Cleaning the soleplate of your iron from carbon deposits at home quickly and effectively

Burning of the iron sole: causes and how to deal with it

Before you clean the soles of your irons, you need to understand the reasons for the surface burning. Among them:

The ironing temperature is incorrect. Some materials begin to melt if the iron is just a few units hotter than normal. As a result, the fabric fibers stick to the sole. This leads to the formation of carbon spots;
Ironing buttons and buttons made of plastic. Under the influence of high temperatures, these elements melt easily;
Using unsuitable water. High chlorine content in the liquid and its excessive hardness are not suitable for ironing. First, limescale forms inside the unit, then it transfers to the sole through holes on the surface.

If the iron is dropped, cracks may form on the surface of its platform. Dirt accumulates in them, causing the formation of soot.

Additional Information! It is recommended to carefully study the labels on clothing. This will allow you to select the correct temperature and ironing mode. When all the items are ironed and the iron has completely cooled down, wipe the surface with a dry cloth. Only filtered water should be used.

Features of cleaning irons of different brands

For irons with ceramic coating, 9% table vinegar is more suitable. The treatment is as follows: heat the iron until it is warm, so that you can easily touch it with your hand; prepare a vinegar solution in the ratio of 50 ml of vinegar to 50 ml of water; soak a cloth (soft cotton) in the solution and gently wipe off the areas of scale formation with it.

Wipe the cold Teflon surface of the Philips iron with a cotton pad soaked in a vinegar solution.

For scale inside, the solution options are as follows:

For 1 liter of water - 5 tbsp. l. citric acid or 1 tbsp. vinegar 9%;
for 0.5 liters of water - 2.5 tbsp. l. citric acid or 0.5 tbsp. vinegar 9%.

How to clean the iron from scale inside, see here:

To clean your Tefal iron:

Take 9% vinegar in a 1:3 ratio with water.
Fill the container in the electric iron.
Set the thermostat to the maximum temperature.
After heating the iron, when the heating light goes out, turn the iron with the sole away from you, into a space free from people, animals and fragile objects within a radius of 3 meters and press the “Self-cleaning” button.

Alternatively: Iron a strong cotton fabric for 3 minutes.

Author's note

Kirilova Olga

When cleaning, a jet of hot steam will be released from the sole under pressure - do not get burned.

Direct the iron flow onto a hanging thick terry towel, into a tap sink or bowl.
The scale deposits accumulated in the passages will fly away under pressure, or clean with cotton swabs.

How to clean your iron? Getting rid of burning and scale:

The main causes of soot

Many factors can provoke the formation of soot. Among the main ones:

Mechanical damage to the surface of the device. This includes a fall, which will lead to scratches and damage. Even if they are barely noticeable, particles of dust and dirt will certainly accumulate in them.
Ironing products with metal elements. Such things must be handled with care. Metal parts easily scratch the surface of the iron. Soot will subsequently appear at the site of the defects.

Soot is formed due to the fact that burnt particles of fabric remain on the sole of the iron. This is due to errors in the ironing process.

Problems with the sole also arise during long-term storage of the unit. If the iron is constantly left in the box and no one uses it, the condition of its parts may deteriorate.

Important information! Fresh stains are much easier to get rid of. Therefore, when the first signs of carbon deposits are detected, it is recommended to immediately begin eliminating them.

Is there a chance?

It is possible to remove iron marks from a carpet - but you should understand that only products that can be cleaned are:

Dark colors or patterns;
Long pile rugs.

Please note that it is better to immediately take an expensive natural pile carpet to the dry cleaner - entrust the item to professionals so as not to completely ruin it.

Removing nasty iron marks from carpet is difficult - below are several recipes available at home! Try them in practice and try to achieve results.

