Even owners of expensive household appliances sooner or later face the need to clean the iron from burnt fabric. Failure to comply with the temperature conditions leads to the fact that the fibers stick to the sole of the device and become charred. If you iron things with this iron in the future, brown spots will remain on the surface of your clothes and linen.
Types of coatings
When choosing a product to remove burnt fabric, you need to consider the coating material. The following types of iron soles are widely available:
- stainless steel;
- aluminum;
- ceramic;
- Teflon.
The first two types of soles are metal. To rid the surface of burnt surfaces, cleaning agents with hard particles - abrasives - are used. Do not use acids and acetone, as these substances can react with metal.
Ceramic and Teflon soles require delicate handling. After cleaning with abrasives, scratches remain on the iron, attracting small fibers of the fabric. As a result, the device sticks to clothes and linen even more strongly than before. You can wipe off carbon deposits using a special pencil or liquid solutions.
Outsole material
What types of iron soles are there?
First, let's talk about what material the sole of your iron can be made from. It depends on the material which recipes you can use to clean the soleplate of your iron at home. And which ones cannot be used, because... they may damage the device.
Manufacturers choose the following materials:
- Aluminum . Perhaps one of the most popular materials, because... it belongs to the budget category. Aluminum also conducts heat well, is lightweight, but cannot be said to be durable and reliable. For example, an aluminum sole can leave a hole in a T-shirt if the temperature is not adjusted correctly. And you can’t iron the wool at all.
- Stainless steel . The iron will cost more, but its quality will be better. The sole heats up evenly, which minimizes the possibility of damaging the fabric. Stainless steel is durable and resistant to rust and damage. Therefore, you can safely choose even rough cleaning of the iron to remove burnt marks on the sole.
- Ceramics . It glides easily, removes wrinkles well and heats up evenly. Also, threads and fibers do not collect on the sole, and there are no puffs left on clothes.
- Teflon . A good iron for delicate items. But you also need to handle it carefully, because... Scratches may appear on the surface, and Teflon itself wears off faster than other materials.
All the recipes that we will discuss below are suitable for cleaning the ceramic soleplate of an iron. But to clean the soleplate of a Teflon-coated iron, pay attention to only two methods:
- Pencil.
- Vinegar 70%.
General rules for cleaning the iron from burnt fabric
Whatever coating you have to clean from stuck fabric, do not use sharp metal objects (knives, scissors, blades), stiff bristled brushes, or sandpaper. These materials leave scratches on the soleplate of the iron that cannot be sanded out later.
If you use solutions to clean the device, be sure to wipe the device with a damp cloth at the end. After the surface has dried, iron the cotton fabric. Do not leave the cleaner on the soles, otherwise it will later leave a greasy residue on your clothes.
To remove burnt tissue in the area of the holes, use cotton swabs soaked in vinegar (hydrogen peroxide, ammonia). Or wrap a piece of cotton wool around a toothpick.
Method 5. Nail polish remover
A liquid with or without acetone is suitable. But when using this option to clean the iron, be careful: the liquid may damage the plastic parts. Therefore, it is best to apply the liquid pointwise, with a cotton swab or cotton pad. Simply rub the stain until it dissolves.
Life hack: making a template for ironing seam allowances
Cleaning irons with Teflon and ceramic coatings
There are many ways to remove stuck fabric from the soleplate of a modern iron, most of which are available at home. Let's look at the most reliable ones.
Cleaning Pencil
This product is suitable for cleaning burnt soles made of any material: metal, ceramics, Teflon. Removes old traces of burning. Sold in hardware and construction stores, on online platforms. The price varies between 15-150 rubles per piece.
The cleaning pencil does not contain abrasives, so it does not leave scratches on the soleplate of the iron or damage the heating elements. There are products that remove not only burnt fabric, but also traces of scale. The only drawback of the pencil is the strong smell during cleaning.
Examples of cleaning pencils:
- Frash – 90 rubles;
- Topperr IR 1 – 80 rubles;
- Bon – 70 rubles;
- Uniplus – 65 rubles;
- Magic Power – 55 rubles;
- Brite – 35 rubles;
- Snowter – 25 rubles.
The operating principle of all presented products is the same, so you can safely choose the most budget-friendly options.
How to use a cleaning pencil?
- Heat the device to the temperature specified in the instructions (usually 135-150 degrees).
- Tilt the iron 30 degrees. Rub with a pencil in places where burning has accumulated. The product will begin to melt, collect particles of adhering tissue and flow down. Do not press hard on the pencil, otherwise it will break abruptly and you will get burned.
- Let the device cool down. Remove any remaining pencil with a dry cloth.
- Use a stream of steam to remove any stuck-on fibers from the iron's holes.
- Iron the cotton fabric to secure the result.
We recommend: Is it possible to clean an iron with citric acid: 6 simple tips
Paraffin candle
This product is a home equivalent of a cleaning pencil. Suitable for removing only fresh traces of burnt fibers. The procedure is as follows.
