Just like the majority of us, you likely rely on your iron
frequently to maintain the neat and unwrinkled appearance of your garments.
However, with continuous use, your iron can start harboring dust and filth
which can interfere with its efficiency and consequently diminish the quality
of your clothing. In the corresponding post, we’ll share some advice and
methods on how to effectively clean an iron, coupled with preventative
strategies to ensure it stays in prime operational state.
Causes Of Iron Stains
✓ Fabric residue
Fabric residue can stain an iron if it is left on the iron
for an extended period of time and is not cleaned off. This type of residue is
made up of small fibers and particles that can get stuck to the surface of the
iron. When the iron is heated, these fibers and particles can become scorched
or burned, which can cause them to stick to the iron more firmly. Over time,
the fabric residue can build up and create a stain on the iron.
✓ Starch and sizing
Starch and sizing are used to give fabrics a crisper and
more polished appearance, but they can also leave stains on iron surfaces if
they come into contact with the iron while it is hot. This is because the heat
causes the starch or sizing to break down and adhere to the iron’s surface. The
iron then transfers the starch or sizing onto the fabric as it is pressed,
leaving a stain on the fabric.
✓ Water minerals
If you have an iron with a water reservoir, and the water
contains minerals, these minerals can be left behind on the iron’s surface when
the water evaporates. This can cause the iron to become dirty.
✓ Rust
If water droplets or steam come into contact with the iron’s
surface and are not immediately wiped away, they can cause rust to form. And if
the iron is left in the on position, the heat from the iron can cause the water
droplets or steam on the iron’s surface to evaporate. This can leave minerals
that can eventually lead to rust formation.
✓ Dust and dirt
When dirt or dust comes into contact with a hot iron, it can
melt or vaporize onto the surface of the iron. This can create a stain on the
iron that is difficult to remove. The heat of the iron causes the dirt or dust
to fuse with its surface, creating a bond that is difficult to break.
Precautions When Cleaning An Iron
Before you start scrubbing that rust on your iron plate,
make sure you are aware of the safety precautions to prevent accidents and
further damaging your iron. Here are some precautions to take when cleaning an
iron:
- Unplug
the iron and let it cool down before cleaning.
- Avoid
using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers on the iron.
- Wipe
the iron gently with a soft, damp cloth or sponge.
- Be
careful not to get water inside the iron, as it could damage the
appliance.
- Avoid
using too much water when cleaning the iron, as it can cause the steam
vents to become clogged.
- Dry
the iron thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rust or other damage.
- Do
not store the iron in a damp place or cover it while it is still wet or
warm.
- If
the iron has a detachable water tank, make sure to clean it regularly to
prevent mineral buildup.
- Follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the iron, as some models may
have specific cleaning recommendations.
Methods To Clean An Iron
🟦 Dryer sheet
Dryer sheets can help remove stubborn stains and build-up
from the surface of iron. The fabric softener in the dryer sheets can help to
loosen and lift away dirt and grime, while the abrasive surface of the sheet
can help to scrub away tougher stains.
To use dryer sheets to clean an iron, follow these steps:
- Unplug
the iron and let it cool down completely.
- Wet
a dryer sheet and use it to gently scrub the surface of the iron.
- Wipe
the iron with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or residue.
- Dry
the iron thoroughly before using it again.
🟦 Soft-bristle brush
Using a soft bristle brush can be helpful to clean an iron
because it can reach into small crevices and corners that may be difficult to
clean with a cloth or sponge. It can also be effective at removing dirt and
grime that has built up on the surface of the iron.
To use a soft bristle brush to clean an iron,
- Unplug
the iron and allow it to cool down.
- Fill
the water tank with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, and set
the iron to the steam setting.
- Place
a cloth or piece of newspaper on the ironing board to catch any drips.
- Gently
brush the surface of the iron with the soft bristle brush.
- Be
sure to pay special attention to areas where dirt and grime may have
.accumulated, such as the steam vents and the soleplate.
🟦 Specialized
iron-cleaning product
Iron cleaning products typically contain a combination of
ingredients that are effective at removing dirt, stains, and mineral deposits
from the surface of an iron. These products may include a variety of cleaning
agents such as surfactants, solvents, enzymes, and mild abrasives.
- Surfactants:
these are molecules that can help to lift dirt and stains from the surface
of an iron by reducing the surface tension of the water and creating a
lather.
- Solvents:
these are substances that are able to dissolve or loosen dirt, stains, and
other contaminants from the surface of an iron.
- Enzymes:
these are designed to break down and remove specific types of stains or
dirt
- Mild
abrasives: these are materials that can be used to scrub away dirt and
stains by physically removing them from the surface of the iron.
To use the specialized product to clean an iron, just follow
the label instructions and avoid experimenting when diluting it with other
substances.
Tips To Prevent Iron From Being Stained
There are several steps you can take to prevent your clothes
iron from becoming dirty or stained:
Tip 1: Use a clean, smooth ironing board cover. A
cover that is wrinkled or has a rough texture can leave marks on your clothes.
Tip 2: Use a high-quality ironing board pad. A pad
will protect your ironing board and prevent it from getting scratched or
damaged by the iron.
Tip 3: Use a clean iron. Before ironing, make sure
that the soleplate of your iron is clean and free of any dirt or residue. If
the iron is dirty, use a soft cloth or sponge to clean an iron.
Tip 4: Use the correct temperature setting for the
fabric you are ironing. Different fabrics require different heat settings, so
be sure to consult the care label on your clothes or use a heat guide to
determine the correct temperature.
Tip 5: Use a protective spray or ironing sheet. These
products create a barrier between the iron and the fabric, which can help
prevent stains and scorching.
Tip 6: Avoid ironing over embellishments or buttons.
These can leave marks on the iron or create indentations in the fabric.
Instead, iron around these areas or use a press cloth to protect them.
Tip 7: Don’t leave the iron on for too long. If you
need to take a break while ironing, turn the iron off and unplug it.
Tip 8: Regularly clean an iron. The best way to
prevent stains is to clean an iron regularly. You can either do it yourself or
hire someone to clean an iron. But are there really people who specialize in
cleaning an iron? Check out the next section!