Iron soles: types and features of cleaning

To know what is the best way to clean irons, you need to understand the types of soles. Previously, devices were made exclusively from cast iron. Modern manufacturers offer various types of irons. And this must be taken into account when choosing a suitable cleaning product so as not to harm the surface. The following types of soles exist:

Steel. It is quite easy to remove dirt from it. The surface can withstand the impact of any means. You can use not only special cleaning products, but also homemade recipes.
Aluminum or Teflon. Some models are treated with a special compound to improve the life of the sole and reduce the likelihood of carbon deposits and corrosion. Do not use aggressive agents or products with abrasive particles for cleaning. Otherwise, it will cause scratches on the surface.
Ceramic. The material is quite fragile. The surface is easy to damage. Therefore, it is permissible to use only soft sponges and gentle products for cleaning. Cleaning must be done delicately. Liquid forms of cleaning products should be preferred.
Titanium. A distinctive feature is the high degree of surface protection. It's difficult to scratch. Therefore, you can use almost any product for cleansing. In particularly difficult cases, it is permissible to use a soft metal sponge.
Enamel. The coating can be washed with a simple cloth if carbon deposits have just appeared. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe the enamel sole regularly as a preventive measure. Due to the durability of the coating, it is permissible to use even heavy artillery in the form of a soft metal sponge for cleaning.

Before cleaning the iron with various means, it is recommended to take into account the material from which the sole is made.

How to clean a Teflon-coated iron from carbon deposits

Irons with Teflon soles are in particular demand among consumers. This is due not only to a good marketing policy, but also, indeed, to the quality of the material. Such irons are better protected from soot and dirt. But they have one unpleasant feature - a high probability of scratches during use.

But no matter how durable the material Teflon is, someday small stains may appear on it. To remove dirt that has arisen, only those products that do not contain abrasive substances .

Basic methods for cleaning Teflon coating:

A cleaning pencil is the most harmless and effective option.
Soak all the carbon deposits with 70% acetic acid on a heated iron, and then carefully wipe off the residue. Or you can simply place the iron on a cloth soaked in vinegar and leave it like that for several hours. After a couple of hours, the deposits can be removed with a damp cloth.

There are also special cleaning agents for Teflon materials, which usually come with the electrical appliance or are mentioned in the instructions, so take the time and study the best way to clean your particular model, because... the manufacturer will be able to provide the most comprehensive information on how best to remove carbon deposits, scale and other problems that arise during operation.

Homemade recipes and store remedies

Cleansers are divided into those that can be purchased in a ready-made form in the store and those that are prepared independently at home from available ingredients. How to clean an iron without damaging it? Carefully study the composition of cleaning products. Most of these products contain strong chemical ingredients.

One of the store-bought products is a special cleaning pencil. It is used for hot cleansing. To do this, you need to heat the iron to 140 degrees and install the device in a vertical position. Using a pencil, draw circles on the surface. Due to the high temperature, the pencil will begin to melt, removing carbon deposits. Simply wipe the surface with a cotton cloth.

You can find a variety of liquid cleaning products on the shelves of the hardware department. To use one of these products, your iron must have a steam function. The product is poured into the device. But you can try to clean the surface. To do this, the liquid is applied to the sole, heated to a maximum of 140 degrees, turned off and left for 10 minutes. Wipe with a rag.

Special napkins are available. One side of the napkin allows you to get rid of carbon deposits, the second is intended for polishing. Can be used on fresh stains or as a preventative for surface care.

One of the modern means is a special mat. They place it on the ironing board and begin to rub an iron with a cold sole against it. Finally, wipe with a cloth.

How to clean an iron from burnt marks on the soleplate at home? It is enough to study several recipes, the ingredients for which can be found in any kitchen. Among them:

Hydrogen peroxide. A napkin is moistened in it and the surface is treated. The iron must be cold. Remains of peroxide are removed with a damp sponge.
Dishwashing detergents in powder form. Suitable for serious stains. Apply to the surface using a sponge. It is pre-moistened in water. To remove strong stains, you need to thoroughly rub the sole.
Paraffin candle. Prepare places where the wax will flow. A sheet of paper works great. The candle is wrapped in cloth before use. Then the iron is heated and treated with candles, avoiding holes through which steam escapes. To remove wax residue, iron the unwanted fabric several times.
Laundry soap. It is mixed with water. The heated sole is treated with the resulting soap solution. The remaining product is washed off.
Lemon acid. Mix with water and treat the surface.
Soda. Mix with dishwashing detergent to a porridge consistency. The resulting mixture is applied to the sole and left for 10 minutes. Treat the surface with a sponge and remove any remaining product.
Salt. Only fine grinding can be used. The recipe is not suitable for all surfaces of the device. The salt should be sprinkled evenly on the paper. The iron is heated and lowered onto the prepared area. You should iron the salt with some pressure. Then the iron needs to be cooled and wiped with a cloth.
Vinegar. 9% is suitable. They treat the cold surface of the device. The iron is then heated and treated with a rough material such as a rag.
Aspirin. An excellent life hack on how to scrub the soleplate of your iron in just a couple of minutes. It is enough to dissolve a few aspirin tablets on a heated sole. Then wash the surface with a cloth.

