How to Repair Built-In Ironing Board

A built-in ironing board is a device which pulls down from a cupboard. It is connected to the back of the board, usually by screws and other tethers, although it can also be connected via a swing system somewhat like a lazy Susan. The ironing board can itself be somewhat difficult to maneuver, but the main problems lie in not being able to get the board to come out of the cupboard, or the legs and other parts of the board failing. Fixing these problems should not be difficult for anyone with a little bit of home improvement knowledge, and by following a few simple rules you can get the job done quickly and easily.

Step 1 - Sticking

If the problem you are experiencing is the board sticking inside the cupboard, and not pulling out properly, then you should be able to make a difference by unscrewing the ironing board from its support. Using your screwdriver, remove all of the screws, and take the board completely out of the cupboard. Clean off any dirt or debris around the hinges and screws, using liquid soap and a sponge, and wipe clean and manipulate the hinges. Adding a little bit of oil here might also be very useful. The hinges should be easy to move around. If you have any difficulty, or there is corrosion in the hinge, you should replace this part with a brand new one.

Step 2 - Legs Failing

If the ironing board is not a new one, then you may find that the legs which support the ironing board when it comes out of the cupboard sometimes fail. This can happen in two ways, the legs might collapse when ironing is being done, ie fold away suddenly, or they may be too stiff to move out. The screws which hold the legs in place can be removed, and replaced by new ones, or they can be cleaned and replaced. The brackets which secure the legs can be taken off of the board and placed into a bowl of soapy water. Leave them for 3 or 4 minutes, and then scrub off any loosened dirt or debris. When you fit the new screws, tighten them in as much as possible, in order to prevent the legs from moving too loosely in the bracket.

Step 3 - Repairing the Cover

The cover of a built-in ironing board can become very untidy over time. This problem is down to age and wear and tear, but this doesn't mean that you can't remove it and replace it with a different one. There are many ironing board covers available in local home improvement stores, and these an simply be strapped over the top of the ironing board without having to remove the cover.