JUST because your iron looks burnt does not mean that it's time for a new one.
Here we give you our best tips on how to clean a burnt iron, using cheap items you'll find in your home and have it look brand new.
How to clean a burnt iron
We're going to show you different methods and things you can use to clean your burnt iron.
Use salt
Salt is one of those things that seems to do everything.
It tastes good, cleans wounds and now it seems will clean your iron too.
Lay a clean, dry, cotton cloth onto your ironing board.
Sprinkle the cloth with sea salt.
Set your iron to a high temperature.
Iron over the salt several times until the burn stains come away.
Try baking soda
Baking soda is another household product that seems to be a good all rounder – it's not just for cake baking.
Gentle but effective if the stain isn't too heavy.
Make a paste consisting of two tbsp of baking powder and one tbsp of water and spread over the iron's plate while cool and rub with a non-scratch, clean cloth.
Wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Toothpaste or white vinegar
Make sure the iron is cold and is unplugged and the water tank is empty.
Rub white toothpaste onto the dirty areas of the plate.
Then wipe away with a clean cloth.
Fill the water tank up and plug in your iron.
Place the iron on top of an old towel and set to steam.
Leave for five minutes and the iron should be clean.
The same system can be used using a mixture of white vinegar and water in equal parts.
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If these tips didn't do the job, there are items which you can but in store to help clean your iron.
Prevent build up
We know it sounds obvious.
But preventing build up in the first place is your best bet at keeping that iron clean.
To help yourself, iron low temperature fabrics first like nylon and silk before going onto high temperature ones like cotton.
Use a hot iron cleaner after each use to maintain the soleplate.
You can also use an iron cleaner pad.
Scorching the fabric or ironing on printed tees may cause residue build up, but a cleaning pad will quickly and safely remove it so you avoid damaging your clothes.
Your iron is sure to look new in no time.
How to descale an iron
It's important to descale your iron to make sure that no damage happens to it.
To do so, just follow these steps:
- Empty the water tank and rinse it.
- Then fill the tank up with water to the maximum amount and add a tiny bit of white vinegar.
- Turn the iron on to the highest temperature for at least four minutes and press the steam button every now and then.
- Then turn off the iron and let the water rest for 30 minutes.
- Clean the water scale and plate and if there is any limescale left, repeat the process again.
- Rinse the water tank and steam it empty on a rag to make sure that no vinegar remains in the iron and comes off on your clothes.
While we're on the topic of removing limescale, you should also look at how you can clean your kettle from it too.
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