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Here Are Some Natural Tips to Clean Your Iron
An iron is one of those household appliances that can easily get dirty, especially when you’re using it frequently. Over time, build-up from fabric fibers, starch, or other residues can cause your iron’s plate to become sticky, discolored, and less effective. A dirty iron can even leave stains on your clothes, making it all the more important to keep it clean.
While there are many commercial products available to clean your iron, you can also use natural, non-toxic solutions to get the job done. These natural cleaning methods are gentle on your iron and the environment, and they’re often much cheaper than store-bought products. In this article, we’ll share some simple and effective natural tips for cleaning your iron.
Why Does Your Iron Get Dirty?
Before we dive into the cleaning tips, it’s important to understand why your iron gets dirty in the first place. Some common causes of a dirty iron include:
- Fabric Build-Up: Lint, fibers, or residue from clothes, especially synthetic materials, can stick to the iron’s plate.
- Starch and Spray Products: Starch, ironing sprays, or other fabric treatments can leave a sticky film on the iron’s soleplate.
- Hard Water: If you use tap water to fill your iron’s water tank, mineral deposits from hard water can build up and clog the steam vents.
Now that we know why your iron gets dirty, let’s take a look at some natural ways to clean it up and keep it working like new.
Natural Tips to Clean Your Iron
1. Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Stains
Baking soda is a powerful, non-toxic cleaner that can be used to remove stubborn stains and build-up from your iron’s soleplate. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda helps to scrub away dirt without damaging the surface.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- A few drops of water
- A clean cloth
Instructions:
- Mix the baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. You want the paste to be thick enough to stick to the soleplate but not too runny.
- Once the paste is ready, turn off your iron and let it cool down completely.
- Apply the baking soda paste directly to the soleplate of your iron, focusing on any stained or dirty areas.
- Gently scrub the paste into the surface with a soft cloth or sponge. Be careful not to scratch the soleplate.
- Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth and buff the iron with a dry cloth to restore its shine.
2. Vinegar and Water Solution for Hard Water Build-Up
Hard water can cause mineral deposits to accumulate in your iron’s steam vents, making it less effective and causing water stains. A vinegar and water solution can help dissolve these deposits and clean the interior of the iron.
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- A small bowl
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl. Make enough to fill the water tank of your iron.
- Pour the vinegar and water solution into the iron’s water tank.
- Turn the iron on to the highest setting and allow it to heat up.
- Once the iron is hot, press the steam button to release the vinegar and water mixture through the steam vents. This will help break down mineral build-up inside the iron.
- Let the iron cool down, then empty the water tank. Fill it with clean water and repeat the steam process to rinse out any remaining vinegar solution.
- Wipe the soleplate with a clean cloth to remove any remaining residue.
3. Salt for Cleaning the Soleplate
Salt is another natural cleaner that can be used to clean the iron’s soleplate. It works particularly well for removing scorch marks or sticky residue caused by heat or starch.
What You’ll Need:
- Salt (regular table salt or coarse salt)
- A piece of aluminum foil
- A soft cloth
Instructions:
- Place a piece of aluminum foil on a flat surface, such as a countertop or table.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on top of the foil.
- Heat your iron on a low setting. Once it is hot, gently press the iron on the salt. The salt acts as a mild abrasive that will help remove any stuck-on residue from the soleplate.
- Move the iron around on the foil to clean the entire surface of the soleplate.
- Once clean, turn off the iron, let it cool, and wipe the soleplate with a clean cloth.
4. Lemon Juice for Cleaning and Deodorizing
Lemon juice is not only a natural cleaner but also a great deodorizer. It can help remove stains and odors from your iron’s soleplate while also leaving behind a fresh, citrusy scent.
What You’ll Need:
- Lemon juice
- A clean cloth
Instructions:
- Dampen a clean cloth with lemon juice.
- Rub the cloth on the soleplate of your iron to remove stains or sticky residue.
- The acidity in the lemon juice will dissolve grime and help brighten the surface of the iron.
