Iron Maids Blog

Bed Linen - How often do you change yours?

2012-02-29T08:42:00.000Z

How often do you change your bed linen?

The ‘Loose Women’ television programme recently came up with some alarming and amusing answers ranging from “When I remember” to “I can’t think when I last changed them”. Most people would settle for a regular weekly stripping of the bed and crisp, new bed linen for the week ahead. Sadly with the current pace of life, it is usually a matter of how much time you have, especially when you have work commitments, or the family’s social events to sort out. It’s not just the sheets and pillowcases that need to be cleaned; there are duvets and pillows, quilt covers and bedspreads too.

A visit from the mother-in-law might motivate you into frantic cleaning mode and who wants that kind of scrutiny? That’s where Iron Maids can help. Iron Maids will collect and deliver your bed linen, doing our best to fit around your schedule. Duvets can be washed, or Iron Maids will dry clean any items that need special attention. What about the bedroom curtains: these are often neglected, but you’d be surprised what a difference a clean pair of curtains makes to a guest bedroom, or any bedroom!

Don’t forget the hand towels and bath towels, especially if you’re having visitors. Iron Maids can do all of these items, whether you’re having a one off sort out, or it’s just part of your weekly routine. Having expanded our collection and delivery area this year we are certainly more accessible, so give us a ring on either 01622 870111 or 01233 779009.

Don’t forget, Iron Maids will also see to your repairs too!

For full details of our prices for washing, ironing and dry cleaning, check out our website www.iron-maids.co.uk where you can now make an online booking for collection.

Shrove Tuesday

2012-02-22T08:48:00.000Z

Shrove Tuesday is an ancient religious festival day which dates back to the early Christian times. It is the day before Ash Wednesday, which itself is the start of Lent.
Lent is a time of self discipline and denial. Throughout the 40 days of Lent it is traditional for people to fast and pray, however the week preceding Lent has become a time of celebration focusing on Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday as it was once known.
The name "Shrove Tuesday" comes from the custom of ringing the “shriving bell” to summon the people to church to be “shriven"; that is, to confess their sins at the beginning of Lent.
At this time, certain foods are given up for the duration of Lent, such as eggs, milk, meat, and rich buttery dishes. On Shrove Tuesday, families would eat all the rich foods left in their pantries. One way they use up the eggs, milk and fats in the house is to add flour to make special pancakes. In England, the popularity of cooking pancakes on this day caused Shrove Tuesday to be called Pancake Day.
The making and eating of pancakes has always been much the same. And so it’s not too surprising that two events, pancakes and festivals, are often linked together.Maybe the best known one is Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day which heralds the beginning of fasting in Lent. On this day, so historians say, there were feasts of pancakes to use up the stocks of flour, butter and eggs - foods which were forbidden during Lent.
In England there are several celebrations on this day but perhaps the best known one is the Pancake Day Race at Olney in Buckinghamshire which has been held since 1445. The race came about when a woman cooking pancakes heard the bell summoning her to confession. She ran to church wearing her apron and still holding her frying pan, and thus without knowing it, started a tradition that has lasted for over five hundred years. According to the old rules, only women wearing a dress (no slacks or jeans), an apron and a hat or scarf, may take part in the race.The traditional race has each contestant with a frying pan containing a pancake. She must toss it three times during the race which starts at the market square at 11.55 am. The first woman to complete the winding 375 metre course and arrive at the church is the winner. In 1950 the race became an international event when a challenge was received from Liberal, Kansas, USA.
Large or small, fat or wafer thin and made with a wide range of flours, pancakes are given different names by different people. There are Hungarian palesinta, Chinese egg rolls, Jewish blintzes, Russian blini, Italian cannelloni, Swedish plattar, Mexican tortillas, American hotcakes, German pfannkucken, Norwegian lefser, Austrian nockerlin, Welsh crempog and Australian pikelets; but undoubtedly the most famous of them all is the great French crepe.

If you can’t find the time for cooking that you wish you had, let Iron Maids help free some up. Just contact us on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via our website iron-maids.co.uk where you can now make ONLINE BOOKINGS

Valentine's Day

2012-02-15T14:10:00.000Z

The history of Valentine's Day is shrouded in mystery. It is known that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today has connections with both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was St Valentine? The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of who were martyred. One legend states that Valentine was a priest who served during the 3rd century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, saw the injustice of the decree and defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial which probably occurred around 270AD others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to Christianize the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat's hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.
Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was outlawed as it was deemed un-Christian at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14th was the beginning of birds mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine's Day should be a day for romance. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

If you would like some time for a little romance, let Iron Maids help with all your laundry, ironing and dry cleaning. Just call on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or contact us via our website iron-maids.co.uk

Allergy Aware

2012-02-09T10:06:00.002Z

Your home should be a safe retreat to get away from the stress of the outside world but if you are constantly feeling under the weather it could be that your home is actually making you ill. Hiding in most houses are hidden substances or organisms which can cause allergies. 40% of people in the UK suffer from allergies caused by allergens which are hiding in your furniture, carpet and even your bed.

Undetectable to the naked eye, there are also chemicals floating around that can escape from all sorts of products including carpets, toys, clothes, cosmetics, computers, TVs and food packaging. Sometimes an allergy is triggered by the lowering of the immune system, caused by physical illness or a stressful event, such as a career change or divorce.

Hairsprays don't actually cause allergies, but some people are intolerant to them and will suffer shortness of breath or wheezing. You can use more natural based products but be careful when using hairspray if you are pregnant or spending time with children. Some perfumes in hairsprays can contain hormone disruptors or allergens.

Some plastics contain substances known as phthalates. These add flexibility to goods such as food packaging and some children's toys, but can escape into foods and have been found in human tissue.
Artificial musk and xylene used in perfumes, cosmetics and household products such as fabric conditioner and air freshener, have been found in the environment and breast milk.

We are actually allergic to the proteins and enzymes contained in the saliva of a pet, rather than the pet itself. When a cat or dog licks or scratches itself, skin cells drop off the animal and become airborne. Allergens, transported by the skin cells, settle in bedding, carpets and furnishings. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in humidity and warmth. Usually found in mattresses, bedding and upholstery, they survive on human skin cells for food. They digest our skin cells and excrete them as faecal particles which settle in our mattresses, pillows and carpets. Female dust mites excrete 20 particles a day, lay up to two eggs and live for five months.

Mould spores are fungal organisms that appear as black or green spots and grow in moist conditions. They survive in damp washing, ripe fruit and cheese and settle on the soil of house plants, in the fridge and hide behind wallpaper.
Mould spores can cause chronic sinus problems, respiratory symptoms and coughing.
Apart from stripping the wallpaper and repainting the walls to seal them, ventilate the house. When cooking, always open the windows to prevent moisture from settling in the kitchen. Don't leave piles of damp washing hanging around and always dry out the bathroom after use.

Let us take the stress out of washing and ironing for you - make the most of Iron Maids FREE collection and delivery service by contacting us on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Being Eco-friendly

2012-02-01T08:22:00.000Z

There are constantly new innovations in the area of non polluting household cleaners and specialists who sell a range of additional laundry products, such “Eco Balls” which can be used as a replacement for detergent along with “Borax Dryer Balls” which are an eco friendly way to reduce the drying time of your clothes.
There are several ways to be greener when you do the laundry. If lots of us make these small changes it can make a big difference. Of course, we still want our washing to be clean, fresh and not cost us any more.
The idea is mainly to reduce the amount of energy we use. Because electricity produces co2 and heating water in your machine uses electricity which produces co2. And co2 is harmful to the ozone layer. The suns rays get in and then the heat can't get out so the planet keeps getting warmer. Then the glaciers and ice caps melt so the sea levels go up.
If we use eco friendly washing detergents, which impact on the waste water and biodegradability, we are taking a balanced approach to minimising the effects of our washing.
Simply switching from 40 degrees to 30 degrees uses around 40% less electricity, so switching from 60 degrees to 40 degrees is good and to 30 degrees is even better. You should get the same results as you would from a hotter wash, as modern detergents are powerful enough to wash as well at a lower temperature. Although under 60 won't kill dust mites so perhaps keep your bedding on a 60 degree wash.
Although it's tempting to throw things in the washer on a fairly ad hoc basis, you should wait until you have a full load before doing a wash, or if it really can't be avoided doing smaller washes on a half load or economy programme.
Always switch your washer off standby, this goes for all the electrical appliances in your home. While it might not be possible for you to invest in a new machine right now, if you are looking to upgrade you might like to consider an Energy Saving Recommended washing machine
So, what's the difference between these and conventional washing machines? Well, you could cut your energy consumption by up to a third and saving the world from 42 kg of Co2.
Many conventional laundry detergents contain ingredients that can have a polluting effect on the environment. These include chlorine bleaches, petroleum-derived additives and phosphates, and domestic use of products containing these ingredients has as significant impact on the environment as industrial pollution.
Most supermarkets now stock a wide range of environmentally-friendly washing detergent so do look out for them next time you're shopping.
Tumble dryers use lots of electricity which equals lots of co2 which equals heating up the planet as well. The Environment Agency estimates that around £88 million is spent on powering tumble dryers in the

each year.

Obviously it's often unavoidable to dry clothes in the dryer but wherever possible airing washing outdoors should be the preferred choice. If it's raining or just too cold outside, be sure to always spin clothes before putting them into the tumble dryer. Avoid drying clothes on radiators but for indoor drying a drying rack makes an eco-friendly alternative - open a window slightly to allow the damp air to escape and keep the door to the room closed.
For all your laundry, ironing and dry cleaning requirements, contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Fabric in the Future

2012-01-24T11:59:00.002Z

With technology endlessly powering forward with new innovations, our clothing also has the potential to be more than just a form of protection and fashion. On a small scale, this could be in the form of clothing that heats or cools in response to temperature changes (such fabrics are being researched by the University of Bath and London College of Fashion) engineered around systems found in nature. In the longer term, nanotechnology within fabrics could allow built interiors to become smart objects, allowing a room to adjust its smell, colour, temperature, texture and sounds to suit its occupants moods.

