If the iron starts to drag fabrics when you run it over your clothes or you notice residue on the soleplate, it's time to clean it. You have to treat the soleplate and the steam holes, the points most prone to accumulation of debris, especially if you use tap water. You can use commercial cleaners, specially designed for the iron, or rely on household cleaners, such as vinegar, salt, baking soda, toothpaste and dish soap.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: with salt and vinegar
Step 1. Mix one part of vinegar with one part of salt in a saucepan
Heat the mixture on the stove until the salt dissolves, stirring occasionally to speed up the process; you can remove the pan from the stove when the vinegar starts to boil.
Step 2. Dip a clean rag into the warm salt and vinegar solution
Wear waterproof gloves, such as dishwashing gloves, to protect your hands from hot liquid. Depending on the type of surface you are working on, you should consider covering it with a towel or newspaper, as vinegar is quite aggressive on natural stone and marble.
Step 3. Scrub the soleplate until it is clean
Don't forget to also treat the steam holes to remove limescale deposits; if necessary, also clean the outside of the appliance.
- Note that the salt and vinegar mixture removes the burnt stains from the griddle.
- If the rag is not abrasive enough to remove the encrustations, you can use a scouring pad or a kitchen sponge; However, check that it is not made of metal, otherwise you run the risk of scratching the iron.
Method 2 of 4: with Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Combine the baking soda with the water
Use one tablespoon of water and two tablespoons of baking soda, mixing thoroughly in a bowl until the liquid is completely absorbed and you get a mushy mixture.
Step 2. Use a spatula to spread the paste onto the iron
Focus on the areas covered by particularly stubborn encrustations, making sure to cover them entirely; do not apply a layer that is too thick, it is sufficient that it covers the surface evenly.
Step 3. Remove the dough with a wet cloth
Don't be afraid to scrub hard areas vigorously until you get rid of all the baking soda and grime residue.
- Baking soda can leave a white residue on the surface of the iron. You may need to wipe it with a damp cloth several times to remove it.
- Rinse the cloth every time so you don't get the baking soda all over.
Step 4. Clean the steam holes with cotton swabs
Dip them in water, then insert them into the holes to scrub and remove the limescale deposits and bicarbonate residues.
- When finished, bring the iron to the sink and let out any water that may have entered the holes.
- Avoid using metal clips or other similar objects that could scratch the plate.
Step 5. Fill the water tank with water and iron a cloth
Use a scrap fabric, as it could get dirty with residue left in the iron. Turn on the appliance at maximum temperature and drag it on the rag for a few minutes; clean water should remove the last deposits.
- Discard any remaining water in the sink.
- Wait for the iron to dry; be careful not to leave it on a delicate surface, in case some sediment drips from the steam holes.
- Use a clean rag to test the iron before using it on a garment. This way, if any residue remains, you won't risk staining or damaging an item of clothing you care about.
Method 3 of 4: Other Household Products
Step 1. Mix warm water with mild dish soap in a bowl
The amount of detergent depends on how dirty the iron is; remember that the solution must be much less concentrated than the one you use for washing dishes.
Step 2. Dip a cotton rag in the solution and wipe the soleplate
Remember to scrape the steam holes, as they are subject to limescale deposits; you can just scrub the rest to get rid of the dirt.
This gentle treatment is ideal for plates with Teflon coating, which is similar to that of non-stick cookware and very vulnerable to scratches
Step 3. Wet a cloth with water and use it to scrub the appliance
Continue like this until all traces of soap are gone. Place the iron vertically on the kitchen counter or table and wait for it to dry; you can put a cloth underneath to absorb any dripping.
Step 4. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the plate
Make sure it is a traditional toothpaste and not a gel product, as it has a foaming effect that others do not possess; apply a dose equal to a coin.
For extra cleaning power, mix the toothpaste with a little baking soda and vinegar
Step 5. Wipe the plate with a rag
Pay particular attention to the steam holes, as they are subject to different types of encrustations. If the appliance is particularly dirty, you can use a kitchen sponge or scourer to remove stubborn residues.
Do not use any metal tools as you may scratch the plate
Step 6. Wipe off the toothpaste with a damp cloth
Work carefully to remove any soap residue, otherwise you could stain your clothes the first time you use the iron.
Step 7. Fill the appliance with water and use it on a fabric
Make sure it is a waste cloth because stubborn encrustations could stain it; set the iron to maximum temperature and rub it on the rag for a few minutes. The clean water should wash away any toothpaste residue left in the holes.
- Discard any remaining water in the sink.
- Let the iron dry in the air.
Method 4 of 4: Clean the Steam Holes
Step 1. Pour white vinegar into the appliance tank
Fill it up to a third of its capacity and if you fear that the liquid is too aggressive, you can dilute it with an equal dose of water.
Step 2. Turn on the appliance and let the steam develop
Set the temperature to maximum and wait for the vinegar to evaporate completely; this should take 5-10 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can place a rag on the ironing board and wipe it with the appliance until the tank is empty; you should see all the dirt transferring to the tarp.
- Use a cloth that you can throw away, as it is likely to get stained in the process.
Step 3. Pour plain water into the iron
Check that the tank is full and turn on the appliance. Activate the steam function until you have used up all the water; in this way, you get rid of residual dirt present in the holes and traces of vinegar.
After letting out the steam, remember to wipe the soleplate with a rag to wipe away any remaining deposits
Step 4. Use a cotton swab to finish cleaning
Dip it in a solution of water and vinegar in equal parts and rub it into each hole in the steam; this operation eliminates stubborn encrustations.
- Cleaning the holes ensures good performance of the appliance.
- Avoid the temptation to use paper clips or other hard metal objects, as they may scratch the soleplate.
Advice
- Consult the manufacturer's instruction manual before trying any of the methods described in the article; some irons need to be cleaned with products specific to their type of assembly.
- Regardless of how you clean the iron, then always fill it with water following the manufacturer's instructions and operate the steam function to free the holes.
