In order for the iron to serve for a long time and reliably, without needing repairs, it is necessary to provide it with proper care - effective and gentle at the same time. Most modern models are very convenient and practical to use thanks to the self-cleaning function and non-stick coating. However, under the influence of certain factors, even unpleasant situations can happen to them. The easiest and fastest way to clean a dirty iron soleplate is to use a special pencil. Having previously understood the types, composition and principle of action, you can choose the best option for the product.
Why does the soleplate of the iron get dirty?
There are several reasons for soil contamination:
- prolonged use of an electrical appliance, as a result of which a plaque forms from constant heating (even being invisible to the naked eye at the initial stages, it leaves marks on the products);
- discrepancy between the set temperature regime and the type of fabric;
- contact of the hot surface of the iron with products made of plastic or polyethylene.
Reference! All these factors, both individually and in combination, lead to the impossibility of further use of the iron. The device needs urgent replacement or proper cleaning.
Where can I buy?
You can buy a urea bar for cleaning your iron at any hardware store. As a rule, such products are also available in the assortment of large household appliance stores (in the departments of related products). Of course, you can order online, but this option makes sense only when purchasing “in addition” to some larger product (otherwise the delivery cost will be several times higher than the price of the cleaning product).
Composition and principle of operation of the pencil
In appearance and consistency, the cleanser resembles a small paraffin candle or school chalk in a plastic or foil package. Its average thickness is two centimeters, and its length is up to ten.
The main active ingredients are organic acid and urea or ammonium nitrate. Dyes and fragrances may also be present, but these are not required components. There are no abrasive components in the composition, therefore, damage is excluded.
For greater efficiency and ease of use, some manufacturers additionally include cleaning wipes, brushes and a special descaling agent in the kit.
The product is universal and suitable for all surfaces, including Teflon, ceramic and aluminum.
The principle of operation is as follows: you need to run a pencil over the heated surface once or twice and the resulting deposit will dissolve. It's much easier and faster than cleaning a sofa .
Is it possible to restore a damaged surface?
Even if the iron is used correctly, over time the surface of the sole wears out and becomes covered with small scratches.
You can reduce the roughness of the Teflon ironing element in the following way:
- cut a small piece from the paraffin candle and grind it on a grater;
- mix the shavings with a pinch of finely ground salt, place the mixture on a piece of cloth and spread it in an even layer;
- place a piece of thin cloth (or paper napkin) on the mixture;
- heat the iron and iron the material several times;
- turn off the device and clean the soleplate with a dry cloth.
After the procedure, the scratches should become invisible and the sole should be smooth.
ATTENTION! If the method using a candle and salt did not help improve the condition of the Teflon, the non-stick layer can be restored by contacting a service center.
Types of pencils and prices
To make it easier to make a choice, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of the most popular products and their approximate cost.
Pencil Typhoon
Typhoon is a urea-based product that effectively removes traces of dirt, as well as burnt textiles and plastic from the surface of irons with any coating. The safe composition allows you to use the pencil without subsequent additional cleaning. As a result of use, the sliding ability of the iron improves. This pencil from domestic manufacturers is available at a cost of 100 rubles.
Pencil Snowter
Snowter is a universal stain remover that, in addition to dirty iron surfaces, can be used to clean a sofa at home. This domestic product easily copes with even old and ingrained traces of rust, burnt marks, soot, as well as other types of contaminants. Suitable for metal, ceramic, textile and many other surfaces. Since the concentration of chemicals is very high, you need to use it with gloves. The price of the product, depending on the outlet, can vary from 100 to 250 rubles.
BON
The cleaning product from the German company BON Professional easily removes heavy carbon deposits from the soleplate of the iron and ensures easy glide over the fabric after cleaning.
Its main advantages are:
- safety for iron surface coating;
- economical use;
- ease of use.
You can choose to purchase such a pencil yourself or in a special set, which also includes:
- Teflon nozzle with heat-resistant properties (it is easy to put on and attach to the soleplate of the iron) - an effective solution for severe carbon deposits;
- liquid for cleaning the internal space from scale - it is mixed with water in certain proportions, poured inside a heated iron and evaporated.
The set is available at a price of 600 rubles. The cost of one pencil is 150 rubles.
Pencil "Magic"
The “magic” cleaning pencil is produced in Ukraine. It contains ammonium nitrate, as well as citric and adipic acids. According to manufacturers, the product instantly removes the remnants of various fibers and starch, as well as carbon deposits and deposits formed during operation. You can buy this budget product for only 35-45 rubles.