Scientists and designers are researching clothing that has the capacity to monitor the body's respiratory system, heartbeat and temperature controls and respond to alter your health or mood. Jenny Tillotson, a designer at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, has been developing a smart second skin, which has interactive fragrance technology permanently built into the clothing. Examples include clothing and jewellery that release scents such as menthol, which could help alleviate medical problems including asthma attacks.

That's only the beginning, though. Within the decade, we could see stores selling shirts that turn us into portable power stations. Scientists are already looking to develop energy-scavenging fabrics, with nanotechnology built in, that uses the kinetic energy from the wearer's movements and converts it into electricity for powering electronic devices - a similar principle to the kinetic watches sold today. Such systems would be potentially life-saving for hikers and soldiers, but in the wider market could power mobile phones, MP3 players and more. Beyond this, scientists are examining how energy-scavenging fabrics could convert low-frequency vibrations into electricity, using nanowires entwined with the fabric's fibres to avoid affecting the look of the clothing.

Beyond the advantages for the consumer, science fashion could also help save the planet, or at the least provide solutions to some of the ecological and sustainability issues in today's society. An interesting example of this is Suzanne Lee's "bio-couture" project, which is investigating the use of bacterial-cellulose, grown in a laboratory, to produce clothing: instead of using fibres from plants or animals, we could grow a dress in a vat of liquid.

This may all seem like a distant dream, but it is not so far away. Science has long affected the way we dress, from the gradually improvement of wool and cotton production to the introduction of artificial fibres. Aside from those kinetic watches, there have been fads for wearable technology (such as the iPod) or heat-sensitive fabric (remember Global Hypercolor T-shirts?). And with continual advances in nanotechnology, the possibilities are set to increase.

In fact, some of these textile innovations are appearing on the catwalk. In 2008, Hussein Chalayan brought his exquisite LED dress to the catwalks of Toyko. This video dress displayed a time-lapsed image of a rose opening up and closing, with an array of colours and light, made possible by 15,000 LEDs embedded in the fabric. Chalayan has also displayed clothes that change shape before the spectator's eyes: zippers closing, cloth bunching and hemlines rising without human assistance, thanks to the use of micro-controllers, switches and motors.

For all your laundry, ironing and dry cleaning requirements, contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Beware of Monday the 23rd

2012-01-20T07:13:00.002Z

It’s not so much as the most depressing month but there really is a most depressing day of the year, it is known as Blue Monday, and for 2012 that day is January 23, 2012.

The most depressing day of the year is commonly termed Blue Monday, and it is a phenomenon which occurs once a year, each and every year without fail. This is not just folk lore, or and old wives tale, Blue Monday is a scientific fact. There is one date every year that is calculated out to be the most depressing day that will occur for that year, and Blue Monday is it. January 23 is the date of Blue Monday for 2012.

The original date of "Blue Monday" was mathematically calculated in 2005 by Dr. Cliff Arnall who was a researcher at Cardiff University.

He created his formula for the most depressing day of the year by working six distinct factors into the equation: weather conditions (Gloomy old January and its typical lack of sunshine), debt level and our ability to pay It off, time elapsed since Christmas, time elapsed since breaking our New Years resolutions, our general seasonal motivation levels, and our need to take action and to have something to look forward to( During January, and depending on where you reside, there are no bank holidays in the fore-see-able future.

It was calculated that most of these events would come into play by the third week or 21st day within the month of January.

The Monday that begins the last full week in January has traditionally been calculated out to be the most depressing day of the year.

This trend still continues as large numbers of people once again decide to celebrate Blue Monday earlier than it was usually calculated to return. It appears though that the earlier trend for depression has also passed and January 24, 2011 will be the next Blue Monday celebrated. So have all these statistics got you all excited in anticipation of January 23, 2012 which will be our next most depressing day of the year?

The good news about knowing the facts on the most depressing day of the year is that it does somehow manage to take the sting out of Blue Monday. It is the one day each year when you can feel totally free to sit down, and have a really great "feel sorry for me day", and not feel guilty about it. Everyone else is doing it too, and after all, it is expected from us. So go on and feel free to celebrate this most momentous of all seasonal holidays and have a really good cry when good old Blue Monday rolls around next time.

Make the most of Iron Maids FREE collection and delivery service by contacting us on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Its Party Time

2011-12-14T08:35:00.002Z

After all of the celebrations parties and get – togethers that we have attended during the year we are rapidly heading towards the climax of the party calendar…The Christmas Party! Although we attired ourselves in smart but casual dress maybe for the family gathering at Christmas, we may have put on something light colourful but elegant for the summer bbq and even really let our hair and imagination run wild for a Halloween bash, the Christmas and festive season parties are where we really aim to shine above the rest.

If there is one piece of advise I can give, it is CHECK YOUR PARTY OUTFIT NOW!. Those of us not fortunate enough to be able to really splash out on a new special outfit will be relying on something that we already have in the wardrobe that fits the bill perfectly. But, don’t leave it till the morning/evening of the event to get it out. With our busy lives it can be devastating to discover that wine stain that occurred at the last outing or even a fault zip or missing button that you wont be able to get sorted in time.

Even if you had your clothes dry cleaned after the last event it is well worth taking it out of the wardrobe and removing the plastic protective bag and leave to breathe for a few days. The solvent used in the dry cleaning process can still linger slightly if left in a confines space with no air flow. This is not a particularly pungent odour but do you really want to be at your event with the thought of this at the back of your mind.

If there are repairs and/or stains that need some attention it is almost essential that you look to get these sorted sooner rather than later as this will avoid both disappointment and greater expense as capacity becomes more of a premium with cleaners and repairers as demand increases during the lead up to Christmas.

Never leave these tasks to the last minute as this will ensure you look your best and you can relax with complete piece of mind whilst parting the night away.

If you need your party outfits dry cleaned, laundered or ironed contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Free Delivery and collection

2011-12-01T11:33:00.002Z

In a news report at the end of last week, it was reported that last year only ten percent of Christmas presents were bought online and predictions are that this year this figure will rise to twelve percent. This figure sounds a little dubious considering how much the humble act of going into town to do a bit of shopping now costs – and that’s without buying anything!

It is little wonder then that so many retailers and service providers are realising the benefit of offering an online service where goods and services can be dropped straight to your door without the hassle that a trip out brings. Once you have taken into account the obvious expenses of the cost of travelling in and out of your destination and parking etc there is also that amount of time that this can take out of your day too. With the cost of road fuel rocketing, which only increases the pain on your wallet due the to increase in congestion that this time of year brings, some councils have just announced that they will be increasing their standard parking rate, a couple of them have even announced that they are intending to double these charges to boot!

So after you have spent out on the fuel, the parking and half of your day getting to where you need to get to, is it time that you started to consider who offers a collection and delivery service?

More and more companies are now wising up to the idea that this is indeed a growing market and gives them a significant edge over competitors who expect you to attend their premises. But, a word of caution… although many companies offer a door to door service, quite often there is a levy charge for this facility which can sometimes make it a less viable option for you as a customer. However all is not lost! After a bit of searching around you can find that there are local companies that can offer the same service at around the same price but with a free courier service.

So when making your decision on who’s services to use, its not simply a choice of who is the cheapest but more the case of which of these service providers offer a free collection and delivery that will offer me the best deal.

Make the most of Iron Maids FREE collection and delivery service by contacting us on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Iron Maids new contract

2011-11-17T11:25:00.000Z

Press release November 2011

Laddingford business moves into the Fast Lane with Formula 1

Iron Maids, an ironing, laundry and dry cleaning service based on the Woodfalls Industrial Estate, has won a major new contract that will really put them in pole position. Business owner, Karen Wilkinson, was delighted to be able to tell her staff that they had won a high profile contract with the Formula 1 Management Team.

Karen says “This is a real boost to our business to have such a prestigious client and we are looking forward to working with the Team, making sure that they are always well turned out. We already work with a large number of domestic customers and our number of commercial customers is growing steadily, so this is a really exciting time for us. Tendering for this business and winning is a real feather in our cap – I’m very proud of what we have achieved.”

The Iron Maids blue and pink vans are already a familiar sight in the Mid and West Kent areas and with the business growing as rapidly as it is, it will only be a matter of time before the vans are visible all around the county. As Karen explains “as our customer base grows, we are already considering new areas and have Ashford in our sights, as the number of customers in that area is increasing every week.”

General Manager, Vicky Irvine adds “our customers use us as we save them so much time and effort and most people would agree that washing and ironing is never their favourite chore! Although we started the service with mainly domestic customers, the commercial business has followed and we are now thrilled to be working with a number of events and catering companies, B&Bs and restaurants. Winning the Formula 1 business is really exciting for us and proves that we can really deliver.”

Karen also feels that it is important for her to be growing her business and employing more people and she is looking forward to expanding her team of ironers and drivers – “employing locally is important for us. Knowing that in time we may be creating more jobs is very satisfying.”

Why not check out our services on our website http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

It's Winter !!!!!!!!

2011-11-03T15:51:00.000Z

Now the clocks have gone back and we plunge into another great British winter! Although this year we do seem to be benefiting from a more mild autumn than usual and that can only be good news as heating fuel prices continue to rocket steeply upwards.

This weekend also saw that 8 week countdown to Christmas. Many of us have been seeing the arrival of the Christmas gift packs and decorations appearing in the supermarkets for a few weeks already but now the evenings are dark and the mornings are getting increasingly gloomy, it does tend to bring home the fact that its going to be at least another five months until we can safely pack up the winter coats and duvets and prepare to embrace the summer sunshine.

