How do you clean a burnt iron?

It can be difficult to remove scorch marks from your iron. If left untreated, they can damage your clothing.

Regular cleaning keeps your iron in top condition and prevents unsightly stains on your clothes.

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How do I clean a burnt iron?

If the metal plate of your iron is burnt, there are several ways to get the plate shiny again.

You can even use inexpensive household items that you probably already have in your kitchen cupboards.

Andrea Phillips of the Air Tasker Blog said: “The main signs that your iron needs cleaning are if the iron drags instead of glides when you iron your clothes, and if you notice sticky stains on the fabric you just ironed.”

Here are some helpful methods for cleaning the bottom of a burnt iron:

Clean a burnt iron with salt

Although you might not immediately think of using salt for cleaning, it can be very effective and also help to combat condensation.

Place a clean, dry cotton cloth on your ironing board, sprinkle the cloth with a generous amount of sea salt and set the iron to a high temperature. Then iron over the salt crystals several times until the burn marks disappear.

Clean a burnt iron with baking soda

Baking soda is another household product that is very useful for cleaning tasks.

The cooking product not only does its job, but it is also a gentle way to remove burn marks.

Make a paste of two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water.

Spread it over the iron plate while it is cooled. Make sure the paste does not get into the steam holes of the iron.

Then rub with a clean, scratch-free cloth.

Wipe the paste away with a damp cloth. The stains should be gone.

Clean a burnt iron with toothpaste or white vinegar

To ensure this cleaning method is performed safely, make sure the iron is cold, unplugged and the water tank is completely empty.

According to Philips, toothpaste and vinegar are the best options if the previous methods don’t work.

Make sure the plate of your iron is completely dry before you begin.

Take a small amount of toothpaste and rub it over the surface of the board with an old rag or tea towel.

You can use vinegar to remove stubborn stains or sticky residue from an iron.

Andrea PhilipsAirtasker Blog

Make sure to avoid the steam holes.

Wipe away the toothpaste with a damp sponge or cloth.

Once this is done, the iron should look as good as new. However, let it dry completely before using it again.

A similar system can be used with white vinegar and salt.

Philips says: “You can use vinegar to remove stubborn stains or sticky residue from an iron.

She advises laying down newspaper before you begin, as vinegar can damage stone or wooden surfaces.

In a saucepan, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and salt.

Heat the mixture gently, but do not let it boil.

Remove the pan from the heat, put on rubber gloves for protection and dip a sponge into the mixture. Wring the sponge out so that it is damp and gently scrub the plate until the burn marks begin to disappear. Repeat this process until the desired result is achieved.

Prevent build-up

One of the most effective ways to solve this problem is to prevent stains from building up in the first place. It is best to iron low-temperature fabrics, such as nylon and silk, before ironing high-temperature fabrics, such as cotton.

After each use, use a hot iron cleaner to maintain the soleplate. You can also use an iron cleaning sponge.

One of the biggest culprits that leave stains on irons is printed T-shirts.

Try ironing this one inside out, the one without a print.

In addition, use a lower temperature to preserve the print design. This will prevent residue from being left on the iron and prevent permanent damage to your clothing.

How to extend the life of your iron

To extend the life of your iron, make sure that there are no mineral deposits on the iron. This can be done by using distilled water regularly and cleaning the iron regularly.

Avoid using your iron on very high settings unnecessarily, as excessive heat can damage the soleplate and internal components over time. Also, always store your iron in a cool, dry place and never leave it plugged in when not in use. These practices will help prevent wear and tear and ensure that your iron functions effectively for years to come.

Expert advice for iron maintenance

To ensure the best possible care for your iron, appliance care experts recommend several key practices. According to Which? consumer advice expert Sarah Best, “regular cleaning of the steam vents and using distilled water can prevent mineral build-up and maintain the performance of your iron.”

She also recommends avoiding excessive heat settings and storing the iron in a dry place to prevent damage. Following these guidelines will help extend the life of your iron and keep it working effectively.