A dirty iron can cause a lot of problems, especially if you have a large pile of clothes to iron. Over time, water can leave mineral deposits. If you use spray on starch or other products, this can leave dirt behind the iron plate. Fortunately, irons are relatively easy to clean, especially if you do this regularly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Iron with Baking Soda
Step 1. Make a paste
Make a paste consisting of 1 tablespoon of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. The paste should be slightly runny, but still thick enough to stick to the ironing plate.
Use filtered or distilled water, if you can
Step 2. Apply the paste on the ironing plate
You can apply the paste directly to the ironing plate. If the iron is only dirty in one area, you don't need to apply the entire paste. If you're just doing regular cleaning, it's fine to apply the paste all over the ironing plate.
- You can use your fingers to apply the paste or use a spatula.
- You can let the paste sit on the iron for a few minutes if there is a lot of dirt on the iron.
Step 3. Prepare a clean, damp cloth
You will be using this cloth to remove the paste, so make sure it is clean. Wet the rag. Squeeze out excess water and wipe off any paste that is on the iron.
Apply a generous amount of paste, especially if the iron is very dirty
Step 4. Use a cotton swab to clean the steam vent
Dip a cotton swab (which people usually use to clean their ears) in fresh distilled water. Clean each steam hole using a cotton swab.
You may need to use more than one cotton swab if there is a lot of dirt coming out of the hole. Use a new cotton swab if there is a lot of dirt stuck to the cotton
Step 5. Fill the ironing water container
If there is any water remaining on the iron, be sure to empty it first. You can do this by opening a hole in the water reservoir and turning it over. Once empty, use distilled or filtered water and fill the water container about one-third.
You can also fill the ironing water bowl with a mixture of 180 ml of water and 60 ml of white vinegar for a stronger cleaning solution. However, you should read your iron's manual to make sure it is resistant to vinegar
Step 6. Turn on the iron
Turn the iron on to the highest setting and make sure the steam setting is also turned on. In this step, the steam and heat will wash away the dirt and mineral deposits in the steam vent.
Be careful when handling hot irons. Do not let your hands get burned by the steam escaping from the iron
Step 7. Iron a clean cloth for a few minutes
Choose a clean cloth that doesn't matter if it gets dirty. If there is dirt on the iron, it can leave brown streaks on the rag. You only need to iron a rag to clean the iron. If there is a manual steam button on the iron, press the button frequently to help release more steam.
A kitchen towel might work for this step
Step 8. Turn off the iron and allow it to cool
Make sure the iron is on a protected surface (such as a kitchen counter covered with a towel). When the iron cools down, the remnants of old dirt will flow out of the iron.
If there is any residual water in the iron tub, be sure to remove it
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning the Iron with Vinegar and Salt
Step 1. Mix two parts white vinegar and one part salt
This mixture will be heated on the stove over medium heat. Heat until the salt dissolves, but the vinegar should not boil.
Unfortunately, this solution may have a strong odor, but it will make a good cleaner for your iron
Step 2. Allow the solution to cool
Allow the hot vinegar to cool. The solution should be warm, but not hot enough to cause burns.
Wear food gloves to protect your hands from the smell of vinegar
Step 3. Dip a clean cloth in the vinegar mixture
This mixture will be used to clean the iron plate by rubbing the cooled mixture on the bottom of the iron.
- You can also use a soft brush to do this, except for irons that have a teflon coating as the brush can scratch the coating. Do not use a wire brush as this will damage the iron plate.
- This is a great way to get rid of scorch marks on your iron.
Step 4. Rinse the iron
After cleaning, any remaining solution must be removed from the mixture. You can do this by dipping a clean cloth in white vinegar and gently re-cleaning the iron.
After that, you can turn on the iron and use it to iron an old but clean rag. This will help remove any remaining solution that may have been left behind
Method 3 of 3: Other Ways to Clean the Iron
Step 1. Rub a new dryer sheet (thin sheet like tissue that goes in a washing machine dryer to soften clothes) on the iron
Turn on the iron on the lowest setting. Take a new dryer sheet and rub the iron gently until all the dirt is gone.
When you're done, turn on the hot iron and iron it with a clean cloth to remove any debris left by the dry sheet
Step 2. Fill the water reservoir on the iron
You should use white vinegar and distilled water, or filtered water, if available. Turn on the steam feature on the iron and iron a piece of heavy cotton cloth for five minutes. Remove the vinegar solution from the iron bath and clean the ironing plate with a clean towel.
Be sure to check the manufacturer's manual to make sure the iron is resistant to vinegar in the water bath
Step 3. Use toothpaste to clean the iron plate
Rub a small amount of toothpaste directly on the cold ironing plate, making sure to clean any soiled areas. Wipe off the toothpaste with a clean cloth. Turn on the steam feature on the iron and steam the cloth for five minutes.
Step 4. Clean the sticky iron with newspaper
If something is sticking to the bottom of the iron, turn the iron on and turn off the steam feature of the iron. Rub a hot iron over the newspaper until it's clean.
If the iron is still sticky, you can sprinkle some salt on the newspaper and repeat the process. This method can remove any sticky substance
Tips
- If you want to clean other parts of the iron (other than the platen), use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe the iron. Remember, this is an electrical appliance, too much water can damage the iron.
- Commercial iron cleaners are also available, if you wish to use them. Follow the instructions carefully if you use this method.
- If you are using a steam iron, you should always drain any excess water that is in the iron. This will help prevent the formation of deposits on the iron.
- It is usually best to use water that has been filtered for ironing instead of distilled or tap water.
