Cleaning your iron is very important if you want to extend its life. If you are looking for the best way to clean an iron, then this article will tell you about all the easy ways you can have your iron looking and working as good as new, in just a few steps! From homemade solutions to special cleaners, such as the Dritz Iron Off Cleaner, you can get from Amazon now!
Why do irons need to be cleaned?
While your iron might be used regularly at your home, it is often one of the most neglected household items. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your iron does not ruin your clothes, or cause other issues while ironing.
Due to regular use of the iron, the base or the soleplate at the bottom might start to take on a darker color. It might also get burnt sometimes, which would harm your clothes while ironing. However, it is easy to clean your iron at home and get it right back to its usual look and feel.
How to clean iron with baking soda?
Baking soda is a common household item which can work miracles when cleaning the iron. All you will need is a tablespoon of baking soda, diluted with two tablespoons of water.
- Mix the ratio of baking soda and water and make a paste out of it.
- Now, evenly spread the paste on the affected areas on the underside of the iron, or spread it all over the soleplate evenly.
- Leave the paste on for a few minutes before using a soft cloth to rub and clean off the iron gently. Make sure that your towel is not dripping wet with water, as this will harm the metal.
- You can also use a Q-tip to clean the individual steam holes of the iron and get rid of any dirt, gunk or build-up.
How to clean an iron with vinegar and salt?
- You will need to mix two parts of white vinegar with one part of salt, and heat it over medium heat just until the salt dissolves.
- Allow this mixture to cool for a while before using it on the iron. For your safety, ensure that you are wearing gloves and a mask (as the smell might be quite strong) before cleaning it.
- Use a soft brush or a soft cloth to pick up some of the vinegar salt solutions, and gently rub this on the soleplate to clean off any residue, dirt, or burn marks off the iron.
- Clean the salt and vinegar residue off the iron with a clean cloth before using it on your clothes.
How to clean an iron using a dryer sheet?
You can use a straightforward method to clean an iron by just using a dryer sheet. Turn on your iron to the lowest temperature setting; you can even wear some protective cloth gloves for your hands. Now, using a clean, new dryer sheet, rub the soleplate gently to rid the iron of any dirt and gunk.
Once you have done this, turn on your iron to a standard setting and iron a clean cloth or rag, to rid the soleplate of any dryer sheet residue. This simple cleaning step can help you keep your iron clean, gunk free and as good as new!
How to clean iron with toothpaste?
This trick might seem too easy to work, but it works miracles! Just spread some of your favorite toothpaste on your iron’s soleplate and buff it using a clean, soft cloth. Steam the iron and use it over a clean cloth to have the soleplate sparkling and looking fresh.
Commercial products to clean an iron
However, there might be cases when the build-up or residue on your iron is too stubborn to remove just by these simple home remedies. For removing more robust build-up, here are some of the best commercial products you can use to clean iron.
Dritz Iron-Off Hot Iron Cleaner
image source: dritz.com
Product description
Cleaning residues off your iron’s soleplate; be it detergents, dirt, gunk, or even starch has never been easier than with Dritz Iron Cleaner.
Features
- Non-toxic formula
- Easy to use a squeeze bottle
- Non-flammable solution to avoid disasters
Pros
- Completely safe and non-toxic
- Works on all kinds of residue on the soleplate
- Can be used regularly in minimal quantity
Cons
- There is a slight chemical smelling odor left on the soleplate after applying the solution. However, after cleaning the soleplate with a damp cloth and using it once, the chemical smell vanishes and your iron will be as good as new.
Conclusion
An easy to use solution for cleaning your iron at home. Click here to check the current price on Amazon.
Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner
image source: faultless.com
Product description
Living up to its name, Faultless Iron Cleaner allows you to clean off any burnt stain, residue, dirt, glue or starch off your iron immediately, with compelling results!
Features
- Can be used immediately after an accident while ironing (you do not have to wait for the iron to cool down, Faultless can be used even on a hot soleplate)
- Completely non-toxic solution
- Removes all kinds of residue from a variety of soleplates
Pros
- Can be used even on a hot iron
- A safe and non-toxic solution for all homes
- Easy to use
Cons
- The product has just enough fluid to use it only once. However, there is a larger sized product available if you need to clean more than one iron. You can even buy multiple packs of smaller tubes.
Conclusion
A one-step solution to cleaning your hot iron soleplate immediately. Click here to check the current price on Amazon.
Rowenta Iron Cleaner
image source: rowenta.com
Product description
An all-in-one soleplate cleaner, Rowenta comes along with a handy applicator and a cloth to help bring your iron back to life with just one swipe!
Features
- Works on a variety of soleplate materials
- Cleans and protects your soleplate
- Non-toxic solution
Pros
- Comes with a free applicator and cloth
- Can be used on all types of soleplates
- Removes scorch marks, gunk and residue easily
Cons
- There might be smoke when using the product on your iron. However, the smoke is entirely odorless and non-toxic. It is recommended to clean with Rowenta in an open space so that the smoke does not affect you or anyone else.
Conclusion
If you have an old iron, Rowenta is the perfect product that will bring it’s life back! Click here to check the current price on Amazon.
How to prevent iron from building up residue
Neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance is the top reason for irons to build-up gunk and residue. Ensure that you use the simple home remedies mentioned above to clean it and avoid any build-up on the soleplate regularly.
Also read: How to clean sterling silverware.