- Wrap a long paraffin candle in cotton cloth.
- Plug in the iron and set the temperature to medium.
- Tilt the device and begin to move the candle along the surface of the sole.
- Wait until the iron cools down and then wipe it with a damp cloth.
Hydroperite tablets
You can buy them at the pharmacy. Hydroperite is a combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea, a substance found in cleaning pencils. The product emits a pungent odor, so we recommend scrubbing the iron while wearing a protective mask or on an open balcony.
How to use hydroperite tablets?
- Heat the iron to a temperature of 135-150 degrees, disconnect from the power source.
- Use an uncrushed tablet to wipe the surface with gentle movements, removing burnt marks.
- Wash off any remaining product with a damp cloth.
Acetone
The aggressive substance dissolves burning particles, so cleaning the sole later becomes easy. Paint thinner and nail polish remover are suitable for cleaning the device. Soak a rag in the liquid and wipe away the stains. The iron is turned off. Finally, remove any remaining product with a damp cloth.
When using liquids with acetone, make sure that they do not come into contact with plastic surfaces. This may damage the device.
Soap solution
If little burning has stuck, wash the soleplate of the iron in the usual way. The rag is moistened in one of the following solutions:
- liquid soap;
- dishwashing detergents;
- shower gel;
- shampoo.
Then wipe the device. To enhance the effect, apply pure liquid soap to the soleplate of the iron and leave for 30 minutes. Then rinse off the product with water and wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
Vinegar, citric acid
Every housewife has these liquids in her house. If the fabric is burnt on the iron, wipe its surface with a swab dipped in vinegar or citric acid solution (2 sachets per glass of water). Rinse off the product with a damp cloth. By the way, cleaning the iron with citric acid will help not only deal with burnt soles, but also soften the scale inside the device. This method is suitable for removing fresh traces of burning and is used for preventive purposes. But there is a more radical method.
- Pour vinegar into a wide pan to a level of 1 centimeter.
- Heat the iron to medium temperature, then unplug.
- Place the device with the sole down in the tray with vinegar. Leave for 6-8 hours (overnight is possible).
- Remove any remaining burnt material with a sponge and wipe the iron with a damp cloth.
If you hate wasting a lot of vinegar, then use a cotton cloth soaked in the product instead of a tray. Carry out the procedure in a well-ventilated area, as the solution has a strong smell and irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract.
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) and ammonia
You may have these items in your first aid kit. You can wipe off stuck fabric using hydrogen peroxide or ammonia in the following ways.
- Soak a waffle towel in the solution, spread it on the board and iron it thoroughly until traces of burning are completely removed from the device.
- Heat the iron slightly and then unplug it. Wipe stains from stuck fabric with a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. Use cotton swabs to clean the holes.
We recommend: Why is it forbidden to pour distilled water into an iron with a steamer?
When working with ammonia, keep in mind that its vapors are harmful to the respiratory system. It is advisable to wear a respiratory mask or at least open all the windows in the room. Never wipe a hot iron with hydrogen peroxide or ammonia.
Removing scale from inside
Almost all irons now come with steam - they are more convenient and efficient. During operation, scale forms inside - these are insoluble substances that water contains. They exist if undistilled water is poured into the iron. If the iron has a self-cleaning function, turn it on periodically. If not, you will have to act differently.
This is what was inside the steam iron
Cleaning from the inside
To remove scale from the iron, you need to pour acidified water inside. Scale is salts; an acidic environment corrodes them, they loosen and come out with steam. It is better to take water that is as purified as possible. Better - distilled. If it is not available, it can be boiled or after a good cleaning. Add citric acid to the water. For 200 ml - about 25 grams, per liter - 5-6 tablespoons. You can also add alcohol vinegar (one glass of 9% per liter), but it has a more unpleasant odor.
In order to clean the inside of the iron, you need to fill it with water and citric acid and turn it on until it heats up. And this is what comes out of there
Pour acidified water into the iron reservoir. In terms of quantity - to the maximum. Turn on the iron to maximum temperature. Heat until the light goes out twice or three times. Turn off the iron and go to the sink. We give him a good shake and let off some steam. If it has cooled down and there is still water inside, heat it up again, turn it off and continue cleaning.
The final stage is to pour in clean water and “evaporate” all of it. You can do this over an old impression rag. Usually, after observing what has accumulated inside, they forget to clean the iron less often.
Boiling
The same composition (water with vinegar or citric acid) is poured into a baking tray with high sides. We put two chopsticks on the bottom (you can use them for sushi, you can just use wood chips). The purpose of the sticks is to provide a gap between the baking sheet and the soleplate of the iron.