Whilst we are now dusting off our thermal lined coats and gloves there are some things that you should remember to keep in the back of your mind when you come in from a damp weather outing. Always make sure that you wipe down any moisture that is left on your leather garments. Even when hanging up straight away this tends to leave unsightly water marks which stand out on dark colours and suede coats can prove to be especially difficult and expensive to remove those white streaky marks from when all that was needed was a soft dry cloth to mop off any water that was left on your coat.

Do also remember to brush your suede coat with a good quality suede brush as this not only keeps the item looking at its best but allows that suede to breathe and ultimately will prolong the life of the coat too.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for the summer holiday deals for next year and keep warm in order to keep the winter blues away

If your winter garments need any attention call Iron Maids on 01622 870111 or 01233 779009. You can also find us online, iron-maids.co.uk or on facebook.com/ironmaids

Halloween - the history of

2011-10-25T08:07:00.000+01:00

Halloween is the one of the oldest festivals still celebrated today. It's one of the most popular celebrations, second only to Christmas. While millions of people celebrate Halloween without knowing its origins and myths, the history and facts of Halloween make this time even more fascinating.

Some people view Halloween as a time for fun, putting on costumes, trick-or-treating, and having themed parties. Others view it as a time of superstitions, ghosts, goblins and evil spirits that should be avoided at all costs.

As the Christian debate goes on, celebrating Halloween is a preference that is not always viewed as participating in an evil worship. Halloween is often celebrated with no reference to pagan rituals whatsoever.

Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan festival, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.

All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day, which was created by Christians to convert pagans, and is celebrated on November 1st. The Catholic church honored saints on this designated day.

While there are many versions of the origins and old customs of Halloween, some remain consistent by all accounts. Different cultures view Halloween somewhat differently but traditional Halloween practices remain the same.

Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Roots lay in the feast of Samhain, which was annually on October 31st to honor the dead.

Samhain signifies the end of the summer. Samhain was a harvest festival with huge sacred bonfires, marking the end of the Celtic year and beginning of a new one. Many of the practices involved in this celebration were fed on superstition.

The Celts believed the souls of the dead roamed the streets and villages at night. Since not all spirits were thought to be friendly, gifts and treats were left out to pacify the evil and ensure next years crops would be plentiful. This custom evolved into trick-or-treating.

If you need your custumes dry cleaned, laundered or ironed contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Wool clothing

2011-10-18T17:32:00.000+01:00

When a sheep sheds its fleece this could be spun and woven into cloth. People soon realized that to kill the sheep for only its meat was a waste of food and material. The dog was probably the only animal to be domesticated before the sheep. People soon devised a method of producing clothing from the fleece. Even before 10,000 BC wool cloth was being spun and woven by the tribes of northern Europe. To spin it they took the wool in one hand and drew it out, twisting it into a thread with the fingers of the other hand. The result was a thick uneven yarn. Later, a crude spindle was developed by fitting a stone or clay ring to the end of a short wooden stick. The ring acted as a flywheel and enabled the drawn-out yarn to be wound on to the spindle. This method of spinning was used for thousands of years and is still used by peasant communities in various parts of the world.

Weaving is the criss-crossing of threads of wool to make cloth. The first loom consisted of a beam from which lengths of yarn were hung and weighted at the lower end by stones. The weft yarn was threaded to and fro across the suspended `warp' yarns in an over and under action, as with spinning, this system was used for thousands of years.

The Saxon invasions in the fifth century nearly destroyed the wool industry. But it is known that in the eighth century Britain was exporting woollen fabrics to the Continent and after the arrival of the Norman conquerors in 1066 the industry expanded. By the twelfth century wool was becoming England's greatest national asset. Cloth making was widespread, particularly in the large towns of southern and eastern England nearest the Continent. But the greatest wealth came from exports of raw wool. Kings and their ministers keenly appreciated the revenue that resulted from exports and export taxes-and for the power it gave to the king who could grant, or withdraw, concessions to the wool towns and to the industry. Weaver’s trade guilds, powerful for hundreds of years, were founded to guarantee good work by experienced craftsmen. The `Staple' was established-a mart where raw wool for sale abroad had, by law, to be sent and where the export tax levied by the king could be collected. The Staple was originally located in Flanders-an important textile manufacturing area-but was later withdrawn to England where a number of ports became Staple towns.

Despite setbacks of the plague and the long war with France during the 1300’s,raw wool exporting expanded, and so also did manufacturing of wool fabrics. This was becoming both specialized and localized. The West Country had three advantages-extensive sheep pastures, a supply of soft water for washing, scouring and dyeing, and water-power to drive milling machinery. Similarly, the Pennine districts of Yorkshire and Lancashire had soft water, and water power from steeply graded streams.
In East Anglia there was soft water but no hills or fast-running streams to provide power for `fulling' mills. Fulling, or milling, is a shrinking process which makes the fabric firmer and its surface more compact. Instead, East Anglia used the long, fine wool from its native sheep breeds to produce a cloth which did not require the fulling process. This was the type of cloth we today call 'worsted'-after the Norfolk village of Worstead. For four hundred years East Anglia dominated the worsted trade, with skills inherited from the Flemish settlers of 1331.
Cloth from English looms quickly achieved an international reputation. From being primarily a raw wool exporter, England became in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries a manufacturer and exporter of cloth. At the end of the fifteenth century England was `largely a nation of sheep farmers and cloth manufacturers'. The next two centuries saw continued expansion of the industry despite conflicts at home and abroad.

The Industrial Revolution of 1750-1850 caused upheaval. It ushered in new inventions stemming from the Lancashire cotton industry, to mechanize and speed dramatically the processes of spinning and weaving. Manufacturing methods, unchanged since the revival of the trade in the fourteenth century, were now superseded. Mechanization had been opposed in the past and it was again. In the Luddite riots of 1812 equipment was destroyed by organized bands of workers, who feared they would lose employment. But machinery won the day. The older industries in such areas as East Anglia, where opposition had been most bitter, declined and never recovered. They were overtaken by Yorkshire where machinery was more readily accepted. The younger industry jumped ahead and never lost its lead, supported by abundant supplies of cheap coal to generate steam and, later, electrical power. Other important manufacturing centres developed in Scotland, famed for its tweeds; and in the West Country which specialized in production of high quality woven carpets.

If you need your woollens dry cleaned, laundered or ironed contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Gift Vouchers

2011-10-11T09:26:00.000+01:00

Although it still seems a while away, soon enough it will be time to start the Christmas planning process once more. Many of us will struggle to think of and find that perfect gift while the rest of us will rely on the good ole faithful gift voucher. So what’s the history behind this present saviour?

The first voucher was issued in 1932 - The Book Token

In 1936 The Boots Gift Token were launched and then later re-named Boots Gift Vouchers. In the early 1960’s saw the start of the consumer incentive with the introduction of the Green Shield Stamps. As sales began to slow, the original Green Shield stamp catalogue shops from which shoppers could select their well earned gifts which they had saved hard for, were re-branded Argos in July 1973

In 1972 the bonus bond gift voucher was the first ‘multi retailer’ gift voucher acquired by Grass Roots in 1982 but a couple of years later in 1974 Bemrose Booth produced Littlewoods Vouchers.

The 1980's saw the majority of high street retailers have a gift voucher scheme. High Street Vouchers launched multi-redemption vouchers targeted towards Christmas Savings. Customers could redeem these at Woolworths, Dixons, John Collier, Dewhurst and Cordon Blue. The vouchers on offer today have over 75 retailers and 19,000 stores nationwide. Luncheon Vouchers produced in 1982 by Bemrose Booth were used at 200million per year. In 1983 the High Street Vouchers enter the Business-to-Business market. The first Theatre Token was launched in 1984 purely covering Theatres in the West end. It now covers over 235 theatres in the UK.

In 2000, Argos Business Solutions launched the first electronic Gift card in the B2B market called ‘A-Card’. This product is still around today and can be used to collect points which in turn can be spent on a vast range of items within Argos and / or Homebase stores. Four years later the High Street Voucher was re-branded to Love2Shop and coincided with the launch of Love2play and Love2travel. Now B2B sales of gift vouchers have reached 45% of the total market spend.

For a novel Christmas or birthday present, get an Iron Maids voucher! Contact us on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

The Invention of The Washing Machine

2011-10-04T08:54:00.000+01:00

Laundering by hand involves beating and scrubbing dirty cloth. It is hard work even with old fashioned utensils like washboards and soap to help.

Clothes washing technology developed as a way to reduce the drudgery of this scrubbing and rubbing process by providing an open basin or sealed container with paddles or fingers to automatically agitate the clothing. The earliest machines were hand operated. As electricity was not commonly available until around 1930, some early machines were operated by a low-speed single cylinder petrol engine. By the mid 1850s steam driven commercial laundry machinery were on sale in the United States and

Great Britain

. Technological advances in machinery for commercial and hospital laundries proceeded faster than domestic washing machines for several decades, especially in the UK. In the US there was more emphasis on developing machines for washing at home, as well as machines for the commercial laundry services market which were widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Because water often had to be carried, heated on a fire for washing, then poured into the tub, the warm soapy water was precious and would be reused over and over, first to wash the least soiled clothing, then to wash progressively more dirty laundry. While the earliest machines were constructed from wood, later machines made of metal permitted a fire to burn below the washtub, to keep the water warm throughout the day's washing.

Removal of soap and water from the clothing after washing was originally a separate process. After rinsing, the soaking wet clothing would be formed into a roll and twisted by hand to extract water. To help reduce this labour, the wringer mangle was developed, which uses two rollers under spring tension to squeeze water out of clothing and household linen. Each item would be fed through the wringer separately. The first wringers were hand operated, but were eventually included as a powered attachment above the washing machine tub. The wringer would be swung over the wash tub so that extracted wash water would fall back into the tub to be reused for the next wash load.

