Genius Iron-Cleaning Hacks

Sometimes, freshly ironed clothes get strange stains on them despite going through the washer recently. This is usually the direct effect of using an iron that has some kind of stain or mineral deposit on its base. The easy way to prevent this from happening is to apply one of these five useful tricks for cleaning an iron.

Cleaning the Iron Is a Must

When unusual black stains on ironed clothes or rusty tinges on steamed sweaters appear, it is usually the fault of the iron. Turns out, it’s not just the clothes that need maintenance but the iron as well.

Cleaning the iron’s base not only extends its lifespan but also safeguards the fabric. Different iron issues require different cleaning methods, so here are five common issues and how to solve them.

Removing Black Marks

There are a few methods for removing black marks from the base of an iron. First, sprinkle salt or baking soda on paper towels placed on the ironing board. Heat the iron to medium-high, then use it to iron the towels. Let the iron cool, then wipe it with a damp sponge and dish soap.

Another option is to dampen and rub a Magic Eraser sponge on the warm iron’s base. For stubborn black spots, heat the iron to its highest setting and press an acetaminophen tablet onto the spot with some pliers.

Cleaning Mineral Deposits and Grease Streaks

White vinegar is used for removing white calcium and red iron stains because the acetic acid in it is safe and effective for breaking down minerals. To use it, mix equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water, put a sponge in the mixture, and wipe the base of the iron.

Stains on the iron usually result from starch and detergent residue. To remove them, dampen a clean cloth with vinegar or rubbing alcohol, gently wiping the soleplate. Allow the iron to warm up a bit, which helps soften the greasy residue for easier removal. If you don’t have vinegar or rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover can be used. Alternatively, you can employ dryer sheets, which both absorb grease and clean the iron’s surface.

Clearing Clogged Steam Vents

To clear the iron’s vents, use tweezers or a toothpick to remove stuck-on fibers or debris. Next, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and give the vents a scrub to eliminate the remaining residue.

To descale the iron, put a mixture of equal parts distilled water and white vinegar in the reservoir. Turn the iron on high and let it steam for 10 minutes.