Buying Guide for the Best Ironing Board Covers
Choosing the right ironing board cover can make your ironing experience much easier and more effective. A good cover will help the iron glide smoothly, distribute heat evenly, and protect both your clothes and your ironing board. When shopping for a new ironing board cover, understanding a few key features will help you pick one that suits your needs and makes ironing less of a hassle.Size and FitSize and fit refer to how well the cover matches the dimensions of your ironing board. This is important because a poor fit can cause the cover to slip or bunch up, making ironing difficult or even dangerous. Most covers come in standard sizes, but it's best to measure your board before shopping. If you have a small tabletop board, a standard or large cover won't fit. Similarly, a large, wide board needs a cover specifically designed for it. Look for covers labeled with sizes or ranges, and if possible, choose one with adjustable fasteners or elastic edges to ensure a snug and stable fit for your exact board.
Material TypeThe material of your ironing board cover affects durability, comfort, and how easily your iron moves over it. Common materials are cotton, felt, and sometimes metallic layers. Pure cotton covers are soft and tend to be breathable, allowing steam to pass through, which is good for most everyday ironing. Covers with a metallic or silicon layer reflect heat, speeding up ironing times, and may benefit those who iron a lot. Heavily padded or felt-based covers provide extra support for delicate items and can help reduce marks from the board itself. Consider how much you iron and what types of clothing—choose a simple cotton cover for light use, or a more complex cover if you iron frequently or do a lot of steam ironing.
Padding ThicknessPadding thickness is the layer of cushioning between the cover's surface and the ironing board. Thicker padding makes ironing smoother by preventing the board’s hard surface from imprinting marks on your clothes. Thin or no padding might be enough for very occasional or light ironing, while medium to thick padding is better for frequent use or for ironing delicate fabrics. If you often iron linens or delicate items, opt for a cover with plush padding—this is usually marked in millimetres, with thicker being more supportive. If you only iron occasionally or use your board for quick touchups, a thinner pad is usually sufficient.
Heat and Steam ResistanceHeat and steam resistance refers to how well the cover handles high temperatures and moisture from steam irons. A good cover should not scorch, melt, or become damaged after repeated use. Some covers are specially treated or have reflective surfaces to withstand more heat and help concentrate it for faster ironing. If you use a steam iron regularly, look for a cover that mentions steam permeability or breathability, as this will help avoid water buildup and keep the cover from getting soggy. For regular dry ironing, a basic heat-resistant cover will suffice, but for intense steam ironing, invest in one that can handle both heat and moisture.
Fastening MechanismThe fastening mechanism determines how the cover stays attached to the ironing board. Common types include drawstrings, elastic edges, fitted corners, or clip-on straps. Secure fastening prevents the cover from slipping or bunching, which is essential for safe and easy ironing. If you iron often and want to avoid frequently readjusting the cover, look for one with a combination of elastic edges and additional straps or clips. For light ironing or if you prefer easy removal for washing, a simple elastic edge or drawstring might be sufficient. Tailor your choice to how much stability you want during use.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning refers to how simple it is to wash and maintain your ironing board cover. Since ironing can transfer starch, residue, or water stains onto the cover, being able to machine wash it is a helpful feature. Some covers are spot-clean only, while others can be thrown into the washing machine. If you iron a lot or use spray starches, choose a cover that is machine washable to save time and effort. If you iron only occasionally, spot-cleaning capability may be enough.