How to Clean the Bottom of An Iron
Does your iron stumble across your clothes instead of gliding smoothly along? Do your creases look more like zigzags than crisp, straight lines? Then you need to know how to clean an iron plate. You don't want burnt fingers, so begin your iron cleaning efforts by making sure your iron is cool and unplugged and sitting on a towel. If you didn't get all the deposits out of the steam vents when you cleaned the inside of your iron, cotton swabs dipped in vinegar can help remove the rest.
When you know how to clean the bottom of an iron without damaging it, your iron lasts longer and your clothes look more presentable. For residue from baked-on dirt, grime, starch, and more, here's how to clean a burnt iron soleplate using safe, effective cleaning solutions:
Baking Soda
From deodorizing fridges to cleaning ovens, baking soda is a tried and true natural cleaner and it's safe for cleaning your iron's soleplate. It's only slightly abrasive, so it won't scratch your iron as it breaks down buildup. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water to make a cleaning paste. Scrub the soleplate gently with your paste and try to keep the paste out of the steam vents. Wipe away the buildup and paste with a damp cloth.
Distilled White Vinegar
Yes, vinegar is a cleaning solution you can use on the bottom and inside of your iron.
Distilled white vinegar is right up there with baking soda for its cleaning versatility. A natural cleaner, disinfectant, and deodorizer, white vinegar is a housekeeping must-have. Soak a clean cloth in vinegar and place your iron on it facing down.
Wait 30 minutes and wipe away the vinegar and grime with a damp cloth. For tougher buildup on your iron's soleplate, use a vinegar and salt mixture. Mix one part salt and one part water in a saucepan and heat the solution until the salt disappears. Wear dishwashing gloves and use a microfiber cloth to lightly scrub the bottom of your iron to remove excess buildup.
Pro Tip: Distilled white vinegar gets rid of iron scorch marks too. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with vinegar and wipe the stain. Repeat with a clean part of the cloth till the scorch mark is gone.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
A Magic Eraser has
so many amazing uses, it's no wonder it made our iron cleaning guide! These modern sponge scrubbers can remove dirt, scuff marks, paint, and buildup on your iron. Wet the magic eraser and squeeze out most of the water. Rub the soleplate of your iron gently to remove the buildup and keep your cleaning eraser damp.
Newspaper and Salt
Set your iron to a warm setting and lay out a piece of newspaper on an ironing board. Sprinkle salt over the newspaper and iron in circles until most of the salt is removed. Unplug your iron, let it cool, and wipe away the salt and loosened grime with a damp cloth.
Dryer Sheets
Like baking soda, dryer sheets are slightly abrasive, so they can loosen buildup with the help of a little heat. Set your iron to the lowest setting, grab an oven mitt, ball up a dryer sheet, and start rubbing. When one gets too warm, just reach for another dryer sheet. Repeat until your iron's soleplate shines.
Tips for Maintaining Your Clothes Iron
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, your appliance's manufacturer is the best resource for how to clean and maintain an appliance and keep it under warranty. But there are some proven universal tips for keeping most irons working their best:
- Clean your iron when it needs it, but at least twice per year or as often as the manufacturer recommends.
- Tap water contains minerals and deposits that can clog steam vents, corrode metal, and damage your iron. Always use distilled water.
- Fill your iron's water reservoir when the iron is cool and unplugged, and wipe moisture from the outside before you plug it in.
- Empty your iron's water reservoir after each use and wipe moisture from the outside before you store it.
- Store your cool iron in an upright position to prevent leakage and face the soleplate away from other items to prevent scratches.
- When ironing, use the recommended settings for specific fabrics and avoid running your iron over snaps, buttons, decals, and metal or plastic zippers.
Now that you know how to clean an iron, why stop there? Check out our extensive library of
professional tips and tricks for cleaning things all over the house. Whether it's through our insightful articles or by using one of our popular residential
cleaning services, The Maids is committed to helping you enjoy a healthier, cleaner home. Find out more when you get your
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