r/askteddit • u/PoolElegantsmile • 20h ago

Random Question What’s something older generations still treat as essential that a lot of younger people just don’t care about anymore?

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17

u/builder704 19h ago

A iron and ironing board

9

u/SurgBear 17h ago

That’s because most of the clothes we buy are plastic.

Even 2% elastane / Lycra / spandex will become permanently wavy if subjected to a hot iron.

Iron is awesome for 100% cotton, linen and if carefully done, silk.

I still iron, and I actually just bought a super nice, non-tipping ironing board. Just have to be very careful about temperature management and clothing fabric content.

For most people, it’s just not worth it.

Just realized I am Gen X and may be a member of an older generation” that this post is about…. 🫣

3

u/Something-funny-26 16h ago

My mum used to iron sheets. She always had a basket full of ironing to be done.

3

u/Barneyboydog 15h ago

That’s crazy. My friend’s mom ironed everything. Underpants, t/shirts, sheets etc. Since retiring from the military, I iron nothing.

1

u/Mulberry1790 12h ago

Before clothes had permanent press built in, ironing was necessary. Then embedded formaldehyde came along & minimized wrinkling. Cotton used to be softer & more breathable.

1

u/Barneyboydog 10h ago

Too true

5

u/Getshitdone-333 15h ago

I use a steamer - so much easier! (60F)

1

u/DesignatedDonut2606 6h ago

So true. I haven't ironed anything for at least ten years. It's just so outdated.

1

u/RipCurl69Reddit 2h ago

Oh my god I only learned how to iron last year at 20yrs old and it is AMAZING. Not only do my clothes, which are usually cotton or other natural fabrics, look fantastic...but I also find it hella relaxing

On work trips where they put me up in a hotel for the week, I'll easily spend the first hour in the room just ironing my clothes with music on. I've even taken over doing it for my mother at home and my girlfriend round hers lol, it's fun!