The modern process of removing water by spinning did not come into use until electric motors were developed. Spinning requires a constant high-speed power source, and was originally done in a separate device known as an extractor. A load of washed clothing would be transferred from the wash tub to the extractor basket, and the water spun out. These early extractors were often dangerous to use since unevenly distributed loads would cause the machine to shake violently. Many efforts have been made to counteract the shaking of unstable loads, first by mounting the spinning basket on a free-floating shock-absorbing frame to absorb minor imbalances, and a bump switch to detect severe movement and stop the machine so that the load can be manually redistributed. Many modern machines are equipped with a sealed ring of liquid that works to counteract any imbalances.

What is now referred to as an automatic washer was at one time referred to as a washer/extractor, which combines the features of these two devices into a single machine, plus the ability to fill and drain water by itself. It is possible to take this a step further, to also merge the automatic washing machine and tumble dryer into a single device, but this is generally uncommon because the drying process tends to use much more energy than using two separate devices; a combined washer/dryer not only must dry the clothing, but also needs to dry out the wash chamber itself.

Contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111 or 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk.

The value of biological

2011-09-27T11:12:00.001+01:00

So, everybody has heard of biological and non-biological washing powder but do you REALLY know what the difference is between these two different types of detergent?

A biological washing powder contains enzymes which break down stains and dirt whilst in the wash. A non-biological washing powder does not contain these enzymes but instead uses soap and more natural based chemistry to clean your clothes and this is the major difference.

Sometimes the enzymes may be artificially created so that they are more able to remove stains, particularly ones which are very deep and dried on to the fabric.

Some people with very sensitive skin may find it better to use a non-biological powder, although this may not be as effective at getting rid of stains,

In terms of the environmental impact, neither system is perfect. Whilst the enzymes contained in a biological wash powder may take longer to disperse within the environment, the temperatures for washing can be lower than for a non-biological powder. The non-bio powder could take a higher temperature to do the same wash, which uses more electricity and water and this also has an environmental impact.

You need to find cleaning products that are not tested on animals and do not do too much harm to the environment, So ultimately the choice is whether to use a chemically enhanced detergent for a more effective clean at lower temperatures or to use a more natural detergent that will need a hotter wash to achieve the same result.

By all accounts there is very little difference in cost or environmental impact whichever you choose, so this is a case where it comes down to personal choice!

Contact Iron Maids for all your laundry, ironing and dry cleaning needs on iron-maids.co.uk, 01622 870111 or 01233 779009

Why have your clothes Dry Cleaned

2011-09-21T13:28:00.002+01:00

Dry cleaning is a technique for washing clothing and fabrics that uses a chemical solution in the place of water. This chemical solution is a much gentler way of removing stains, dirt, and other debris from fabric when compared to traditional washing with water and detergent.

The dry cleaning process looks similar to using an ordinary washing machine, except that it is far gentler, uses less heat, replaces water with the chemical solvent, and can also dry its contents. After fabrics have been washed in the chemical solution, they are then rinsed, and the chemical solvent is removed from the fabrics. When all of the solvent has been removed, the machine will then dry the fabrics using a lower heat than traditional machines.

During the dry cleaning process, the operator has to ensure that all garments are free of pens, lipsticks, and other objects that could damage the fabrics. They also must check for seams and zips that have been damaged during the washing process, and repair any damages. While dry cleaning cannot remove every stain, it will remove a larger amount of dirt and residue than traditional washing.

Many fabrics are dry clean only and can be damaged with traditional washing. These fabrics will shrink, stretch, or become worn and damaged if they are put through a regular washer and dryer. Some examples of these fabrics are suede and imitation suede, smooth leather and imitation leather, cashmere, angora, acetate, some knits, and clothing with beading, sequins, and other embellishments.

However, there are also some fabrics that can be dry cleaned or washed in a regular washer and dryer. These fabrics are linen, wool, Polyolefin, silk, and triacetate. While dry cleaning is the best option whenever possible, they can also be washed if necessary. When washing these fabrics, it is important to use gentle cycles, cold temperatures, or even hand wash these textiles.

Even if a blouse or pair of trousers says dry clean only, many people still wish to wash their own clothing in order to save money. Many times, this will lead to a fabric being damaged or shrinking, therefore making it unwearable. If an article of clothing says that it should be dry cleaned, it is usually with good reason. To ignore these instructions is to possibly ruin your clothing.

If it is impossible to have an article of clothing or other textile dry cleaned, than it is important to at least wash the fabric in cold water, on a gentle cycle, and use gentle detergent. While this may still damage the fabric, it lessens the chance that the clothing will be irreparably damaged. However, some clothing, like suits, formal dresses, and leather jackets, should never be machine washed, regardless of the price of dry cleaning. It is more cost effective to dry clean an article of clothing than to ruin it sufficiently so that it must be replaced.

If you have any dry cleaning requirements, contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

The History of Ironing

2011-09-14T17:42:00.000+01:00

No-one can say exactly when people started trying to press cloth smooth, but research shows us that the Chinese were using hot metal for ironing before anyone else. They were using pans filled with hot coals that were pressed over stretched cloth. A thousand years ago this method was already well-established.

Meanwhile people in Northern Europe were using stones, glass and wood for smoothing linens and cloths. These continued in use for "ironing" in some places into the mid-19th century, long after Western blacksmiths started to forge smoothing irons in the late Middle Ages.

Ironing continued to be done with hot coals in open metal pans in China, the basic principles no different from an enclosed charcoal iron. Pan irons could be simple or highly decorative. Further west, clay smoothers were sometimes used. Solid ones could be heated for pressing.

Others were designed to hold hot embers like the North African terracotta irons. The ladies preparing newly-woven silk in a 12th century Chinese painting are using a pan iron, in the same way as the ironers in a 19th century drawing.

Although that drawing comes from Korea, Koreans were traditionally known for smoothing their clothes with pairs of ironing sticks, beating cloth rhythmically on a stone support. A single club for beating clothes smooth was used in Japan, on a stand called a kinuta.

In many parts of the world similar techniques were used in both cloth manufacturing and laundering: in Senegal, for example.

If you would like Iron Maids to do your laundry, ironing or dry cleaning, contact us on 01622 870111 or 01233 779009 or via http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/

Water Softner

2011-09-05T13:34:00.000+01:00

Hard water and lime scale affect 60% of UK households costing hundreds of pounds in parts, repairs and replacement appliances. Although billions have been spent ensuring that drinking water complies with EC standards, little has been done about hard water.

The problems associated with hard water are the result of the natural water supply filtering through sedimentary rock and water absorbing additional minerals. These minerals form chemical compounds which form layers of scale in plumbing and appliances.

Just 6mm of lime scale can reduce energy efficiency by up to 40%. For the average household that could mean a considerable increase per year in extra fuel costs. Add to that extra cleaning products, chemicals to soften the water, reduced appliance life, increased maintenance and the true cost of hard water is revealed.

Water softeners are designed to remove the minerals that cause hardness. Water passes through the softener containing resin beads which attract the complexes and are cleaned with chemicals.

Conditioning water through a strong, focused magnetic field is a form of magnetically induced ionisation. Without the magnetic field, minerals contained within the water break down leaving minerals free to attract and bond to adjacent surfaces.

When the minerals are broken down in the magnetic field they take on a charge and act as crystalline centres that allow them to remain in suspension instead of forming crusts on the surfaces.

Magnetic conditioners do not remove any of the natural minerals contained in the water that are essential to health. In the Far East (especially Japan) and more recently in America people are drinking magnetically treated water as it may help the digestive system and allows the waste toxins to be removed more efficiently through the kidneys.

It is also possible that drinking soft water, with high levels of sodium, may cause an elevated sodium level. High salt intake may be linked to a variety of health problems. Magnetically conditioned water does not have an increased sodium level. These also aid in lengthening the life of domestic appliances.

If you would like help with your laundry, contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111 or 01233 779009, or via iron-maids.co.uk

Saving money on fuel bills

2011-08-31T13:20:00.000+01:00

Whilst officially we are still in the throws of summer there has been no escaping the news headlines regarding the increase of up to 18% on home fuel energy prices. An article was brought to my attention relating to the cost savings to be had by fitting lined curtains. Whilst doing some research into this I found hundreds of articles discussing the very same subject but for insulated lined curtains.

Insulated curtains are lined curtains which are meant to help keep warm air from leaving or entering through your windows which are a large source for heat loss in almost every home. This reduction of heat loss will help you keep your room temperature constant without relying as heavily on the thermostat. Your heating uses lots of fuel, so any steps you can take to use it less should reflect on your bills and bank account.

Insulated curtains help maintain constant temperature by protecting your home from the four major types of heat loss. These are conduction, infiltration, convection and radiation. Essentially, heat is energy that moves from warm areas to cooler areas. Insulated curtains help slow down or stop that movement. The level of insulation depends on the curtains you buy, but most systems will comprise of an outer decorative layer protected by an inner lining, a high-density foam that blocks heat exchange and sound waves, a reflective vapour barrier to block moisture and a reflective film that directs heat back into the room. Together these layers insulate your windows against the conditions outside.

Often, there is also a magnetic strip sewn into the edges of the curtains and placed either in the window frame or along the surrounding walls. The magnets in the curtains form a tighter barrier with the wall than standard free-hanging curtains, adding another extra layer of protection. These curtains are available in a variety of patterns, thickness and durability. They're all relatively easy to maintain and require mild dry cleaning to freshen up. Like normal curtains, a light vacuum while hanging will keep them looking bright and dust free.

If you would like your curtains or anything else dry cleaned, contact Iron Maids on either 01622 87011 or 01233 779009 or via http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/.

School Uniforms

2011-08-24T11:06:00.002+01:00

Now we are approaching the end of August and many parents (albeit secretly) are counting down the days for the arrival of peace, quiet and time to themselves that the start of the new school term brings! But of course, behind every silver lining there is always a black cloud hiding! This is of course the start of the new school year.

