An iron is one of the most popular household appliances that is used daily in many homes.
Over time, carbon deposits and scale accumulate on the working surface of the iron, which not only spoils the appearance of the device, but also worsens the quality of ironing.
In order for the iron to remain in working order for a long time and serve faithfully, it must be cleaned regularly from dirt. This is not as difficult as it seems at first glance.
Today we will look at 5 proven methods that will allow you to quickly return your iron to its original appearance.
Vinegar is a versatile natural remedy that is great for removing carbon deposits and scale from metal and enamel surfaces. To clean your iron with vinegar:
- Pour weak table vinegar into a bowl and dip the sole and sides of the iron into it one by one. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Then wipe the iron with a soft cloth or sponge - the dirt should come off easily.
- In case of heavy contamination, the procedure can be repeated.
- After cleaning, rinse the iron thoroughly with water and wipe dry.
This method is safe for all types of irons except steam irons. It will remove even old stains without much effort.
Another proven home remedy is baking soda. Due to its abrasive properties, it perfectly cleans the surface from carbon deposits and greasy deposits.
To clean an iron with soda you will need:
- 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda;
- a little warm water to obtain a mushy mass.
Directions for use:
- Apply the soda mixture to the sole of the iron, rubbing it lightly into the dirty areas.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
- If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
Thanks to this cleaning, the soleplate of the iron will become perfectly smooth and shiny.
Tooth powder is also one of the products that can effectively combat contamination on metal surfaces. The abrasive particles of the powder will gradually polish away carbon and scale.
For cleaning you will need:
- wet toothpaste or gel;
- soft toothbrush.
Instructions for use:
- Apply the paste to the dirty areas of the iron.
- Gently brush until all scale and carbon deposits are removed.
- Rinse off any remaining paste thoroughly with water and wipe the iron dry.
This method is suitable for enamel and metal irons. It will allow you to clean the most difficult to reach areas.
Natural lemon juice has excellent cleaning and whitening properties. It will remove even the most stubborn carbon stains.
To clean an iron with lemon, you will need:
- juice of 1 lemon
- baking soda to create the mixture.
Instructions:
- Mix lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of baking soda until smooth.
- Apply the mixture to the contaminated areas and leave for 10-15 minutes.
- Wipe the iron with a soft cloth to remove any remaining paste.
- Rinse the iron with water and dry thoroughly.
This method is suitable for enamel, steel and Teflon irons.
To prevent the appearance of heavy dirt, it is recommended to periodically carry out preventive cleaning of the iron.
To do this, it is enough to wipe the sole of the iron with warm water with the addition of table vinegar or lemon juice once every 1-2 weeks.
This will keep the work surface clean and prevent the accumulation of hard-to-remove deposits.
It is also useful to wipe the sole of the iron dry after ironing to prevent oxidation of the metal.
Following these simple rules will significantly extend the life of your iron.
As you can see, you can restore your iron to its ideal appearance and performance using simple home remedies, without resorting to expensive chemical cleaners.
The main thing is to regularly remove dirt and prevent heavy scale accumulation. Then the iron will serve for many years and will please you with excellent ironing quality.
Previously, we talked about 7 unusual ways to use fabric softener in everyday life.