Cleaning your iron with salt is as simple as it is effective to remove stains and protect it for years to come. Using common whole sea salt, kosher or rock salt, all you have to do is iron the salt crystals to remove the stains. The effect can be further enhanced by combining the salt with another component, such as ammonia, foil or newsprint.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Routine Cleaning
Step 1. Turn on the iron
Set it to the highest temperature available and let it warm up. It will probably take several minutes for it to reach its maximum heat level. There should be a light on the iron to indicate when it has reached the required temperature.
Remember that the iron will be hot, so be very careful to avoid scalding or burning objects around you, especially those made of materials that can melt, such as plastic
Step 2. Pour the salt onto the kitchen paper
Tear several sheets off the roll and fold them together to form a compact square about the size of a CD case, then pour some salt over the paper (this will probably take about a tablespoon).
- To clean the iron you must use coarse salt, you can choose between whole sea salt, kosher or rock salt.
- If the paper towel doesn't work, you can try pouring some salt on a cotton handkerchief and repeating the process.
Step 3. Run the iron over the salt
When it has reached the correct temperature, use it to iron the paper you sprinkled the salt on. Continue for a minute or two; should be enough to completely clean the soleplate of the iron. Generally the dirt will stick to the salt, leaving the metal clean and shiny.
If you notice stains left, add more salt and try again
Part 2 of 3: Remove Stubborn Stains
Step 1. Use salt and aluminum foil
If some stains just don't want to come off, simply pour a tablespoon of rock salt on a sheet of aluminum foil and iron it as if it were a garment after waiting for the iron to reach the maximum available temperature. This method should be able to remove any dirt or any materials stuck to the soleplate of the iron.
- This system is particularly effective if there are loose plastic residues on the bottom of the iron that you have not been able to remove in any other way.
- You can also use whole or kosher sea salt.
Step 2. Try using salt and newsprint
Pour a little salt on a few sheets of a newspaper and iron them over them. Also in this case it is essential to use coarse salt, you can choose between wholemeal sea salt, kosher or rock salt. Continue ironing the newsprint for at least a minute to make sure the salt rubs against the stains.
This method is particularly useful for removing a waxy substance that has stuck to the bottom of the iron
Step 3. Clean the metal with ammonia after using the salt
To defeat stubborn stains, you can try combining the cleaning power of ammonia with the abrasive power of salt. After ironing the kitchen paper (or a cotton handkerchief, foil, or newsprint, depending on the type of stain), take a clean rag and moisten it with a little ammonia. Wipe it with extreme caution on the hot plate of the iron.
- Remember to turn off the iron before cleaning it with ammonia, otherwise you risk getting burned.
- Don't forget to wipe the bottom of the iron with a clean rag after using the ammonia to prevent its pungent odor from transferring to your clothes the next time you want to iron.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Future Damage
Step 1. Clean the iron after each use
To avoid having to intervene to remove problematic stains, it is important to follow the normal rules for good maintenance of the iron and remember to clean it after each use. When you're done ironing your clothes, let it cool and then give it a quick clean using kitchen paper and a common household cleaner.
Make sure you remove all traces of detergent from the soleplate after cleaning it to prevent it from transferring onto your clothes the next time you want to iron
Step 2. Always empty the water tank
When you have finished using the iron, it is a good idea to throw away any water left in the tank. Do not try to store it inside the iron for later use.
Leaving the water inside the tank while the iron is not in use will risk it becoming stagnant and creating deposits of limescale and other mineral salts which you will then have difficulty removing
Step 3. Only put the iron away when it is cold
When you are done ironing, it is important to give it time to cool completely before placing it in a protected place. It must be cold to the touch.