The brief sigh of relief that the return to school will bring is completely drowned out by the thought of the last minute rushing around getting the uniforms, P.E kit and countless other items that will need to be purchased and organised, so that the kids are set and ready, prepared for the long slog up until the Christmas break.

Those with older kids have a slightly easier time of it as any changes of uniform and routines are already established but for those parents who find themselves having to cope with the event of moving to the ‘big school’ this is quite a daunting prospect.

Once all of the new blazers, badges and ties have been bought there is still all of the sewing on and going through the brochure with a fine toothed comb to make sure that everything is set and nothing has been missed. There is however salvation at hand! Just take some solace that once September has passed, all will be downhill from then and after all, next year will bring another army of frantic parents desperately trying to get the kids and themselves together for the first day of term!

If you need help with dry cleaning, laundry and ironing, contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111 or via iron-maids.co.uk

How to dry clean clothes

2011-08-08T08:03:00.000+01:00

When you look at a label in an item of clothing and it says “Dry Clean Only” you probably sigh and think ‘oh well, I’ve got to find time to take that down the dry cleaners!’ But, have you ever wondered what is actually involved apart from the added inconvenience and expense?
What's so special about fabrics like silk and wool blends? Well, these materials may shrink, change colours or lose their shape if washed in water. Garments made of rayon become rumpled and misshapen because water is attracted to the hydrophilic fibres in this fabric. When immersed in water, the fibres expand because water molecules form hydrogen bonds with individual molecules within each fibre. The water molecules also interfere with weak attractions between adjacent fibres, and the fabric as a whole can lose its strength. In order to avoid ruining your favourite shirt, you'll have to resort to other means of cleaning it such as dry cleaning.

Dry cleaning removes dirt and other stains from clothes without using water. Despite its name, commercial dry cleaning is not actually a "dry" process. Clothes are immersed in Perchlorethylene (perc) which is a solvent, instead of in water. These solvents are especially good at removing oil and grease-based stains, but they have some drawbacks. For instance, the solvents used can make you sick if you're exposed to them constantly. This primarily affects the workers who actually run the dry cleaning machines. Don’t panic though, almost all of the solvent is removed from your clothing before it is returned to you. However, some people find the remaining traces of the chemical in their clothes to be very irritating to the eyes, nose and throat.

In the past, your only choice was to go to a commercial dry cleaner. Now, you have the option of cleaning dry-clean-only clothes without leaving your home. Several home dry cleaning kits now on the market let you launder these delicate garments using your tumble dryer. These can be effective but do not offer the guarantee that professional dry cleaners do.

To contact Iron Maids, either call 01622 870111 or 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

Here comes the holidays !

2011-08-04T08:26:00.000+01:00

Now we are in the season for the mass school exodus for the long summer holiday. But, do children have too many breaks and are they just too long?

Historians at Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum that recreates an 1830s New England farming village, say not. According to the web site and headmistress there, farm children went to school from December to March and from mid-May to August. Adults and children alike helped with planting and harvesting in the spring and autumn. The schools in the 1800s also lacked the long summer break modern people take for granted. Like working families today, new immigrant families needed a safe and affordable place for children to stay while parents worked. In large cities, children of parents who worked in factories, shops, or mills learned English and other subjects during an 11-month school year.

Short school years with long holidays are not the norm in Europe, Asia, or South America either. Children in most industrialized countries go to school more days per year and more hours per day than in America. While just sitting in a classroom longer does not necessarily ensure children will learn more, many American teachers spend weeks every autumn just reminding kids of what they forgot over the summer. Some teachers, parents, and children believe strongly that a six or seven week break hurts children, fragments education, and wastes tax payers money. Since the early 1900s, school boards around the country have offered a longer school break or a school calendar of multiple short terms interspersed with many short breaks. Other parents feel just as strongly that short school years and long summer vacations are essential to growing up.

One popular alternative calendar is the "45-15" type, by which nine-week terms alternate with three-week breaks throughout the year. Kids start school in "waves", rather than all on the same day. In this system, one group is always on holiday during any given week. Schools are less crowded, with fewer students in attendance at once, but still serve the same number of children.

To help free some time for you during the breaks, contact Iron Maids at iron-maids.co.uk or call 01622 870111. We can fold your clothing if requested to save you time when packing.

Washing temperatures - helpful hints

2011-07-18T12:22:00.002+01:00

With the advancements of new washing powders and machines, you will probably see that it is now possible to wash your clothes at 30 degrees, but do you really get the value and results out of your powder at the lower temperatures that you want? If you raised this point with someone else and they replied with the question “What’s the best temperature to wash clothes?” would you know the answer? First of all, do not be afraid of those two giant white machines of mystery! Washing clothes in the right temperature is not rocket science; there really isn’t a best temperature to wash clothes in because it almost always varies. If you know how to press buttons and read tags then learning the basics is easy!

Hot water:
You should hardly ever use hot water to wash your clothes because hot water isn’t very gentle. It also likes to shrink things. Hot water is usually used for linen that needs to get extremely clean, like bed-sheets or towels.

Warm water:
Warm water is good to use with most trousers, jeans, and t-shirts. It doesn’t usually shrink anything, because it’s half hot water and half cold water, but it definitely can. It is recommended to only wash jeans, socks, and some t-shirts in warm water just to be safe. Most garments are made of a mixture of different materials, and broken up into percentages. Check the t-shirt’s tag. If it has a high percentage of cotton it’ll probably shrink a little, but not by much.

Cold water:
You can wash anything in cold water because it won’t damage or shrink clothing. It just won’t clean it as well as warm or hot water would, so if there’s a stain that needs getting out, buy a good stain remover and scrub the garment hard before throwing it in the wash. Anything that’s made out of “natural fibres” will shrink easily, so wash them in cold. That means 100% cotton, wool, and silk among others.

So those are just a few quick tips on the best temperature to wash your clothes in. And don’t forget, the dryer can play a huge part in making or breaking your clothes. So read those tags and follow what they say. Your clothes will last longer and over time, you’ll spend less money!

For all your laundry, ironing and dry cleaning needs, contact iron-maids.co.uk or call Iron Maids on 01622 870111 or 01233 779009

Natural fibres versus man made ones

2011-07-04T17:39:00.000+01:00

In this day and age, as more people are becoming more environmentally aware and adjusting their lifestyles accordingly, it is no surprise that clothes are also under scrutiny. There is a long standing debate going on regarding the viability of synthetic and natural fabrics in the manufacture of clothing, linen and other home furnishings. It may seem obvious at first glance, but this is not as clear cut as you might think. There pros and cons to both types of fabric.

Synthetic fabrics have been under attack for some time now. Pro synthetic people argue that they are cheap to produce but there are some major drawbacks. They are made from petrochemicals which are fossil fuels. This is a resource that the planet is rapidly running out of.

To stop the clothing from shrinking and wrinkling, man-made fabrics are often coated with formaldehyde, a chemical which has been associated with cancer. Also, in order for these fabrics to hold dye better, they are further coated with chemical fixatives which contain heavy metals. These are not biodegradable and impact on the environment

Natural fabrics contain fibres that originate from animal or plants such as cotton, hemp, sisal, wool, alpaca, silk, jute and bamboo. These are generally more breathable than synthetic fibres. They are biodegradable and renewable. Because they are natural, these fabrics often don’t last as long as their man-made counterparts.

Although natural fabrics are renewable, they are higher in resource terms when it comes to water for the plant based fibres and grain to feed the animals which produce wool, Some man-made fabrics are also more expensive to maintain and clean than wool or cotton. In addition, some natural fabrics actually last longer thanks to advances manufacturing processes. So how do you choose? Ideally, you’ll inform yourself of the manufacturing process of whatever garment you purchase and wear. It’s time-consuming but if you wish to be more aware and make better choices for your health and the environment, it’s a small price to pay.

For full details of the areas we cover and our services, check out our website www.iron-maids.co.uk

Starch - the benefits ......

2011-06-21T17:25:00.002+01:00

Have you ever wondered what the benefits are of using starch on your clothes? Using starch on your dress shirts has its advantages and some disadvantages.

Starch is a complex carbohydrate found in plants. Starch has been used for a few centuries to stiffen fabrics. Not much has changed in the manufacturing process of the starch we use today compared to the one used over a hundred years ago. Over 80% of all commercial starch used today is derived from corn. Dried corn is ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with water into a pulp. After removing impurities, this solution is filled into aerosol and cans together with light fragrances.

Starch will give your clothes a nice, crisp look, also starch makes ironing a little easier since it will reduce "iron drag". Another advantage of using starch is that most people don't know is that starch protects fabrics from stains. The starch seals the individual fibres making it more difficult for stains to penetrate through the fabric.

The main disadvantage of using starch is fraying. Heavy starch will reduce the lifetime of your clothes. Over time, residue of starch will remain in the collar and cuffs. The starch eventually dries out the fabric, causing individual threads to break or fray. Since starch will reduce the life of a dress shirt, use starch sparingly.

If you prefer a heavier starched look then use more durable clothes made from a thicker fabric. Perfectly suited are white shirts made from a thicker oxford cotton fabric. If you want to have a stiffer looking shirt, it is recommended to apply two or even three layers of starch instead of one heavy layer.

A more environmentally friendly and cheaper option is to mix your own starch. To do this use one table spoon of regular cornstarch with one pint of water. Mix them both together and fill the solution into a spray bottle.

To find out more or to book in with Iron Maids just e-mail us on www.iron-maids.co.uk or call 01622 870111 or 01233 779009.

Iron Maids exciting new purchase.

2011-06-06T16:26:00.000+01:00

With the constant onslaught of new technology being released on what seems a daily basis, it’s always good to see that the less pleasurable and mundane tasks are also suitably catered for in the modern world.

When we think of new technology we can all be forgiven for immediately conjuring up images of computers, entertainment systems and mobile communications. Over the years our domestic chores have been hugely lightened by developments in the home, with the advent of newer and more compact components.

