The most common objects I see dumped by the side of Rubbish Bins, are old Ironing Boards.
Why do people throw them away?
An Ironing Board is an Ironing Board, is an Ironing Board. They don't need changing or even updating. They aren't objects of fashion where this year's model is more desired than last year's. They are there to perform a simple service, not to be admired or derided. They are not 'designer' objects.
So, what can go wrong with an Ironing Board? The protective material can become burnt, but replacing it could be done by a two-year-old. The bit where you rest the iron itself can become damaged, but, again, it wouldn't be beyond a two-year-old to mend it.
I have no idea how much a new Ironing Board would cost; £30 maybe? So, why chuck the old one (and in such numbers) when a slight repair could be undertaken in minutes.
I would love to know how many Ironing Boards are thrown away each year. In Brighton alone it must be HUNDREDS.
The only other object that comes even close to the number of dumped Ironing Boards, is that of Office Swivel Chairs. They're EVERYWHERE too!
Some people have more money than they have practical sense.
ReplyDeleteThat was my feeling too!
DeleteI've changed my ironing board once in about 45 years. The first one I think was handmade. The board was a piece of heavy wood. I prefer my lightweight one now. However the locking mechanism underneath is a bit bent and sometimes it collapses down a few inches. I may throw it and buy a new one. There are reasons.
ReplyDeleteAnd for desk chairs. We have one with a wonky back. I'd love one that is more upright and supports my back.
I think most of the Office Chairs I see are broken, so more understandable to see them thrown out. Usually the Ironing Boards are perfect.
DeleteI can't recall when I last Ironed anything. I suspect folk are taking after me.
ReplyDeleteMe too. You may have hit on the answer!
DeleteLike Adrian I no longer iron anything so my ironing board is still in pristine condition.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know where ours is; nor I suspect does Lady M.
DeletePerhaps you could start a business selling 2nd hand ironing boards?
ReplyDeleteI have had mine for years and use it about twice a week to iron shirts.
I don't think anyone wants them. I'd end-up with a garage full of Ironing Boards.
DeleteI have never seen an abandoned ironing board here. Perhaps the high disposable income in Brighton accounts for them. A throwaway city.
ReplyDeleteI think Adrian had the answer; people just don't iron anything any more!
DeleteFor any Brightonians thinking of abandoning their ironing boards, may I suggest that you repurpose them as surfboards or donate them to UNIBRO*.
ReplyDelete*Up North Ironing Board Relief Organisation.
If Brighton is anything to go by, I quite expect UNIBRO is already swamped with old boards.
DeleteWe also accept old broads but definitely no Norfolk Broads!
DeleteI suspect it's because people don't do ironing any more, they've all got tumble driers. Having said that I don't have a tumble drier, neither do I do ironing, I just hang it on hangers on the washing line to dry in the wind...but I do have an ironing board just in case.
ReplyDeleteYou sound exactly like us!
DeleteThe welding failed on part of my ironing board. A trip to local blacksmith and it is now good as new. I realise that in a large city a blacksmith will probably be hard to find. Fortunately I live in the countryside.
ReplyDeleteWe have a friendly Blacksmith near us in France. For a few Euros he will always fix stuff. They're a dying breed.
DeleteI’ve only had two ironing boards and only got the second one because the iron I got ( of which I’ve only had a couple ) had to have a special ironing board with lots of holes … don’t ask 🤣!!! I remember a lady took an ironing board in to the Repair Shop as it held sentimental value and was left in the flat that she lived in years ago !!!!! It’s not that often that I need to get the ironing board out these days ! XXXX
ReplyDeleteI can't remember when I last ironed anything. I no longer wear crisp white shirts, etc.
DeleteAnother non ironer here. A few exceptions: old damask napkins and the odd shirt. But generally just drip dry.
ReplyDeleteI think Adrien nailed it. The old wooden one can be repurposed for other uses but the modern metal ones seem too flimsy.
The Non-Ironers seem to be winning. I think that's the answer.
DeleteI haven't used one in 25 years. I would toss it to make room.
ReplyDeleteIf I could find mine, I would probably do the same.
DeleteCro, I still iron... not much, but the occasional shirt or guest pillowcase that needs touching up. And I enjoy it... it's actually relaxing. Our ironing board is built into the wall and pulls out. Have had it for 40 years.
ReplyDeleteA built into the wall one is ideal. Our ironing board is in a cupboard under the stairs and is a pain to get out. It tends to stay out for a couple of days after use!
DeleteYes, that sounds ideal. Out of the way, yet convenient when you need it.
DeleteI might use mine for a puzzle. I don't have a card table.
ReplyDeleteI have 7.5 inches of snow on the ground and won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Oh dear, we had a little drizzle this morning, but that's all. Maybe our Snow will come tomorrow.
DeleteNobody irons today. There is little to no use for the ironing board.
ReplyDeleteI imagine that is so. Which is probably a good thing!
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