Coating features
Teflon is a white or transparent (when applied in a thin layer) substance that has significant frost and heat resistance and strength. The material is also resistant to chemicals and acids.
Advantages and features of irons with Teflon-coated soles:
- ease of sliding of the device over the fabric, high quality ironing;
- the ability to iron delicate materials that are sensitive to high temperatures without the risk of damaging the item.
IMPORTANT! The disadvantage of the Teflon surface is the low resistance of the material to scratches, therefore, when using a household appliance, you should strictly follow the operating rules of the device.
Is your iron coated with Teflon?
Not really
How to use a pencil to clean your iron
All considered options are used according to the same principle:
- Cover the surface on which the iron is placed (ironing board or table) with old newspapers and a piece of old unnecessary fabric that is quite thick.
- Turn on the electrical appliance, wait until it heats up to 130-150 degrees and turn it off.
- Rub the soleplate of the iron evenly with a pencil. As it “paints,” the product will begin to melt, so the device must be held at an angle so that liquid substances do not flow into the openings of the steam system.
- If the contamination is too heavy, repeat the procedure.
- Release a stream of steam to clean the holes.
- Wait until it cools down.
- Remove any remaining stains with a thick cloth made of linen or cotton fibers.
- Finally, clean the steam holes with a cotton swab.
Expert opinion
Sofia Kovalevskaya
Experienced housewife.
Ask me a question
When in contact with a heated surface, the chemicals contained in the pencil emit a pungent odor - therefore, when starting work, you need to open the windows in the room to ensure effective ventilation.
Choosing the right one
Experienced housewives, for example, choose the Selena iron cleaning pencil. And this is exactly the case when they say: “Cheap and cheerful.” The main thing when buying is to pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Most pencils are universal and are designed to clean surfaces made of any material, be it steel, aluminum, ceramics or Teflon. They do not contain an abrasive element that can cause scratches on the soleplate of the iron. Therefore, if you decide to buy a pencil for cleaning your iron, the instructions for use should be carefully studied. Familiarize yourself with it in advance, otherwise you will get a new problem instead of benefit.
Useful tips
Simple recommendations will help you achieve better results when cleaning your iron.
If the packaging of the product is made of polyethylene, it must be removed. Wrap one of the edges of the pencil with thick paper or a piece of fabric to make it more convenient to hold. It is better to work with gloves to prevent burns when removing remnants of the melted product. You must first read the instructions.
It wouldn’t hurt to know what you can urgently use if you don’t have a pencil at hand.
- Soak a piece of natural fabric in table vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. Rub the heated sole vigorously.
- Rub the cold surface with toothpaste without abrasive particles, and then turn on the iron. Use a piece of soft cloth to make circular cleansing movements. To prevent the paste from clogging into the holes, first turn on the steaming mode.
- Rub the heated iron generously with laundry soap, cool and remove dirt with a soft cloth.
These methods give results for minor stains. In more serious cases, they will not be able to replace a special pencil.
Proven methods for removing carbon deposits
Below we will look at the most popular methods for cleaning the soleplate of an iron from unfortunate burns. When choosing any of them, it is important to strictly follow the recommendations.
Paraffin candle to the rescue
To work, you will need a moderately thick paraffin candle. Its length doesn't matter. Wrap the candle in a thin cotton cloth. Plug in the iron. As soon as its sole becomes very hot, begin to move the candle wrapped in fabric along it. While doing this, hold the iron over an old newspaper or cloth. The point is that heated paraffin will begin to melt and drip down along with carbon deposits. When finished, wipe the soleplate of the iron with a dry, clean cloth. After this, wipe the soleplate with any clean but unnecessary cloth to remove any remaining paraffin from the iron.
Be carefull. If your device has a textured base, paraffin often gets stuck in the pattern. It will be difficult to get it out of there later.
Vinegar is the first assistant
Very often, any household surfaces in the house are cleaned with vinegar. Iron is no exception. To clean its soles from yellow soot, you need to use a cotton pad previously soaked in vinegar. Wipe the steel with a swab until the burnt material softens and comes off. You need to use a cold iron.
If the carbon deposits are very dense (old), soak any cotton cloth in vinegar and set the iron on it overnight. During this period of time, all deposits on the sole will soften and then fall off.
