Perfectly pressed clothing makes a statement to the world and lets you put your best foot forward. Your iron is, of course, used on clean clothing, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get dirty.
In fact, grimy buildup on the flat soleplate and mold in the water reservoir tank are common. The grim affects both the iron and your clothing, so it needs to be removed regularly. How do you clean an iron?
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Iron Clean
As you use your iron, the soleplate can get sticky from spray starch. It can also gather dust when not in use. When spraying the steamer button to tackle tough wrinkles, you introduce water minerals to the soleplate.
When the soleplate is dirty, the iron won’t glide over your clothing as smoothly. This affects how well your clothes are pressed and how easy it is to iron them. It can also impact the cleanliness of your clothes.
The water reservoir tank is another area of concern. When the water lingers in the tank between uses, it can grow mold. The next time you use the steamer function on your iron, those mold particles will spray across your clothes. If you use tap water, mineral deposits can build up in the steamer vents and impact how well your iron works.
How Often Should You Clean Your Flat Iron?
The suggested cleaning frequency depends on how often you use your flat iron. If you regularly iron your clothes, the iron should be deep-cleaned monthly. However, if you notice residue on the soleplate or mold in the reservoir, you should clean the iron as soon as possible.
What Is the Easiest Way to Clean an Iron?
The easiest way to clean an iron is by taking advantage of its heat and steam functions.
Create a paste out of baking soda and water, and rub the paste on the soleplate. Then, use a damp hand towel to wipe the paste off. Turn the iron on, and use the steam function to iron over a dry towel. By doing so, you’ll remove any paste that got lodged in the holes before it has time to dry.
How Do You Remove Sticky Residue From Iron Soleplate?
If your soleplate is still covered in a sticky residue after cleaning it with baking soda paste, you can apply a non-abrasive, general-purpose cleaner to it. Make sure the iron is cool before spraying the cleaner. Use a non-abrasive scrubber to wipe off the residue. Then, wipe the cleaning product off with a damp cloth.
How Do You Clean Steam Vents on an Iron?
If your iron’s steam vents are clogged with hard water mineral deposits, start by making a paste with water and baking soda. Rub the paste over the soleplate, and wipe it off with a damp cloth. Then, moisten a cotton swab with distilled water. Swab each of the steam vents.
Make a solution of one-part white vinegar to three parts water, and add this to the reservoir tank. Turn the iron on using the steam mode, and run it until all of the diluted vinegar is gone.
How to Remove Burn Marks From Iron?
Burn marks on an iron are often caused by a combination of high heat, hard water residue, dust, dirt and melted fibers.
To remove the marks, turn the iron on full heat with no steam. Run the iron over an old towel until the marks are gone. Then, sprinkle table salt on the towel, and repeat the process.
How Do You Keep an Iron Clean?
Once your iron is clean, you understandably want to keep it that way for as long as possible.
Always read the clothing’s care label before ironing. Avoid using excess heat as this can damage the fabric and leave residue on the iron. After each use, use distilled water and a clean cloth to wipe down the soleplate.
Before storing the iron, empty the reservoir tank. Because dust and dirt will land on the iron between uses, it’s also smart to wipe off the soleplate again before using the iron.
How Do You Keep an Iron Clean?
- Clean your iron regularly with baking soda paste.
- Rather than using tap water, use distilled water in the steam tank reservoir.
- Empty the water tank and wipe down the soleplate after each use.
- Place your iron upright in between uses. Do not lean anything against the soleplate.
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