We place the cold iron in a container on some pieces of wood. The liquid level should be such that it covers the sole, but does not reach the plastic parts. We put all this on the burner, bring to a boil, and leave to cool. Heat again, cool. So 2-4 times. Next, you need to drain the water that got inside the iron through the steam holes. You can drain it through the filler hole. The water will not be clean, usually yellow with scale residues.
Don’t know how to clean the inside of your iron from scale? Water with citric acid
Pour clean water into the iron, rinse and pour out. Then you need to leave it alone until it dries. After a couple of hours, you can turn it on and try ironing.
Cleaning irons with metal coating
This is where products containing abrasives will come to your aid. You can clean the surface of the iron with a dry cloth or an old toothbrush with soft bristles.
Salt
This product is always present in the kitchen. There are two ways to clean your iron with salt.
Lay a cotton cloth on the ironing board. Pour 0.5 cups of fine salt onto it and spread the grains over the surface in an even layer. Turn on the device, set the temperature to medium. Start stroking the salt and continue until the grains turn brown. Allow the iron to cool and then wipe with a dry cloth.
The second method requires caution, as there is a risk of getting burned. Pour some salt into gauze or a handkerchief and form a bag. Plug in the device. Once it's hot, start rubbing the soleplate in a circular motion until the burnt-on tissue comes off completely.
Do not use salt to clean aluminum irons, as the particles are quite large and can damage the coating (aluminum is a soft metal).
Baking soda
The principle of baking soda for removing stuck tissue is similar to table salt. Fine abrasives remove dirt from the surface and absorb it. Baking soda removes even old burnt stains.
The procedure is as follows:
- Pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a cup. Add a little water to make a smooth paste.
- Apply the product to the cold soleplate of the iron and rub with the hard side of a kitchen sponge.
- Remove any residue with a damp cloth.
Toothpaste or powder
Another product that is easy to use. Follow these steps:
- Apply the powder or paste to the cold soleplate of the iron, spread evenly over the entire surface, trying to avoid getting into the holes.
- Try scrubbing off burn marks with a toothbrush.
- Rinse off any remaining product with a damp cloth.
- Turn on the steam flow on the device.
- Iron the cotton fabric several times until no streaks remain on the soleplate of the iron.
Recipe No. 5. How to clean the soleplate of an iron with toothpaste?
How to clean the soleplate of an iron with toothpaste?
Cleaning the soleplate of your iron with toothpaste is very easy.
What to take:
- I love any toothpaste.
- Brush or soft cloth.
- A napkin.
How to clean the soleplate of your iron with toothpaste:
- Apply the paste from the tube to the contaminated areas of the sole.
- Rub with a toothbrush or cloth until clean.
- Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.
This method is best suited if you are thinking about how to clean the soleplate of a ceramic-coated iron.
Preventing the formation of burning marks
To prevent the household appliance from having to be frequently scrubbed with chemical pencils, solutions or abrasives, simply do not allow burnt fabric to appear on it. Even non-stick irons require maintenance. Frequent cleaning, even using proven methods, shortens its useful life.
Helpful tips for preventing burn marks:
- read the instructions on clothing labels and observe temperature conditions;
- Iron woolen and synthetic items not directly, but through a layer of gauze or thin cotton fabric;
- When the iron has cooled down, wipe it with a dry cloth each time.
How often can you clean with salt?
When caring for your iron, you need to distinguish between emergency situations and preventative cleaning. In the first case there are no options. The platform must be cleaned in any case so that the iron can continue to be used.
There is a type of pollution that accumulates gradually. This is carbon deposits from fluffy fabrics and starched linen. A thin, not always noticeable coating, only slightly reduces slipping. But over time, the layers of dirt cake, begin to burn, and completely destroy the working surface of the iron. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to clean it once every six months.
Good glide directly depends on the condition of the ironing platform. Any, even the most expensive iron can become unusable due to scale and soot. If this happens, do not put off cleaning for a long time. After all, in any home there are affordable, cheap products that are perfect for these purposes and will extend the life of the household appliance.
Acetone
Acetone is a fairly effective remedy. The process of cleaning the working surface of an electrical appliance is not difficult.
- There is no need to preheat the iron.
- It is recommended to open the window before cleaning, as acetone has a pungent odor.
Soak a discarded cotton rag in acetone and carefully and vigorously wipe off all dirt from the surface of the base of the electrical appliance. The burn should remain on the rag. After cleaning with acetone, the surface of the iron should be wiped with a damp cloth.
Hydroperite tablet
Some housewives use hydroperite tablets. It is better to carry out the cleaning procedure with the window open, as the tablet will emit a strong odor.
- Turn on the iron and heat it to the optimal temperature. During cleaning, the iron must be unplugged.
- Take a hydroperite tablet and gently wipe it on the hot surface of the iron sole.
- Next, wait until the appliance cools down. After this, take a damp cloth and remove any traces of the tablet and any loose burnt marks from the surface of the sole.
- At the end of the procedure, wipe the cleaned soleplate of the iron dry with a napkin.
