Abstract: A steam ironing machine includes an ironing board, a steam generator to convey steam to a steam iron, a heater for the ironing board, a suction device to remove residual moisture from ironed clothes. The ironing board is rotatably mounted by hinges with respect to a support element between two positions, i.e. a work position where the board is horizontally disposed and a rest position where the board is vertically disposed. The ironing board rotates from the work position to the rest position with the board tip directed toward and adjacent the support. Rotational movement of the ironing board in both directions is controlled by shock absorbers which aid the operator in achieving this rotation movement and at the same time absorb stresses resulting from this rotational movement.