Difference between revisions of "Clean the Bottom of an Iron"
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If your clothes iron is starting to drag as you move it, or if you notice residue on the bottom of your iron (also called the soleplate), it's time to clean it. You’ll want to clean the iron’s soleplate and the steam vents, where residue tends to collect if you use tap water. You can use commercial products, specially designed to clean irons. There are also ways to clean your iron using household items, such as vinegar, salt, baking soda, toothpaste and dish soap. | If your clothes iron is starting to drag as you move it, or if you notice residue on the bottom of your iron (also called the soleplate), it's time to clean it. You’ll want to clean the iron’s soleplate and the steam vents, where residue tends to collect if you use tap water. You can use commercial products, specially designed to clean irons. There are also ways to clean your iron using household items, such as vinegar, salt, baking soda, toothpaste and dish soap. | ||
| − | [[Category:Ironing]] | + | [[Category: Ironing]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Using Vinegar and Salt === | === Using Vinegar and Salt === | ||
#Mix a 1:1 solution of vinegar and salt in a saucepan. Place the pan on the stove and heat the mixture until the salt dissolves. You can stir occasionally to help this process along. Make sure you remove the saucepan before the vinegar starts to boil.<ref name="rf15707">http://www.ebay.com/gds/Top-5-Organic-Ways-to-Clean-an-Iron-/10000000178571770/g.html</ref> | #Mix a 1:1 solution of vinegar and salt in a saucepan. Place the pan on the stove and heat the mixture until the salt dissolves. You can stir occasionally to help this process along. Make sure you remove the saucepan before the vinegar starts to boil.<ref name="rf15707">http://www.ebay.com/gds/Top-5-Organic-Ways-to-Clean-an-Iron-/10000000178571770/g.html</ref> | ||
| − | #Dip a clean rag in the heated vinegar-salt solution. Make sure you wear waterproof gloves, such as dishwashing gloves, to protect your hands from the hot mixture. Depending on the surface you want to work on, you might want to cover it with a towel or some newspaper. Vinegar can be especially damaging to surfaces like stone and marble.<ref name="rf1591" /> | + | #Dip a clean rag in the heated vinegar-salt solution. Make sure you wear waterproof gloves, such as dishwashing gloves, to protect your hands from the hot mixture. Depending on the surface you want to work on, you might want to cover it with a towel or some newspaper. Vinegar can be especially damaging to surfaces like stone and marble.<ref name="rf1591">http://www.networx.com/article/8-ways-not-to-use-vinegar</ref> |
#Wipe the bottom of your iron gently until it's clean. Don’t forget to scrub the steam vents as well to dislodge possible buildups. If necessary, wipe the outside of your iron down as well. | #Wipe the bottom of your iron gently until it's clean. Don’t forget to scrub the steam vents as well to dislodge possible buildups. If necessary, wipe the outside of your iron down as well. | ||
#*Note that the vinegar-salt mixture can also remove burn marks from your iron's soleplate. | #*Note that the vinegar-salt mixture can also remove burn marks from your iron's soleplate. | ||
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=== Using Baking Soda === | === Using Baking Soda === | ||
| − | #Mix baking soda and water. Use 1 tablespoon of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix in a small bowl until no water remains and the mixture becomes a paste.<ref name="rf10872" /> | + | #Mix baking soda and water. Use 1 tablespoon of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix in a small bowl until no water remains and the mixture becomes a paste.<ref name="rf10872">http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clean-iron</ref> |
#Use a spatula to spread the paste onto the iron. Focus on areas with particularly strong buildup. Make sure to coat the steam vents as well. Don’t lay the paste on too thick, just enough to evenly coat the soleplate. | #Use a spatula to spread the paste onto the iron. Focus on areas with particularly strong buildup. Make sure to coat the steam vents as well. Don’t lay the paste on too thick, just enough to evenly coat the soleplate. | ||
#Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth. Don’t hesitate to scrub at more tenacious spots. Wipe until no paste remains and the grimy buildups have been removed. | #Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth. Don’t hesitate to scrub at more tenacious spots. Wipe until no paste remains and the grimy buildups have been removed. | ||
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#Dampen a cloth with water and wipe the iron. Wipe until all traces of the soap are gone. Place the iron upright on a counter or table and let it dry; you can place a towel under the iron to catch any dripping water. | #Dampen a cloth with water and wipe the iron. Wipe until all traces of the soap are gone. Place the iron upright on a counter or table and let it dry; you can place a towel under the iron to catch any dripping water. | ||
#Put a small amount of toothpaste on the iron’s soleplate. Make sure you use white toothpaste rather than gel; the former has a foaming effect that the latter lacks. Use an amount no larger than a quarter.<ref name="rf15707" /> | #Put a small amount of toothpaste on the iron’s soleplate. Make sure you use white toothpaste rather than gel; the former has a foaming effect that the latter lacks. Use an amount no larger than a quarter.<ref name="rf15707" /> | ||
| − | #Scrub the toothpaste over the soleplate with a rag. Pay particular attention to the steam vents, as various kinds of residue tend to build up there.<ref name="rf10875" /> If your iron’s soleplate is particularly dirty, you can also use a kitchen sponge or scrubber to dislodge the grime. Avoid using a metal scrubber, as this will scratch the soleplate. | + | #Scrub the toothpaste over the soleplate with a rag. Pay particular attention to the steam vents, as various kinds of residue tend to build up there.<ref name="rf10875">http://www.topcleaningsecrets.com/house/how-to-clean-a-steam-iron.html</ref> If your iron’s soleplate is particularly dirty, you can also use a kitchen sponge or scrubber to dislodge the grime. Avoid using a metal scrubber, as this will scratch the soleplate. |
#Wipe off the toothpaste with a damp cloth. Rub thoroughly to ensure that none of the toothpaste remains. Otherwise you might stain your clothes when trying to use your iron. | #Wipe off the toothpaste with a damp cloth. Rub thoroughly to ensure that none of the toothpaste remains. Otherwise you might stain your clothes when trying to use your iron. | ||
#Fill the iron with water and iron a cloth. Make sure to use a cloth you’re not too attached to, as some tenacious residues may end up staining it. Turn the iron to its highest setting and iron for a few minutes; the clean water will flush out any toothpaste that might have been rubbed into the steam vents.<ref name="rf10872" /> | #Fill the iron with water and iron a cloth. Make sure to use a cloth you’re not too attached to, as some tenacious residues may end up staining it. Turn the iron to its highest setting and iron for a few minutes; the clean water will flush out any toothpaste that might have been rubbed into the steam vents.<ref name="rf10872" /> | ||
