Over time and use, our irons become covered in dirt which can damage them in the long run. A stained sole can also damage the laundry which you then have to remove as best you can (or even burn delicate textiles if you are unlucky!). It also happens that the soleplate starts to stick because of dirt residues and scale deposits which also affect its operation, making ironing even more tedious than it already is. And yet, you don’t want to scratch your device with a harsh product. Regular maintenance of the soleplate of the iron or steam generator is therefore recommended, and grandmother knows very well how to clean it without chemicals. Here are some tips to know with ecological cleaning products!
Also remember to carry out descaling regularly to avoid malfunctions. Yes! Taking care of your household appliances also contributes to laundry care. A simple mixture of lukewarm water and vinegar in the water tank or the bowl before turning on the steam flow will be more than enough to descale it. In the future, use deionized water ! And to effectively clean the holes in the soleplate of your iron, use a cotton swab soaked in the chosen household solution among those proposed below.
1) The clay stone to clean the soleplate of the iron
Clay stone is a multi-use product that will allow you to shine the sole iron. Simply apply with a damp sponge or cloth and rub the surface. It’s very effective! You can then wipe gently to remove the brown marks and lime deposits that clog the metal.
2) Baking soda
Its slightly abrasive effects make it possible to scrape off stains without leaving scratches. Enough to really make the sole impeccable! To use this cleaning product, dilute one tablespoon of baking soda to one teaspoon of hot water. Then, soak a cloth with this mixture and gently rub the dirt.
3) Marseille soap to clean a dirty iron
Soapy water (a cap of black soap or dishwashing liquid in hot water) may be sufficient for basic cleaning. However, it may happen that the soles are more dirty. In this case, Marseille soap is a good ally. To do this, heat the iron or proceed after using it. Unplug it and let it cool a little to avoid the risk of burns. Then rub the sole directly with soap or with a cloth soaked in soapy water. This should make removing dirt easier. Then rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a clean, dry cloth.
4) Toothpaste
There are many tips and tricks for cleaning everything in the house with toothpaste. On the sole of the iron as on the teeth, it will provide an effect decalcifier and descaling agent. Rub the surface of the cold iron with a cloth to remove stains. Never use it on a hot iron!
5) Hydrogen peroxide, very popular for cleaning this device
Need to do a quick iron cleaning? To do this, use a soft cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide. It is also very effective when the sole begins to yellow with wear.
6) White or lemon vinegar to clean the iron
If there are black marks on your iron soleplate, use hot white vinegar to rub them. Then wipe with a dry cloth to remove the last traces. This will loosen and shine the iron. Otherwise, there is another acidic solution that is just as effective: lemon juice. Rub the iron with half a lemon or at least one strip. Once it is well soaked, rub gently with a cloth soaked in water. The shine will be there, especially in the case of a yellowed iron sole! In combination with fine salt, this will also remove rust and stubborn stains.
7) Is the soleplate of the iron sticking? Here’s how to clean it!
Ensuring good glide is very important for rapid and effective wrinkle removal. If this parameter is not there, it is often due to installed fouling ! In this case, you can try using household alcohol or non-acetone nail polish remover on a clean cloth to remove the dirt. Only reserve the nail polish remover with acetone for force majeure cases characterized by numerous residues.
Bonus: how to help the iron glide well?
Whether it’s a steam iron or not, use distilled water rather than tap water. This prevents lime deposits which can make the sole rough. You can also use a sliding product (a little transparent candle wax or a specific product for the soleplate of irons) to rub on the soleplate with a clean cloth to distribute the product evenly. For more difficult fabrics, a little talc on the sole of the iron can also help improve glide. However, be careful not to apply too much and wipe it off thoroughly afterwards. Before each use, finally make sure that the sole is clean and smooth. Any residue or irregularity can make ironing more difficult.
How to avoid getting the soleplate of your iron dirty?
There are many practical tips to avoid getting the soleplate of your iron dirty!
-First of all, you must always check clothes before ironing to make sure they are clean. Detergent residue (especially fabric softener if you overdose), but also lint or dirt can accumulate on the soleplate during use.
–Using the right temperature is also essentialthen adjust the iron temperature according to the fabric to be ironed. Too high a temperature can in fact burn or melt certain materials, which certainly risks leaving residue on the sole and damaging your precious clothes. In addition, an iron that is too cold can stick to fabrics, while an iron that is too hot can damage them.
-For delicate or synthetic fabrics, you may consider place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the garment. This protects both the fabric and the soleplate of the iron from any risk.
-And above all, if you use starch, apply it on the fabric rather than directly on the sole iron to prevent it from sticking.
Important: even with precautions, clean the sole regularly to remove any residue. To do this, follow the tips given earlier.