Hazards of Extreme Ironing

Extreme ironing is an activity which combines a household chore with the danger and spirit of an extreme sport. Allegedly invented in Britain, extreme ironing helps you to keep fit whilst looking smart at the same time!

Part of the attraction and interest the media has towards extreme ironing seems to centre on the issue of whether it is really a sport or not, and the overall concept is widely considered to be lighthearted and whimsical. The sport of extreme ironing involves taking your iron and ironing board to an out-of-the-ordinary location where you then smooth out your garments and banish any unwanted creases and crinkles.

Some locations where such performances have taken place include a mountainside, a forest, in a canoe, whilst skiing or snowboarding, underwater, whilst parachuting and under the ice cover of a lake. The performances have been conducted by individuals as well as groups, so you might even be able to cajole your friends into joining you on extreme ironing expeditions.

There are even world records for the 'sport' and on 10 January 2009, 128 divers broke the world record for ironing underwater.

Extreme ironing is continually branching off in different ways, with bungee ironing being one of the latest thrills to be pursued. It has also inspired other forms of unusual extreme activity, such as Extreme Cello Playing.

As with any extreme sport, extreme ironing requires some safety considerations. If you are new to the sport then start off small and work your way up to the more daring locations.

It is worth familiarising yourself with the surface you are going to be ironing on and to wear padding, a helmet and suitable clothing, especially if you are planning to iron on top of a rock, mountain or other risky location.

If extreme ironing doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then remember there are iron safety tips for the home as well. Purchasing an iron that automatically switches off if it is not touched or handled for a number of minutes diminishes the risk of fire should it get knocked over, fall, overheat or malfunction.

When you have finished using your iron, remember to stand it upright and let it cool down fully before putting it away. If you have a steam iron then empty out any water remaining in the iron once you have finished. Also, wrap the flex around the base of the iron where there is a specially designed groove at the bottom.

Using your household appliances in a safe and responsible way can help to keep your home insurance premiums down as you are less likely to make a claim. When searching for home insurance online make sure you compare quotes from different providers to ensure you get the most for your money.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.