A worn, scorched or slippery ironing board cover makes every session harder than it needs to be. Learning how to fit an ironing board cover properly takes only a few minutes once you know which fitting type you are working with. This guide covers the three most common methods, elasticated, drawstring and pre tensioned Smartfit, using the genuine fitting instructions published on each product page at Essentials Fix. By the end you will know how to change your cover, how to wash it, and which replacement suits your board.
Quick Answer: Fitting a New Cover in Three Steps
For anyone short on time, here is the short version.
- Remove the old cover and make sure the iron is switched off, unplugged and completely cool.
- Lay the new cover over the board with the correct side facing up and the pointed end aligned with the nose of the board.
- Secure the fitting mechanism, whether elastic, drawstring or pre tensioned edge, evenly around the underside of the board until the cover sits smooth and tight with no wrinkles.
The exact technique depends on which fitting type your cover uses. Most covers sold today rely on one of three mechanisms.
- Elasticated: a stretch elastic hem sewn into the edge of the cover, pulled underneath the board and released to grip.
- Drawstring, also called easytie: a fabric channel around the edge with a cord that is pulled tight and tied or toggled underneath the board.
- Pre tensioned Smartfit: an elasticated edge that is stretched tighter at manufacture, designed to fit fast with minimal adjustment, common on one size fits all covers.
What You Need Before You Start
- A new cover sized correctly for your board, such as those in the Ironing Board Covers collection
- An optional felt pad underlay for extra cushioning, if you want one
- Scissors, only if trimming a felt pad to shape
- A clean, dry ironing board surface
Safety warning: always check the iron is switched off, unplugged and completely cool before removing or fitting any ironing board cover.
Step by Step: How to Fit Each Type of Ironing Board Cover
1. Fitting an Elasticated Ironing Board Cover
An elasticated cover, such as the Minky Easyfit Ironing Board Cover 110 x 35cm, uses a stretch elastic edge and needs no ties or clips.
Tools required: just the new cover, no extra tools needed.
- Unplug the iron and let it cool fully, then remove the old cover and check the board surface is clean and dry.
- Lay the new cover over the board with the top fabric facing up.
- Starting at one end, pull the elasticated edge underneath the board and work it around the full perimeter.
- Stretch the elastic evenly on all sides so the cover sits smooth and tight with no wrinkles or loose fabric.
- Check that the point and the wide end of the board are both fully and securely covered before switching the iron on.
Common mistake to avoid: pulling the elastic tight at one end first and leaving the rest loose, which causes the cover to bunch or slip during ironing. Work around the whole edge evenly instead.
2. Fitting a Drawstring (Easytie) Ironing Board Cover
A drawstring cover, such as the Minky Drawstring Easytie Ironing Board Cover 122 x 38cm, fastens with a pull cord instead of elastic.
Tools required: just the new cover, no extra tools needed.
- Remove the old cover and check the board surface is clean and dry.
- Fit the pocket at the pointed end of the cover over the nose of the ironing board.
- Pull the cover back over the board so it sits centrally with the top fabric facing up.
- Gather the drawstring running around the underside edge and pull it tight so the cover sits smooth and even.
- Tie or toggle the drawstring securely underneath the board to hold the cover firmly in place.
Common mistake to avoid: pulling only one section of the drawstring tight and tying it off before gathering the whole cord evenly, which leaves a loose, wrinkled patch on one side.
3. Fitting a Pre Tensioned Smartfit Ironing Board Cover
A pre tensioned cover, such as the Minky Smartfit Reflector Ironing Board Cover 125 x 45cm, uses a super tight elastic edge for a fast, one size fit.
Tools required: just the new cover, no extra tools needed.
- Remove the existing cover and confirm the ironing board surface is clean and free of debris.
- Position the cover over the board so the top pattern faces upward and the felt backing sits against the board.
- Pull the pre tensioned elastic edge underneath the board, starting at the wide end.
- Work the elastic evenly around the point and both long sides until fully tensioned and wrinkle free.
- Check the fit is tight and even before switching the iron on.
Common mistake to avoid: fitting the cover upside down so the reflective or patterned side faces the board instead of upward, which hides the intended finish and surface benefits.
Optional Step: Adding a Felt Pad Underlay First
For extra cushioning, fit a Minky Smartfit Felt Pad Cover, 122 x 45cm beneath any of the three cover types above. This is an underlay, not a cover on its own. Lay it directly on the bare board, trim it with scissors to follow your board’s shape if needed, then fit your chosen cover over the top as normal.
Elasticated vs Drawstring vs Smartfit: Which Fitting Is Easiest?
| Fitting type | Example product | Fitting difficulty | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elasticated | Minky Easyfit 110 x 35cm | Easy, no ties needed | £3.27 | Fast, everyday replacement |
| Drawstring, easytie | Minky Drawstring Easytie 122 x 38cm | Moderate, needs tying | £3.64 | Boards where elastic slips or wears quickly |
| Pre tensioned Smartfit | Minky Smartfit Reflector 125 x 45cm | Easy, very fast fit | £4.77 | Regular ironers wanting a heat reflective finish |
| Budget elasticated | Robert Scott Standard Patterned | Easy, no ties needed | £2.24 | Occasional ironers on a budget |
How to Wash an Ironing Board Cover
Care instructions differ by backing material, so always check the specific product before washing. The felt backed Minky Easyfit is machine washable on a cool cycle. Foam backed covers, such as the Minky Drawstring Easytie, are generally best spot cleaned or wiped rather than machine washed, since machine washing can damage the foam layer, so always check the manufacturer care label first. Whichever cover you have, let it air dry fully before refitting it to your board.
How to Change or Replace an Ironing Board Cover
Beyond routine washing, a cover is worth changing when the elastic has slackened, the surface has developed shiny scorch patches, or the fabric feels thin and no longer glides smoothly under the iron. Replacing at that point protects your clothes from marks and keeps ironing efficient. Browse the full Ironing Board Covers collection or, if you already own a Minky board or simply prefer the brand, the dedicated Minky Ironing Board Cover collection to find a matching size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which fitting type my ironing board cover uses? Check the edge of your current cover. A stretchy elastic band means elasticated or Smartfit, a fabric channel with a visible cord means drawstring or easytie.
How to fit an ironing board cover if the board is an unusual shape? Lay the cover over the board first and check the pointed end lines up with the board’s nose before pulling the elastic or drawstring tight, adjusting evenly from there.
How to change ironing board cover without any tools? Elasticated and Smartfit covers need no tools at all, just hands to pull the elastic underneath the board and around the edge.
How to replace ironing board cover if the old one has fused to the board? Allow the iron and board to cool fully, then gently peel the old cover away from the corners inward before fitting the replacement.
How to wash an ironing board cover safely? Check the specific care label, wash on a cool cycle if machine washable, or spot clean foam backed covers, then let it dry fully before refitting.
Can I use a felt pad under any cover? Yes, the Minky Smartfit Felt Pad is designed to sit beneath any standard elasticated ironing board cover.
What size ironing board cover do I need? Measure your board’s length and width before ordering, since covers list the maximum board size they fit, such as 110 x 35cm or 125 x 45cm.
Is a pre tensioned Smartfit cover harder to fit than an elasticated one? No, Smartfit covers use the same general elasticated fitting method, just with tighter pre stretched elastic for a faster finish.
Next Step
Once you know your board’s measurements and preferred fitting type, fitting a fresh cover is a five minute job rather than a chore. Compare the full range in the Ironing Board Covers collection or head straight to the Minky Ironing Board Cover collection to find the right size and fitting type for your board.
