How to Clean an Iron: Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle-Free

By Laura Parker
March 14, 2019

Close up hand of woman ironing clothes on the table picture id635872218

Irons make our clothes look snazzy! Using an iron (or you may know it as a flat iron) to remove wrinkles and creases from clothes is an essential routine in our lives. It is important to clean and maintain irons because their soleplates (the bottom of an iron) can become sticky, dusty, and oily.

 

In some situations, fabrics can melt, which can create an ugly and stubborn mess. By taking care of your iron, it can glide effortlessly across your dresses, shirts, slacks, and more! Who wouldn’t prefer that?

 

…so, how to clean a flat iron, you ask? You’re at the right place to find out! This guide will provide you with 10 tips on how to clean an iron properly.

 

1. Use baking soda and water to clean an iron’s soleplate.

This method is a great way to dissolve any gunk that made itself at home on your iron! All you need to do is mix some baking soda and a little bit of water to create a paste.

 

Then, rub this paste on the iron’s soleplate by using a soft brush or towel to scrub. Simply use water to wipe it away. Make sure the paste is completely wiped away and let the iron dry before use.

 

2. You can use a newspaper.

Heat up the iron at the highest setting and wear oven mittens to protect your hands from the heat. Scrunch up some newspaper and use it to scrub the iron’s soleplate. That’s all!

 

3. Using an acetone nail polish remover is another method behind how to clean an iron.

This is a great method to dissolve and wipe away an iron’s dirtiness! Turn the iron on and let it heat up. Soak a cotton ball with acetone nail polish remover.

 

While wearing oven mittens, quickly dab the soaked cotton ball on the hot surface. Acetone nail polish remover evaporates quickly, but it does a great job in dissolving any gunk! Once you’re finished, wipe the surface with water and a cloth.

 

4. Kitchen sponges and scrubbers can scrub the mess away!

Using a non-scratch kitchen sponge or scrubber, scrub the iron’s surface with soap and water. Once you’re finished, wipe it away with a towel and let it dry completely before use.

 

5. Vinegar, vinegar, vinegar!

Dampen a towel with distilled white vinegar. Then, wipe the iron’s soleplate to remove any gunk. In some situations, some residue may remain, which will call for soaking a clean towel in distilled vinegar and laying the cool iron soleplate on the towel. Simply let it soak for 15-30 minutes, then wipe away dry.

 

6. Use the powerful cleaning duo, vinegar, and baking soda

Soak a towel in a solution made up of vinegar and baking soda. Lay the soaked towel flat, and with the iron turned off, run the iron over the towel as if you are ironing it.

 

7. Simply use dish detergent

One of the best ways to clean a flat iron is to pour a few drops of liquid dish detergent into some water. Then, use a soft rag, towel, or paper towel dipped in the solution to wipe away any residue on the iron’s soleplate.

 

8. Salt it up!

Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on a sheet of paper. Then, run the warm iron over that sheet of paper, which assists in removing stains and other gunk. Run the iron a few times, then unplug the iron to let it cool. Once the iron is cool, wipe away the salt with a dry and soft cloth.

 

9. How about toothpaste?

Simply rub some white toothpaste on the iron’s soleplate. Then, wipe it off with a damp cloth. Remember to let the iron dry completely before use.

 

10. Dryer sheets work well!

Keep the iron’s heat on low and rub a few dryer sheets over the soleplates. Continue rubbing until you remove the gunk.

 

To clean out the steam holes (steam vents), use a damp cotton swab. Dip a cotton swab in a solution of water and liquid detergent. Then use the damp cotton swab by inserting and scrubbing the steam holes.

 

And Finally, things to remember:

When you’re wondering about how to clean an iron, you may feel tempted to use paper clips, or other hard items, but please don’t! By doing so, you could create unwanted scratches on your iron’s soleplates and its steam holes. Additionally, your curiosity on how to clean a flat iron may turn into finding ways to get rid of its scratches (and believe it, it won’t be a pleasant duty)!

 

Thanks for exploring this guide on how to clean an iron! Explore more of our services, tips and tricks, and offerings. Happy cleaning!





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