The bottom of the iron can be cleaned with toothpaste. First, set the minimum temperature so that the surface is warm. Then apply the paste and rub it using an old toothbrush. The remaining paste is removed with a napkin.

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How to get rid of scale

Irons with steamers are very convenient. Things become glossy and presentable in a few minutes. But incorrect use of temperature conditions, as well as the use of tap water, contribute to the formation of scale. This is the most unpleasant consequence for a home appliance.

The special water tank requires special care. If you do not clean the scale in time, then brown spots will form in the holes of the sole, which will spoil things.

There are several secrets to cleaning an electrical appliance at home.

Citric acid powder . For the procedure, you need to prepare a solution - carefully place 2 teaspoons of acid in a glass of boiling water. Then pour the liquid into the reservoir and heat the device to maximum temperature. After this, the iron should be unplugged from the outlet and over the bathtub or basin, press the “steam” button several times. The manipulation can be repeated a couple of times until the surface of the device with holes becomes as good as new.

Mineral sparkling water . A quick and easy way to clean the inside of your appliance. Alkalis and acids will quickly break down scale and get rid of rust. The principle of the procedure is the same as with citric acid.
Cleaning with vinegar . For the process you will need a heat-resistant container, 1 liter of water, a glass of vinegar, 2 sticks (tree branches, pencils, roll accessories) and the iron itself. The electrical appliance cannot be connected to the mains; it must be placed horizontally in the dish, with chopsticks placed under it in front and behind. Then you need to pour mixed water and vinegar into the container, but so that the liquid does not touch the plastic parts and covers the sole by no more than 1 cm.

Place the structure on low heat for 10 minutes. Vinegar vapors can quickly clean a steam iron. The procedure should be done twice. After this, the sole must be rinsed with clean water, wiped with a cloth, and the device must be left vertically to dry naturally for at least 12 hours.

Special pencil . You can buy a similar product at any hardware store. It removes scale from the iron holes. To do this, you need to pour water into the reservoir, heat the device to maximum and lubricate the sole with a pencil. Use a special cloth to immediately wipe the surface.

Advice! The procedure should be done in a ventilated area, in the absence of children. The fact is that the pencil emits harmful fumes.

The automatic self-cleaning function helps get rid of scale inside and outside. Many iron models are equipped with it. It is not reliable, but you should try this method first, and then proceed to those proven by millions of housewives.

Self-cleaning functions - interesting video:

The self-cleaning algorithm looks like this:

Pour distilled cool water into a special container.
Set the device to maximum temperature.
After 10 minutes, turn off the iron.
Press the “clean” or “steam” button.
It is recommended to shake the smoothener after each press.

Attention! Teflon coating is resistant to mechanical stress. Therefore, it is worth using gentle methods, soft rags and sponges. For example, laundry soap. They should rub the heated sole of the device, and then wash the surface and clean the holes with cotton swabs.

Preventing carbon deposits

It is much easier to prevent stains from forming on the soleplate of the iron than to look for ways to clean the surface. To do this, it is enough to follow some preventive recommendations.

When ironing things, they carefully choose the temperature and mode for a specific type of fabric. After each use, wipe the soleplate of the iron with a cloth. Only distilled water is used for steam.

It is much easier to get rid of fresh traces of soot. Therefore, at the first signs of its appearance, you should not ignore this fact. It’s better to start removing carbon deposits right away.

There are many ways to get rid of burnt marks from the soleplate of an iron. When choosing a product, it is necessary to take into account the material from which the surface of the device is made. This will prevent damage to the sole. Preventive measures will allow you to use the described cleaning methods less often.

The nuances of cleaning certain types of coatings

During use, carbon deposits and limescale stains appear on the soleplate of the iron over time, which damage clothes and shorten the service life of the device. When using a burnt appliance, you may notice that clothes stick to it. Proven home recipes will help you cope with this scourge. Each woman has her own effective method. Let us consider in detail what options exist for cleaning the surface of the iron.

