Dirty iron soleplate? You can make it shine again using 3 cheap, DIY methods
Frequent use of the iron, as well as leaving it unused for a long time - and without having cleaned it thoroughly, especially inside the tank - can easily cause stains to appear on the soleplate that touches the fabrics. These stains can be limescale deposits due to the use of steam (and periodic maintenance is needed to avoid this), or just stains caused by small burns from fabric fragments.
So, how can we make the iron's soleplate look like new again? There are several simple, inexpensive DIY methods you can employ, such as the ones described below:
- Baking paper and salt: Get a large enough sheet of baking paper. It is important that the paper is oiled or waxed and heat resistant. Pour rock salt (or ordinary table salt) into the sheet - a couple of spoons should do. Meanwhile, heat the iron to it's maximum, then pass it over the salt, on top of the paper, just as if you were ironing. It takes a while, but "do-it-yourself sandpaper" can really clean!
- The candle method: In this case, let the iron heat up for a few minutes at maximum temperature. Then switch off and wait for it to cool down to the point of being able to melt candle wax that you rub on the soleplate. As the wax melts, it will also carry the dirt away with it. Then when the iron has cooled down more, take a dry cloth (or a clean rag) and remove all the wax with the dirt.
Creativo
Salt and white vinegar: In a saucepan, heat a little white vinegar and pour in a couple of tablespoons of salt. When this has dissolved, turn off the heat, remove the saucepan from the stove and wait for it to cool down a bit. Then, take a clean cloth or soft sponge and, while wearing gloves, soak them in the heated vinegar, and then rub them over the soleplate. The smell will be a little strong but it will pass quickly.
What is your favorite method to clean the soleplate of your iron?
