* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
A burnt-out black surfaced iron is your clothes' worst nightmare. A dirty iron leaves stains, burns, and melts certain clothes. Cleaning irons is crucial to keeping your clothes look fresh. An iron – also known as flat iron – removes wrinkles, creases, and straightens out clothes for a good day ahead. Cleaning the soleplates of irons is important. However, there are also other parts of the iron that need to be cleaned. Moreover, cleaning an iron needs to be done a certain way as sometimes you can damage the iron instead. So, what are some of the right ways to clean an iron?
This guide will break it down using some very effective and simple steps required without investing in very expensive products. It recommends 10 ways to clean irons and also gives some maintenance tips that help your iron last longer.
Before following the step-by-step-guide, here’s a video that can further help you understand how to clean an iron:
10 Ways to clean an iron
1. The Tylenol Trick
This is one of the most effective ways of cleaning the residue left on the soleplate of your iron. Turn on the iron, and turn the thermostat to the highest one. Once it is hot, leave a Tylenol tablet on the burnt area. It will melt, turn into a gel form, and dissolve on the burnt area. Then using a paper towel or semi-wet cloth, wipe the soleplate. You might have to repeat this a few times to get it to look squeaky clean.
Before doing this, remember to be careful and not burn your fingers. You can wear mittens or heat-proof gloves too. Moreover, don’t hold the tablet with metal tweezers or pliers as they can very easily scratch the surface. Once scratched, the iron stays that way.
2. The Baking Soda Mixture
Baking soda is used a lot for many household problems. It is also known to clean ovens and dishwashers as well. Similarly, by creating a simple baking soda paste, you can also clean your iron. Using two tablespoons of baking soda and about 1 tablespoon of water, create a paste and apply it on the burnt areas of the soleplate. Make sure to not accidentally let the mixture go inside the steam holes. However, if it doesn't accidentally go in them, then make sure to remove it otherwise it will clog the holes.
3. Vinegar Solution
Another common clean supply often found in the kitchen is vinegar. It also happens to be a great solution for cleaning iron soleplates. Simply soak a towel in some vinegar and let the iron sit on the towel for a bit – the plate should be in contact with the towel. Remove it after 30 minutes and wipe the towel on the plate. This way is especially good if there are corrosion marks on the iron.
4. Vinegar in the Water Reservoir
This method is especially useful for steam irons. The steam vents can be cleaned by creating a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water – half and half ratio. Then, iron a piece of rag or towel, and steam iron it. This allows the residue to escape the vents and will also get rid of the vinegar.
5. The Magic Eraser Way
Magic eraser is an excellent tool to clean a burnt iron soleplate. It is a must-have especially if the iron has hard-water spottings. Wet the eraser and rub it on the soleplate while turned off. Keep rubbing until the stains don’t come off. Wet it again if needed.
6. Steam Hole Cleaning
As mentioned above, keeping the steam holes unclogged is important. A very easy way to clean them is to use cotton swabs. They fit right in and clean them out from inside. You can also soak them in white vinegar (distilled) to make sure you get all the grime out.
7. Ice Cubes and Plastic Knife
If your iron soleplate has melted plastic sticking on the soleplate then this hack is the best. After the iron has collected the plastic, turn it off and allow it to cool. Put ice cubes in a pan or metal bowl and place the soleplate on the ice. This will harden the plastic very quickly. Then, using a plastic knife, scrape away the plastic from the surface. Then, spray the surface with vinegar, and using a towel or rag, clean the soleplate.
8. Newspaper and Salt
Salt and newspaper also happen to be an easy cheap way of cleaning your iron. Turn the iron on and increase the temperature to the highest setting. Put a newspaper sheet on the ironing board, sprinkle some salt on the newspaper, and iron the newspaper in circular motions. Pour more salt if still unclean. You can also use a brown paper bag as a newspaper replacement.
9. Nail Polish Remover Hack
Another way to clean your iron is to use a nail polish remover, Yes, you heard that right. Simply dip a cotton ball in nail polish remover, and clean the iron plate. Make sure the iron is turned on and the soleplate is hot. Wearing heat-proof gloves is highly recommended. The nail polish dissolves all residue, but make sure you don’t do it around kids or pets.
10. Dryer Sheets
Using dryer sheets to wipe the iron soleplate when the temperature is at the lowest is also a great way to clean your iron. When the dryer sheet becomes hot, ditch it, and grab a fresh one, until the iron is completely clean.
How to maintain an iron?
We often make certain mistakes that do more harm than good to our irons. To ensure that your iron does not get burnt or damaged easily, here are some tips to remember. These help the iron last for longer.
- Clean the iron regularly. Most people say twice a year but make sure to follow what the manufacturer recommends.
- Use distilled water instead of tap water to clean. Tap water can clog vents, damage the iron, and corrode metal.
- Fill the water reservoir while the iron is cool. Make sure to wipe the water droplets before plugging them in.
- Place the iron in an upright position when not in use. This prevents leakages, and keeps the soleplate unharmed from other surfaces,
- Do not run the iron over buttons, metal zips, plastic zips, snaps, and decals. Also, make sure to follow the settings recommended for specific fabrics.