Even the most basic jobs such as the vacuuming can now be done by a robot that will navigate its way around your home and complete the vacuuming whilst you are out at work! Irons are no exception to this either. In recent years they have become packed with microchip technology with fast water heaters and temperature controlled auto steamers.

Now ironing has taken another step up the evolutionary ladder with a device called Easyform. This essentially is a manikin torso which will inflate your shirt or blouse with steam whilst at the same time a heater bar is placed along the button line. Further heated clamps are also placed on the collar and cuffs to produce a very quick steam inflation of the garment. The whole process takes under a minute and is guaranteed to produce a great result pretty much every time.

No more bending over a hot ironing board with a jug of water one side and a trailing electrical cable the other for hours on a Sunday morning just give us your ironing so that we can simply place the garment on the machine, clamp it in place and press a button and within a few seconds your beautifully pressed clothes are ready for be hung or worn.

Isn’t technology great.

Why not check out our services on iron-maids.co.uk or call us on 01622 8780111 or 01233 779009

Half term is nearly here

2011-05-23T11:25:00.000+01:00

The logistical nightmare begins for many in a couple of weeks as parents across the country juggle their lives around the May half-term break. No doubt leaving many to question whether this is one school holiday too many.

The logistics and costs of childcare are becoming increasingly worrying. How will parents cope, how do my friends cope, how do you cope?

With only myself to think about when planning a holiday, the toughest part in deciding when to go involves avoiding work commitments and the date of the Hop Farm Music Festival!
Having my future holidays dictated by my children’s school is not something I would look forward to, and without a family network within commuting distance, this type of assistance is a non existent too. I’ve spotted many weary couples recuperating by the beach on my holidays.
Even those of us who have planned to take time off in a couple weeks will have faced a planning headache. The Which? Holiday team received two conflicting reports on the same day about whether holiday prices had increased or been slashed for the half-term.

Research by The Co-operative Travel, says that the price of family holiday to Turkey is down by a third compared to last year’s half-term. But Santander Cards found that the price of half-term family holidays could be up to 135% higher than in the week after, when school reopens. This just leaves parents guessing as to whether they should book future holidays early or wait for last minute deals.

It’s not just the parent’s that are affected either. What about the rest of us left back in the office having to work with depleted staff numbers? As we carry out our daily jobs, a crowd of colleagues exit the building amidst a mass of confusing emails detailing random days off and re-scheduled working hours. Our only consolation is that our commute home will be quicker.
Do school holidays need to be better distributed throughout the year, or should we scrap some of them altogether?

Either way, if you would like more time to do your thing during these breaks, let Iron Maids take away some of the pressure with offers running on dry cleaning and ironing and laundry services.

Why not check out our services on our website http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/. or give us a call on 01622 870111

Facts you didn't know about 'The' Wedding

2011-05-03T15:14:00.000+01:00

Now that all the pomp and ceremony is dying away after the huge event that was the royal wedding, life will soon return to normal. But how much do you actually know about it? Here are a few facts and figures that you may find interesting….

An estimated 2billion people, in more than 180 countries around the world were expected to see reports, photos and TV pictures of the royal wedding, which was covered by more than 8,500 journalists in London alone.

Facebook calculated that 2.8million people in Britain and America alone had written status updates about the royal wedding in the 24 hours before the service began.

In the build-up to the service, Twitter users were posting 237 tweets every second about the royal wedding

An estimated 1,000 miles of bunting was sold to mark the wedding, much of it being used to decorate the 5,000 street parties taking place across Britain.

About 1,900 people were invited to the service at Westminster Abbey, most of whom were drawn from the couple’s relatives and friends, along with 50 members of the Royal family, 40 members of foreign royalty, 200 politicians and diplomats and 80 guests from the Prince’s charities.

Kate Middleton arrived at the Abbey in a Rolls Royce Phantom VI, which had been presented to the Queen for her silver jubilee while Prince William travelled in a specially designed 20.4ft (6.22m) long Bentley.

The train of Kate Middleton’s dress measured 8ft 8ins (2m 70cm), while the red carpet laid from the Great West Gate to the Sacrarium in the Abbey was 300ft long.

As well as flowers from Windsor Great Park and the Sandringham Estate, Westminster Abbey was decorated by Shane Connolly with eight 20ft-high trees, six English Field Maples and two Hornbeams.

Music at the service was performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, the Choir of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, the London Chamber Orchestra, the Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the RAF and the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry.

Three of the pieces of music played before the service were also heard at the Prince of Wales’s second marriage in 2005.

The couple chose a traditional Church of England liturgy from the 1928 prayer book, known as the Series One form of solemnization of matrimony, but Kate Middleton did not say she would “obey” her husband in her vows.

Following the service, the 10 bells of the 1,000 year-old Abbey were rung in a “full peal” lasting more than three hours, in which no sequence of sounds is repeated.

150,000 copies of the Official Programme were being sold by Explorer Scouts and Cadets in central London at £2 each, but it was also available to download as a PDF from Apple’s iBookstore.

In total about 5,000 Met officers were due to police the royal wedding including 900 lining the route of the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. By midday at least 18 people in central London had been arrested for offences ranging from breach of the peace to possession of an offensive weapon.

Now that we are all back to regular hours and full weeks of work, let Iron Maids help with your laundry or ironing needs, we even dry clean Wedding Dresses! Why not check out our services on our website http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

The New Sport of Extreme Ironing

2011-04-26T17:19:00.000+01:00

With the Olympics constantly in the news and the closing date for ticket applications passed, many people see this as a chance of bringing the lesser followed sports into the limelight. One such sport is the specialist sport of Extreme Ironing.

Extreme ironing was born in the UK, so perhaps it is not too surprising that one opportunistic enthusiast used the closure of the M1 motorway to indulge his passion for the sport.
Described as "the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-pressed shirt", extreme ironing fittingly has its roots in Leicester, served by the M1. Phil Shaw, who has written the definitive book on the sport, is often credited with inventing it in 1997 and since then instances have sprung up across the globe. The dressing gown-clad individual who jogged onto the M1 to iron what appeared to be a single white shirt, in reality had enough time to rattle through the rest of his wardrobe, with all southbound lanes between junctions one and four remaining closed until further notice because of fire damage.

The seven mile section had been shut since Friday after a large fire at a scrap-yard underneath an elevated section at Mill Hill in north London. The full width of the motorway didn’t reopen until Thursday.

The good news for extreme ironers is sadly unlikely to offset the misery suffered by motorists and holidaymaker.

So if erecting an ironing board in the middle of one of the countries busiest roads or trying to perfect razor sharp creases whilst sky-diving then why not give us a call as we don’t promise to make the headlines but do promise a professional and affordable ironing service

Why not check out our services on our website http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

Easter is here ......

2011-04-19T08:04:00.000+01:00

Easter is here! … or it very nearly is. Although a fundamental date in the Christian calendar, this is also a time for getting together with friends and family, just sitting down and relaxing in the garden with a BBQ, in order to supply burnt offerings to any poor unsuspecting visitor who happens to drop in! As we all know, the one thing we can guarantee in the

is the unpredictability of the great British weather.

Now this gives you two choices mainly…. lock them outside to face a virtual drowning, with only a water logged burger to aid survival or you can always resume the party from the comfort of the inside of the house. The second option also has its perils, risks like the grubby arm ends on the 3 piece suite, that are a reminder of what fun the children can have in the garden, or the creases in the curtains that usually you don’t notice but as company’s expected, seem to be surrounded in flashing lights to advertise themselves!

So why not get a full spring clean done in the house and all of the covers, curtains and tablecloths professionally dry cleaned or laundered and ironed?

We can offer a full service ready for your Easter break, thus giving you peace of mind and enabling you to relax and enjoy yourself. Give us a call for a quote and you could be surprised how reasonable our rates are too!

Why not check out our services on our website http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

Tumble or line dry ?

2011-04-12T15:51:00.000+01:00

On a more practical level, why would you want to dry your laundry in a tumble dryer? With the ever-escalating cost of electricity and the growing threat of the planets future, when for a few minutes effort, you can dry it for free in the fresh air?

Fresh air is nature's own fabric conditioner, and it's there for the taking. And the stretching and bending involved in loading your line is a mini workout in itself, but without the sweating and the hefty gym membership fees. These days, there's also the concern of the carbon footprint and the energy saving aspect of line drying. That's a consideration, of course, but it doesn't really influence my preference. Like most people in the developed world, I owned a tumble dryer. It used to sit, alone and unwanted, in the utility room. It was only ever used if we had a solid two weeks of rain and I ran out of clean underwear. When it expired, probably in a fit of depression at being so undervalued, I didn't bother to replace it. And I haven't missed it.

Your clothes are a bit like your skin. If they're subjected to too much harsh treatment, the effects will soon become apparent for all to see. Drying clothes naturally will extend their life, giving you an extra saving in addition to reduced electricity costs.

Constant exposure to the heat of the tumble dryer will cause damage to the fabric and may increase the risk of shrinking if you get the temperature wrong. If you don't believe me, just take a look in the filter in your dryer. All the white fluffy stuff you remove on a regular basis once formed part of your wardrobe. Regularly tumble drying your clothes is like constantly exfoliating your skin it's not a good idea!

If all this has failed to convince you to bypass the white box in the utility room, just think of climbing into a freshly changed bed, when the sheets are straight from the line. If they could find a way to bottle that fresh, clean aroma, somebody would literally clean up!

Why not check out our services on our website http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

Mothers Day

2011-03-29T13:13:00.000+01:00

Now the clocks have gone forward and the sun is beginning to emerge out of the damp cloudy skies, it must mean that Spring is finally here! And of course the first date in the diary for this period is Mothering Sunday or Mothers day as it is more commonly called. Have you ever wondered what the history of Mothers day is?

