There are several ways to remove sticky marks on your iron. Start with the most gentle method and gradually work your way up to more aggressive ones until one of them works. The most gentle cleaning method is plain water or paper, followed by soapy water or baby powder, and finally vinegar and / or salt. To quickly remove sticky marks from your iron, try ironing a sheet of paper with it. For a more thorough cleaning, wipe the iron with heated vinegar and salt. If you're having trouble getting all the dirt out of the steam vents, try using a soft toothbrush, cotton ball, or pipe cleaner with soap or vinegar.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using a soap solution
Step 1. Wipe the iron with a damp cloth
Start with this simple method if there are not too many sticky marks on your iron. Preheat the iron by turning it on at a low temperature. Dampen a cloth with water to keep it damp. Unplug the iron and unplug it before wiping it down with a cloth.
Fold the damp cloth several times and try not to touch the iron with your hand
Step 2. Prepare a soapy solution
If you cannot cope with the task with plain water, unplug the iron, unplug it and let it cool down to room temperature. Squeeze some liquid soap into the bottom of the bowl. Fill a bowl with warm water.
Step 3. Erase the plaque
Dip a sponge or rag in the soapy water. Squeeze out excess water to keep the sponge or rag damp. Wipe the soleplate of the cooled dry iron. Wipe off moisture with a dry cloth.
For stubborn dirt, use a nylon sponge
Method 2 of 4: Using baby powder
Step 1. Turn off the iron first
Remove the plug from the socket. Let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2. Rub baby powder into the soleplate of the iron
Sprinkle some of the powder on a rag. Use a rag to rub the baby powder over the iron.
Step 3. Iron two rags with an iron
Preheat your iron. Wipe off any remaining powder by ironing the first rag. Then iron a second rag to remove any sticky residue from the iron.
Step 4. Iron your clothes
If the fabric on the garment is too delicate, iron a small area on the inside of the garment first. After ironing two rags, there should be no sticky marks on the sole of the iron, but just in case, check if this is so.
Method 3 of 4: Ironing the paper
Step 1. Preheat the iron
Turn the iron on at maximum heat. Disable steam mode.
Step 2. Go over the paper with an iron
Spread out a piece of newspaper or paper towels. Run a hot iron over the paper until all traces of dirt are removed.
This method works especially well when you need to remove wax stains from the surface of the iron
Step 3. Add salt if necessary
If there is a sticky residue on the iron, scatter a tablespoon of salt over the paper. Run the iron over salted paper to remove plaque.
- Alternatively, you can sprinkle the salt onto a dry cotton towel.
- Use this method if you need to iron clothes quickly. But keep in mind that it will not remove all stains from the iron.
Method 4 of 4: Using vinegar and salt
Step 1. Heat the vinegar and salt in a saucepan
Use equal parts salt and white vinegar. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Heat the solution until bubbles begin to slowly rise on the surface, but do not bring it to a boil.
- If you can't stand the smell of vinegar, open a window.
- Unplug the iron and unplug it.
Step 2. Rub the soleplate of the iron with the cleaning solution
Wear gloves to protect your hands. Dip a clean cloth or non-metallic sponge into the solution. Take a rag or sponge and use it to rub the sole of the iron in a circular motion and backward motion until the iron is clean.
- Don't dip your hand in hot vinegar.
- A metal sponge can scratch the soleplate of the iron.
Step 3. Wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth
Once you're done wiping your iron with vinegar, dampen a fresh rag with distilled water. Wipe down your iron to remove any remaining vinegar. Let the iron dry or wipe dry.
Advice
- Use a low temperature setting on your iron and iron it on an anti-static cloth to clean the soleplate.
- If there are traces of molten plastic on your iron, try ironing some salt on a sheet of aluminum foil to rub off the plastic.