known use of heated metal to actually “iron” fabric is believed to have occurred in China. But on June 6, 1882, Henry W. Seeley patented his “electric flatiron”.
Types of Pressing Irons
The three types of pressing irons used in a household are dry irons, steam irons, and charcoal irons.
Dry iron
A dry iron is an electric tool with a soleplate that heats up when connected to a power supply. You can press this type of iron on fabric and clothing to make them come out smooth, clean, and crisp.
Steam iron
A steam iron is also an electric tool for pressing clothes. However, rather a plain soleplate, it has steam holes and outputs that can release bursts of hot steam on clothes. A steam iron is more effective when used to straighten fabrics with stubborn wrinkles.
Charcoal iron
A charcoal iron is also another tool that can be used to press garments, however, rather than use electricity to power it up, it uses charcoals. Also referred to as an ironing box, it is the forerunner of the modern electric irons we have today. It is shaped like contemporary irons but has a hollow interior in which smoldering coals from a fire can be placed. These coals keep the iron hot and ready to be pressed onto fabrics.
Benefits of Ironing Clothes
Not many people like the idea of ironing their clothes. That’s alright. However, it won’t stop us from highlighting some of the awesome benefits you can derive from ironing your garments.
- Ironing helps improve the quality of clothes and makes them last longer
- Ironing, especially steam irons, helps kill germs and eradicate molds
- Saves cost on laundry and dry-cleaning services
- It helps remove odor from fabrics
- It can reverse garments shrinkage
Causes of Iron Overheating
If you discover that the soleplate of your pressing iron keeps getting hotter than the level you set it to, then it’s likely that one or more components in the appliance are faulty or defective. Below are 3 of the most common causes of iron overheating.
The Iron’s Adjustable Thermostat Is Faulty
The adjustable thermostat in a pressing iron allows you to set its temperature levels appropriately for your fabrics. Depending on the type of iron, it can also enable it to produce steam.
However, if the thermostat is defective, then iron overheating is very likely to occur. It won’t even matter if you set it to the appliance’s minimum temperature. The iron will heat up rapidly and can even burn your garments. If this is the cause of your iron overheating then you should consider changing its thermostat.
The Temperature Select Button of the Iron Isn’t Working Correctly
At times, the temperature selection button may get damaged. You may turn it, but because it’s probably already broken or worked loose, it will be unable to communicate information to the thermostat. If this is the case, then you should gently pull the button to confirm what state it is in.
The Steam Control Thermostat Is Defective
For a steam iron overheating, it is very likely the control thermostat is faulty. The control thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the heating element that generates steam.
If this component gets defective, then the steam iron will likely overheat and as a result, you will get a release of more steam than usual.
Top Royal Pressing Iron
Royal Steam Iron (RSI-F281WB)
Royal Steam Iron (RSI-F281WB) comes with a non-stick soleplate that slides smoothly across garments. The electric iron has a 2200-Watt power consumption. Its spray and burst function squirt bursts of steam onto fabric while ironing. It also includes self-cleaning and anti-drip features. The appliance comes with a 1.5-meter cord and a BS plug.
Royal Dry Iron (RDI-F176WB)
One of the best dry irons you can get for your garment pressing needs is Royal Dry Iron (RDI-F176WB). The electric iron has a classic non-stick soleplate that won’t create unwanted patterns on your fabric. The appliance consumes 1000 Watts of electricity and comes loaded with a 1.5-meter cord and a BS plug as well.
Royal Steam Iron (RSI-F158WB)
Here’s another durable, long-lasting steam iron you can check out. Royal Steam Iron (RSI-F158WB) also boasts a shiny non-stick soleplate that swiftly smooths and straightens out creases and wrinkled garments. You can tap on its spray and burst button to eject a quick spurt of steam on fabrics to press stubborn rumpled sections into a straightened form. The iron has a comfortable handle to promote a firm grip when holding it. It comes with a 1.5-meter power cord that allows you to conveniently move the steam iron across all sections of your fabric.
Royal 2000W Steam Iron (RSI-F272WP)
The Royal 2000W Steam Iron brings poise and grace to your garments. With a non-stick soleplate, the 2000W pressing iron is gentle on your clothing.
A spray and burst function lets out water in a controlled manner ensuring you quickly and easily get rid of stubborn wrinkles and creases.
A generous 1.5-metre power cord allows you to maneuver the iron in several directions without being unnecessarily limited.
If you are experiencing iron overheating problems and you need to get a new iron, then we strongly recommend the Royal 2000W Steam Iron.
Final Words
Iron overheating is a problem that affects electrical irons when certain components get defective or faulty in the appliance. These components have to be replaced or fixed before the iron is used again as it can lead to clothes or fabric getting burnt. It is an issue that should be taken very seriously as negligence can cause even worse disasters like a fire outbreak.