Mothering Sunday is always the fourth Sunday of Lent, however as the dates vary as to when Easter and Lent fall, the actual Sunday chosen to celebrate it does tend to vary. Most Sundays in the year, churchgoers would worship at their nearest parish or "daughter church”. In olden times it was considered important for people to return to their home or "mother" church at least once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their "mother" church.

The return to the "mother" church became an occasion for family reunions, when children who were working away from home returned. The majority of historians think that it was this return to the "Mother" church which led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family. This special day has now become a time when people give thanks to their mothers and offers an opportunity to express both love and thanks for the work that they do. So why not show your mother how much you love and appreciate her by letting us provide a professional service for her.

Why not check out our services on our website www.iron-maids.co.uk. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

What's living in your curtains ?

2011-03-23T17:14:00.002Z

Did you know that household curtains can be free lodgings for over 10,000 tiny dust mites? Curtains are excellent air-filters that trap airborne dust, odours, hairs, smoke and dead skin particles which create the perfect habitat for dust mites. This can cause a wide variety of allergic reactions, including eczema, dermatitis, asthma, dry coughs, hay fever and sinusitis. Having your curtains dry cleaned can help reduce the build up of mites and ease the symptoms of their presence to all members of the household.

It is advised that people should clean their curtains, swags, tails and pelmets at least every six months and much more regularly if anyone in the house suffers from asthma or allergies. Smoke and nicotine can also attack and damage curtain fibres.

We can thoroughly clean and press your curtains, whatever their size, with a level of perfection fit for a show home - We guarantee a truly professional finish! But don’t forget the carpets and furniture covers too. After all what goes up, must come down and you carpet is the ideal landing group for any air born mites, lice and other insects that can be carried in on the breeze. These are also ideal feeding grounds as they have a good steady supply of food debris and skin particles which never make it to the curtains but live a very comfortable life in your carpet and on your furniture covers. So why not have these professionally cleaned too, then sit back and relax with the peace of mind in knowing that your soft furnishings are not a hotel for some less than welcome guests!

Why not check out our services on our website www.iron-maids.co.uk. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

The Art of Housekeeping

2011-03-14T08:13:00.000Z

Do you know what the art of house keeping is ?

“Clean sheets, polished wood and fresh flowers? Have we lost the art of good housekeeping and do we care anyway?” This was the question posed by the BBC’s Woman’s Hour just a few days ago because a brand new enterprise was launched in rural Cheshire, the ‘Household Academy’.

The Household academy is a new seat of learning that is devoted to the many facets of running a home for both individuals and for housekeeping services.

Recent surveys have confirmed that most women do care and if they had the option, would love to be full-time housekeepers, making sure everything ran like clockwork. How is this possible anymore with the majority of people out at work, not only earning much needed wages, but building their careers?

This is where services like Iron Maids can be of help.

Iron Maids can be part of your regular routine. We collect your laundry or dry cleaning at pre-arranged times. We will wash and iron it for you, or if required, just wash or iron. We will fit our service around your needs.

We may not provide you with flower arranging and the social niceties of life, but Iron Maids is fully committed to answering your laundry needs, making things just that little bit easier.

For full details of the areas we cover and our services, check out our website www.iron-maids.co.uk

Spring is the air

2011-03-10T08:52:00.000Z

After what seems to be the longest ever winter, the mornings are beginning to get lighter and the evenings are slowly drawing out. This can mean only one thing…Spring is here – or is it? Do you know when the official first day of spring is? Now-a-days the first day of spring is classed as 1 March, saying March, April and May are regarded as the spring months. But traditionally spring has started on the night of 20/21 March and a row has erupted over the official date.
"You would not regard the first three weeks of June as spring, yet historically summer does not start until 21 June," says a spokesman for the Met Office. "Equally, the bulk of people now regard 1 March as the first day of spring." So whilst that argument rages on, do you know where the term “Spring Clean” comes from? This stems from the days before we had central heating and insulated homes and relied on an open coal fire to keep us warm. During the winter month’s people would keep all windows and doors firmly closed and as a result of the coal fire burning constantly, a film layer of coal dust would cover the entire house with a sooty dust. Traditionally on the first day of spring all of the windows and doors would be opened and a thorough deep clean of the entire house would be undertaken ready for the new summer season.
So why not get your home spring cleaned? We can wash and press all of your curtains, furniture covers and bedding. Don’t forget also that the other side of the business can provide a high quality spring clean, along with carpet cleaning. So why not give your home a complete refresh ready for the long awaited summer to arrive!

Why not check out our services on our website www.iron-maids.co.uk. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

Do you have a Bed and Breakfast establishment ?

2011-02-28T15:25:00.000Z

Do you own or run a Bed and breakfast or guest house? Laundry is going to be one of the main costs for your business in both time and money which no doubt could be better spent in these times of austerity. Whether you currently have a laundry service of undertake this yourself why not give us a try? We offer very competitive rates and a FREE collection and delivery service. We can provide a full washing and ironing service or a service more tailored to your needs like dry cleaning. We have purpose built premises from which we provide a professional and efficient service with our team of fully insured employees.

Our service will allow you to spend more of you time and money on other priorities to help your business run more smoothly. So why not give us a call today and we will be delighted to provide a personalised quote based on your laundry service requirements.

Why not check out our services on our website www.iron-maids.co.uk. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

What is your free time worth ?

2011-02-14T16:52:00.000Z

How much is your time worth? This is probably a question that you don’t ask yourself…if at all. In these tough economic times many people are now finding that they are having to re-prioritise how they spend their time.

As everyone is more concerned with job security, companies are now asking more of us all including putting in more hours for little or no reward thus making our free time all the more valuable.

After doing some quick research it seems that the average time taken to iron a shirt is around 5 minutes. Assuming that it takes about and hour a week to do you ironing every week you are spending almost 3 whole days and nights a year doing nothing else! SO would you rather spend that hour standing in front of the ironing board or enjoying some activities with your family?

Why not let us take care of the ironing? We can also look after the washing and dry cleaning too as we are able to offer you a complete laundry service. We have a free delivery and collection service so every minute you currently spend on laundry at the moment you will get back to do something far more rewarding with your expensive and valuable free time.

Why not check out our services on our website www.iron-maids.co.uk. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

Is today your happiest day ?

2011-02-07T10:35:00.002Z

Now at long last the mornings are getting a little brighter, the temperature a little higher and of course the days a little longer! So with all this good news I was a bit puzzled to hear that the unhappiest day has just passed. So when is the unhappiest day and for that matter the happiest day?

The unhappiest day - Blue Monday - falls on a Monday in January, conversely the happiest day falls on a Friday. It takes into account the likely weather, the prospect of a good weekend ahead, the fact that many people are looking forward to their annual vacation and that Christmas stress is a long way away.

It's no coincidence that the happiest day falls around midsummer; we all tend to feel healthier at this time of year. Vitamin D levels are up, we are outside and moving around more. If we have stuck to our post-winter healthy-eating regime, we are consuming plenty of sunshine salads so are generally close to our preferred weight too. All combine to make us feel good.

But with all that said housework is a chore that makes even the most cheerful of us groan just a little, here are some facts published by the office of National Statistics: Women spend nearly 3 hours a day on average on housework (excluding shopping and childcare). This compares with the one hour 40 minutes spent by men. Women also spend more time than men looking after children. Men, on the other hand, work or study for an average of nearly 2 hours a day more than women (4 hours 20 minutes a day compared with 2 hours 30 minutes for women).

Ironing clothes is the least popular activity among both sexes. Around half of both men and women who do this activity say they dislike it. Two in five men do not do the ironing and a similar proportion do not do the laundry, while the proportion of women who do not do these tasks is fewer than one in 12 women.

So why not let us make every days just a little happier for you by taking care of all your laundry needs!

Find us on http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

Health and Safety Liability

2011-01-31T08:58:00.000Z

One of the most popular questions we get asked from new and perspective customers are “why do you take the washing back to your premises rather than doing it in the home?”. In amongst a wealth of in-home ironing services this is indeed a valid question. Firstly, at Iron Maids we use a range of industrial steam presses. These offer a higher pressure steam jets that offer a far greater range of temperatures which are far more controllable than standard domestic appliances. Although your trusty Hitachi steam iron at home does a great job on your underwear and tea towels it cannot compete with our presses on heavier cottons and fabrics such as denim.

The second reason is that of Health and Safety. Many of the in-home services will insist on a disclaimer being signed as part of the contract stating that any loss or damage must be claimed on your own home insurance rather than their liability insurance. Not only are your clothes at risk but if someone injures themselves inside your home, you as the home owner could be liable to pay compensation for failing to ensure the health and safety of the individual involved.

By taking your items to our premises we are able to press your items to a professional standard, quality check the items before being returned to you and our staff and your items are fully insured by us should the worst happen. We can thus provide you with a professional, prompt service and peace of mind knowing that your items will be individually wrapped and ready to wear as soon as they are delivered to you.

The third and final reason is that as a professional ironing company with dedicated premises we are able to offer a guaranteed smoke and pet free environment.

Why not check out what other services we have to offer on our website http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/. or give us a call on 01622 870111.

WASH CLEANER, WASH GREENER !

2011-01-24T12:47:00.005Z

Iron Maids are able to offer a greener alternative for customers wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. Washing and drying of clothing and linen takes a significant amount of energy but Iron Maids will always aim to wash at the lowest temperature, for the shortest time, without compromising on cleaning.

Iron Maids offer a completely biodegradable washing liquid and fabric conditioner by request.

Whilst Iron Maids do use tumble dryers, we use ‘dryer balls’ which can reduce drying time by up to 25%.

Iron Maids offer customers the opportunity to re-use hangers and plastic wrapping or to have no wrapping at all. As items are returned in specially fitted vans it is perfectly safe to have items returned this way for all but the largest or most delicate of items, where we still recommend wrapping. Customers are welcome to provide their own hangers and wrapping method.

Iron Maids have recently purchased biodegradable laundry bags for the use of our ironing and laundry customers, which means when the bag has come to the end of its useful life we can re-cycle rather than add to landfills.