The most convenient method to defeat the emerging fumes is a special cleaning pencil. It can be purchased at any hardware store or specialty department. It is economically consumed and is designed specifically to solve this problem. The stick will be able to clean any plate from black carbon deposits: ceramic, Teflon and metal.

The pencil is capable of removing burnt-on synthetics, such as synthetic carpet. If a heated device accidentally falls on the carpet while ironing, the miracle stick will remove traces of burnt material. With this convenient method, you can simply treat a burnt platform and make the iron glide better.

To start working with a special pencil, you need to do this: warm up the electrical appliance, draw on it. Wipe off the melted film with a damp natural cloth. At the last stage of cleaning, if the iron is steam, it is necessary to release hot steam to free the channels. It is better to carry out such cleaning by placing paper under the equipment so that the dripping drops do not stain anything. After such manipulation, the dirty iron will sparkle like new.

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Table vinegar

Regular table vinegar is another proven remedy that eliminates troubles with the working surface of the appliance. The principle of operation is the same as that of a citric acid solution.

When using vinegar, you need to remember basic safety rules. Vinegar can be used in two ways:

Vinegar should be diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. Let the device stand on the highest temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, using the steam button, release the special holes from contamination and drain the remaining liquid.
Wipe the cold surface of the steam generator with a swab soaked in vinegar. This method will take a little time.

You can clean the burnt bottom using baking soda and salt. Such home remedies should be used with caution, since not every ironing machine will tolerate abrasives.

To use fine table salt to clean an old burnt iron, you need to cover your ironing board with clean paper and sprinkle it with salt. Using a heated iron, iron the paper with the substance until the dirt comes off the sole.

The option with baking soda is also convenient and will show good results. You need to mix 1 tbsp. l. baking soda and just a little water. Rub the resulting pulp into the cloth of the cooled device. It will take about 20 minutes for the soda to start working, after which rinse and remove any remaining substance with a damp cloth. The stains and burns will disappear, and the iron will be like new again. However, the use of these products is not acceptable for Teflon coatings.

Soap solution

To remove dirt from the soleplate of the iron, a simple and safe solution is suitable - a soap solution. True, it will only help in the case of a fresh burn. The solution will remove blackness from the device without scratching its mirror.

Clean it this way:

rub the heated surface of the device with laundry soap;
wait until the iron cools down;
moisten the cotton fabric in a soapy solution and iron it;
use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean the holes.

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Other means

The following products will also help you clean your iron at home:

Hydrogen peroxide will help get rid of minor stains. After soaking a cotton ball in the peroxide solution, gently wipe the bottom.
A paraffin candle will remove unpleasant stains and also reduce scratches on the iron. The sequence of actions is the same as when using soap. Remaining paraffin in the holes will need to be removed by turning on the steam function at full power.
Ammonia, which is often found in first aid kits, can remove emerging stains. It is enough to wipe the surface of the iron with it.
Toothpaste is another useful life hack. Use an old toothbrush to clean the stained surface with paste, then rinse with water and steam. The method cannot be used on Teflon coatings.
Acetone or nail polish remover that contains it can easily remove traces of carbon deposits from synthetics and glue.

In modern stores, sellers offer irons with several types of coatings, each of which has its own handling characteristics. Manufacturers offer ceramic, Teflon and metal (aluminum, steel, titanium) surfaces. When choosing a method for cleaning the base of the device, you should consider some recommendations:

Teflon does not tolerate abrasives (salt, soda, dry citric acid), but is not afraid of liquid acids and alkalis. When purchasing a cleaning pencil, pay attention to the appropriate markings.
Metal ceramics are also resistant to dry scratches. You can use a cleaning pencil or get a glass ceramic hob cleaner from your kitchen.
Aluminum reacts with citric acid, so it cannot be used. Unpretentious metal can be cleaned with the rest of the products listed above.
Stainless steel is resistant to damage - it will withstand mechanical cleaning.
Titanium is an expensive modern material that can be cleaned in any convenient way.

The household appliances market offers modern steam generators with a self-cleaning function. They are equipped with a “selfclean” button. Such devices cannot be cleaned with improvised means, so as not to damage the device. Cleaning should be done once a month (depending on water hardness) according to the manufacturer’s instructions; only clean water should be used.