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Soda
You can also use a soda solution to clean the heating device. Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in one glass of moderately warm water. Stir well. Then soak a cotton cloth in the mixture and wipe the iron until the carbon deposits are completely gone.
But under no circumstances rub the soleplate of the iron with a dry abrasive. You can scratch it.
Peroxide (hydrogen peroxide)
In this composition, simply moisten a cotton swab and wipe the warm sole of the iron. You need to act continuously until all the darkening disappears completely. After treatment, wipe the bottom of the iron with a dry, clean cloth.
Laundry soap
This method is even suitable for cleaning a Teflon-coated iron (Tefal and other models). Turn on the iron to the minimum setting. Take a regular bar of laundry soap and rub the device with it. After a couple of minutes, the product softens the burn marks. All that remains is to wipe them off with a dry, clean cloth and clean the steam holes with matches or a cotton swab.
Toothpaste
You can also clean your iron from carbon deposits with toothpaste. Only for this you need to take the usual white compositions, but not multi-colored gel ones. Take a small amount of abrasive toothpaste onto a clean cloth and rub it on the steel of the iron. The sole must be heated. Then wipe off the composition with a dry, clean rag.
Salt
You definitely have salt in your kitchen, so it will help out in cases where there is nothing else suitable. If possible, try gentler methods first, as salt leaves scratches.
Sprinkle a small amount of salt onto a clean piece of paper or cardboard. Iron it with a hot iron without much pressure.
Another option: put a couple of tablespoons of salt in a cotton bag and wipe the heated surface of the device with this package.
For stubborn stains, you can enhance the effect with vinegar. Add salts to the acid in a 1:1 ratio. Keep this mixture on low heat until the crystals are completely dissolved. Use a cloth soaked in the solution to wash off stains. Just remember to put on gloves first.
Those places where the dirt is very strong can be carefully scraped with a plastic spatula. Finally, remove any residue with a sponge and water.
Solvent
Nail polish remover, acetone or any other solvent you happen to have on hand will do. With their help, you can quickly remove traces of melted polyethylene.
Please note: the iron must be cold!
Soak a cotton pad in a small amount of liquid and rub the affected area. After all excess has been removed, go over the base with a damp cloth.
A few more methods
In addition to the above, there are other quite effective cleansing techniques.
- Hydrogen peroxide – soak a cotton pad in 3% hydrogen peroxide and rub the affected areas vigorously. Unnecessary plaque will dissolve and come off quickly. The device must be cold!
- A matchbox is an unexpected solution, but, judging by the reviews, very effective. Take a new box and treat the heated sole with the side on which the match is lit.
- Foil – I personally tried this recipe and confirm that it works. Just take the foil and iron it with a hot iron. The burnt material will flake off and stick to the metal sheet. When dirty, turn the foil over or replace it with a new one.
- Toothpaste is a delicate polish that removes dirt well. Squeeze out a little paste and brush the lukewarm surface with a soft brush in a circular motion. All that remains is to walk over it with a wet cloth.
- Candle – wrap a regular paraffin candle in cotton cloth. Pass this workpiece over a hot iron, pressing lightly in the most affected areas. The unit should be held at an incline so that drops of paraffin flow down and do not clog the steam holes. So lay newspapers down or place a tray.
You will learn several additional options for dealing with soot from the video.
Indelible pencil
Using this product you can clean an iron even with a ceramic coating. Chemical pencil is sold at any hardware store. It's inexpensive.
Pencil option
One pencil is enough for two to three cleanings of the iron. The tool should be used in the following order:
- Plug in the iron and set it to medium setting.
- Remove the pencil from its outer packaging. Hold it, after leaving the second part in the paper.
- Move the pencil along the heated steel of the iron. During melting, the product will dissolve carbon deposits. In this case, both dirt and pencil components will drip down. This means that don’t forget to lay down an unnecessary cloth or newspaper.
- While dissolving the carbon deposits, wipe it off with a clean rag.
Be careful when working with a pencil. The soluble product, if it comes into contact with the skin of the hands, causes minor burns. Pencil fumes are not harmful to humans. These are ammonia vapors.
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Cleaning the soleplate of the iron (video):
Dear readers, that’s all, maybe you have your own proven ways to clean the soleplate of an iron, share your experience in the comments! I look forward to your feedback, and don’t forget to subscribe to receive news from the “Comfort in the Home” website. See you again!