Why not check out what other services we have to offer on our website www.iron-maids.co.uk or give us a call on 01622 870111.

Fragrant Freshness

2011-01-12T16:31:00.000Z

So, have you ever considered using an ironing oil? If the answer is a resounding NO then the chances are that you have never heard of them or you are not entirely sure what they are.

Ironing oils are scented essential oils that can give a fresh and more fragrant alternative to the standard varieties provided by the vast majority of everyday fabric softeners and conditioners on the market. Available in a range of herb, fruit and floral fragrances, these oils can be used in different ways giving you much more flexibility and control of the scent of your freshly pressed garments.

You can either put the mixture straight into the iron for a powerful fragrance or water the mixture down slightly for a more subtle smell.

Either way the ironing oils are different and great value, your ironing will never be the same again. So why not give them a try! Check out the website below for more details.

www.ancientwisdom.biz

Another successful party season is over !

2011-01-07T14:32:00.000Z

Christmas is the ultimate party season and at the top of everyone's to do list was but the presents, but for women, a very close second was to buy the perfect Christmas party outfit!

Some lucky women already have that perfect dress that fits perfectly and looks amazing, but after the festive season these outfits start to look as tired as we feel. Not to mention the suit jackets that spent the evening on the floor!

To keep these all important outfits looking their best, iron Maids offer a complete dry cleaning service, with free pick up and delivery.

Visit our website for more details, plus Iron Maids news and special offers for the new year. http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/

All over for another year !

2011-01-04T11:08:00.000Z

That's it, all over for another year. The house is full of fantastic new presents, everyone has eaten far too much and all the relatives have left. It has taken weeks to get ready for Christmas and now it looks like it will take weeks to clear up and get straight again!

Once again we are left with a list of things to do for the new year. All the bed linen needs washing, tonnes of recycling to dispose of, kids uniform for the new term and enough housework to keep you busy for a month.

Ironmaids now offer a full laundry service to compliment the ironing service, as well as the dry cleaning and alterations. With so much to do, why not see if we can help you lighten the load.

Visit our website for more details plus Iron Maids news and special offers for the new year.
www.iron-maids.co.uk

Price List 2011

2010-12-22T10:04:00.000Z

Prices correct as of 1st January 2011

Ironing

Mens shirts £1.30ea

Ladies blouse/tunic £1.30ea

Single duvet cover/

fitted sheet £1.60ea

Double duvet cover/

fitted sheet £2.50ea

King duvet cover/

fitted sheet £2.60ea

Valence £2.50 ea

All other items £2.80 per kilo

Starching £0.12 per item

Laundry

Launder & Iron £4.00 per kilo

Laundry only £2.50 per kilo

Dry Cleaning

2 Piece suit £9.50

3 Piece suit £12.00

Blouse £5.00

Coat £11.00

Cocktail dress £9.50

Dinner suit £12.00

Dress £7.50

Jacket £6.50

Trousers £5.25

Skirt £5.50

Knitwear £4.50

Pillow £6.50

Single duvet £18.00

Double duvet £20.00

King size duvet £22.00

Please call for prices on all other items

Repairs/alterations

Please call to discuss your requirements

Minimum order charge is £10.00

Failed collection/delivery charge is £5.00

ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO VAT

It's nearly here !!!

2010-12-21T10:11:00.000Z

'The twelve days of Christmas', a traditional song where the recipient of livestock, milkmaids, drummers, leaping lords and so much more, seems rather cheerful about it all, so it's just as well it's only a song! Surveys tell us that the average female spends far more than twelve days planning, shopping and generally preparing for the holidays. The average time taken is an unbelievable three hundred hours, and a third of that spent inside shops or on the Internet, searching for the perfect gift!

Apparently, most women begin all this activity mid-October, researching presents, decorations and food. All of this frenzy is in addition to work and family commitments, but they do say a women's work is never done!

Iron Maids has one or two helpful ideas for you at this very busy time. Not only do we collect and deliver laundry or dry cleaning, and undertake repairs, we also try very hard to fit it all around your demanding lifestyle, freeing you up for you Christmas preparations.

Iron Maids can also help you out when deciding on presents. You can purchase Iron Maids' Vouchers and these have proved very helpful to elderly customers, they are also great for new mums who are busy looking after babies. Perhaps You know someone who would love an Iron Maids voucher and if so, take a look at our website www.iron-maids.co.uk for more details.

Iron Maids has a quick tip for you ladies; men leave all their Christmas shopping to the very last minute, which means that the shops have sold out of everything. Get those Christmas wish lists in early and just keep nagging. You have been warned!

Or if your too busy to do your own ironing we can do it for you! www.iron-maids.co.uk

Still using tea towels !

2010-12-15T10:35:00.000Z

For many years now the only way to iron the most delicate clothes and garments in order to prevent shining or unsightly impression marks from V-necks and pocket linings was to use the good old tea towel, Now recently new products have been developed which enables you to iron your garments without the fuss of raiding the linen cupboard. Ironing cloths are now no longer a trade secret of the commercial ironer or dry cleaner, these products are now a cost effective solution for an age old problem.

So, what are they and how much do they cost?

Well for starters, they are a light manageable polyester sheet that is heat resistant but enables a greater percentage of heat to transfer onto the item that you are ironing. This in turns means that you no longer have to increase the temperature of your iron as you would normally do when ironing denim, linen or other heavy cotton garments with tea towels, saving you both time and money.

The ironing cloths are priced at under £3 for a pack of 2 so they provide great value for money.

Visit the website below for further details.

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/ironing-cloths/F/keyword/ironing+cloths/product/22614

Still don't fancy it, why not send your ironing to us ! www.iron-maids.co.uk

Most People don't enjoy ironing !

2010-12-09T11:17:00.000Z

If you are one of those then please see some useful tips below that will help you save time and avoid unwanted wrinkles.

Before starting ironing, always check the iron's plate and make sure it's free of mineral deposits otherwise it will leave brown marks as you iron, especially when you press the 'steam' button. A good tip is to clean the steam holes of the plate, make sure the iron is cold and use pipe cleaners dipped in soapy water to scrub the holes. To rinse, turn your iron on and 'steam' the soapy water out onto a rag. If the plate itself is dirty use a soft scrub cream cleaner and rub the plate gently.

You should always fill your steam iron with distilled water particularly if your water is hard like it is here in sunny Kent. To save time and make your ironing easier, we would recommend using a heat reflective cover on your ironing board.

Do NOT forget to set your iron at the temperature indicated by the universal laundering symbols on the tags.

To minimise your ironing time your should fold your laundry as soon as your dryer stops.

For best results you should iron your linens whilst damp and on the wrong side of the fabric to avoid damaging any finishes like embroidery cutwork or lace.

Of course to avoid ironing completely why not try our ironing, laundry and dry cleaning service here at www.iron-maids.co.uk

Have you got your glad rags and handbags ready for Christmas yet?

2010-12-03T13:18:00.000Z

The festive season is drawing ever nearer and now is the time to plan those social events and wow everyone with the way you look. So here at Iron maids, we're ready to sort out your dry cleaning including your party dresses, dinner jackets, and anything less formal.

You don't have to invest in a new outfit every time you're invited out, but you can rejuvenate something bought a few seasons back with a dry clean and press, add a few accessories and you'll be surprised how good it looks! Also, it leaves a few coppers in the purse for new shoes, an absolute must for most ladies.
If that outfit you want to reinvent needs a bit of TLC, Iron Maids can undertake repairs too, so there's no need to despair.

Don't forget we pick up and deliver your laundry, which can include any linen you need for Christmas entertaining, tablecloths, runners, napkins, guest bedding and towels. The cooking we leave to you!
What about the event? Iron Maids is still here to help you clean up the aftermath. You can start all over again with fresh laundry and clothes for the New Year, after all, 'tis the season to be jolly'!

Here's a tip for keeping those special outfits in good condition, it may seem obvious, but do take the time out to put all garments away on the correct hangers and in the wardrobe. If you hang your clothes on just a rail, do cover the clothes with a sheets or in a clothes bag. Sunlight and dust can discolour fabric so badly that the garments become unwearable.

Why not check out what other services we have to offer on our website www.iron-maids.co.uk

Hello and welcome to a new Iron Maids venture !

2010-11-25T14:06:00.000Z

From today we have our own blog where we can keep you up to date about our free collection and delivery ironing service, which includes washing, ironing and dry cleaning.

Not many of you will remember the "Good old days", when stay at home housewives had special days for each domestic task, and Monday was washday. Rain, hail or snow, washing hung around the home, usually in front of an open fire, steaming up the windows and causing chaos. The late, great comedian Les Dawson recalled how the women of Collyhurst, near Manchester, insisted on hanging out their clean laundry, strung out across the back lanes, in spite of the coalman delivering by lorry every Monday !

So, whatever your point of view about things changing for the better, or worse, life has certainly got easier with automatic washing machines and dryers. Iron maids was established to make it even easier for busy households and businesses.

Since we have been established, our domestic and commercial laundry and ironing services have expanded. From August we are now covering the Ashford area which now means we cover a large area from Lenham to Tenterden and all ports in between.

All of these domestic services still boast a two working day turn around and we look forward to welcoming more businesses to our commercial enterprise, which covers restaurants, small hotels, events companies and bakeries. (Remember, recommend us and earn yourself a 10% discount!)

With Christmas on the way we're here to give you a quick turn around for your restaurant, outside catering events and general seasonal rush. We can take some of the strain out of the day to day running of busy companies, and we will try extremely hard to fit our services around your time restrictions.

Check out the rest of our website www.iron-maids.co.uk and see what we can do for you !

Welcome to the Iron Maids Blog

2010-11-11T10:32:00.000Z

We have created a blog to keep you posted on the comings and goings at Iron Maids, the ironing, laundry and dry cleaning specialists.