How to clean the iron from the soot and limescale at home - all the proven ways

It doesn't take long after you buy your iron before the first problems appear. At first it is shiny and has a clean soleplate. Once you get the temperature wrong when ironing a silk blouse, you will see the first problem.

But not everyone knows how to clean an iron at home, because they usually rely on the automatic cleaning system or someone else to do it. But the Self Clean system aims to remove internal limescale and rust to give your iron a longer life. It probably won't make the soleplate clean and shiny.

Many people mistakenly think that an iron is the perfect device because it has a steam system for steaming things. They think that it is not capable of damaging the surface of the device. And in vain, because in the process of steaming is boiling water, which was filled in a special compartment of the iron. This leads to the formation of a deposit based on calcium or magnesium salts.

If you do not pay attention to this problem, as beginners usually do, then the sludge begins to accumulate and a solid scale is formed. It significantly interferes with the normal operation of the product. So below are the ways to get rid of these problems, so that everyone is aware of how to clean the iron.

If the soleplate of the iron is dirty

There is no need to panic and think that this is the end of the life of the device, because how to clean the iron brought to this state? The problem can be solved, but much depends on the degree of contamination:

1. If any melting of chemical fabrics or anything else is noticed, there is no need to get upset. Paper is used for cleaning. You need to turn the device on at maximum power. Then slowly iron over the paper based on the pressure force. Gradually the sheet will absorb the dirt from the soleplate. Another sheet of paper is used until it is completely clean;
2. No need to make anything up or experiment, as a special pencil will help. It can be purchased in sewing stores or shopping malls. It is necessary to heat the device, rub the sole with a pencil. The process of its melting begins, and reliable cleaning is provided;
3. A cotton swab is moistened in vinegar and rubbed over the sole of the cold appliance. It does not help, ammonia is added to it on the basis of the proportion of 1 to 1. The soleplate is still dirty? Then a piece of cloth is soaked in vinegar, and the desired area is covered. Soak for 1 to 2 hours. The dirt should soften.

If you need to get rid of polyethylene contamination from the soleplate of the iron. Then a lacquer cleaner is used. However, it is recommended to avoid plastic elements during use, because you can damage this material. By now it should be clear to everyone how to clean the soleplate of the iron, but it is worth paying attention to the nuances.

Important: It is strictly forbidden to use sandpaper, a knife or sharp objects to clean the iron. They can scratch the soleplate and cause noticeable damage, which will affect the quality of the device.

How to reliably get rid of burnt on the iron?

Many people think that careful operation will definitely get rid of burnout. This approach may allow you to buy time, but the burnout will surely appear. Therefore, it is useful to know how to clean the iron from the burnout of different types of material, because it makes it difficult for the normal functioning of the device. There are different ways to do this, but it all depends on the material of the soleplate:

Ceramic surface.

Characterized by a smooth plane for perfect passage through fabrics. It rarely burns, but a light plaque can be cleaned with cleaned water. If the layer is too thick then acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide is used. But abrasive cleaners can damage very delicate ceramic material;

Stainless steel

Cleaned with light abrasives: baking soda, tooth powder or paste, a specialized pencil. Citric acid or vinegar will do;

Aluminum

Has a moderate cost, a high level of thermal conductivity, but easily scratched or, deformed. If small defects appear, the quality of operation is reduced. Usually covered with a protective layer of another material. To clean it, use kitchen detergent, vinegar, toothpaste based on a toothbrush without pronounced abrasive properties;

Teflon coating

It is fragile so scratches can occur. To clean is used citric acid with a soft cloth, with holes work with a cotton swab. You can use hydrogen peroxide, tooth powder or paste, vinegar will do;

Enamel coating of the soleplate.

It has a high resistance, so it is allowed to clean any methods and means: baking soda, salt, pencil, acetic and citric acids, ammonia, and more.

Tip: If the encrustation is fresh, it is allowed to use a wooden spatula. But it is strictly forbidden a knife or other sharp object, as they will scratch the surface.

How to fight with the scale on the iron?

It is necessary to fill with water or distilled water. But when it appeared, it is appropriate to know how to clean the iron from scale effective, reliable and inexpensive means. We have already considered most of it. We have learned what, and for what surfaces is suitable. What is not recommended to use. Now let's study the rules of cleaning:

1. Cleaning is done regularly. It is not necessary to wait until too much scale is formed, in which case you will have to read a lot of information on how to clean the iron. Scale is noticed, it is removed by the safest and most accessible method, it is easier to cope with a small layer.
2. To clean the soleplate from limescale liquid means or gels are used. Abrasive powders can damage the surface, which is an extremely undesirable cleaning result.
3. You should not use a knife, blade, they will damage the soleplate.
4. Limescale is cleaned only from the cold soleplate. If at the time of cleaning Teflon or metal coating will be warm cleaning process will result in the formation of new stains. They are extremely difficult to clean with any means.
5. After cleaning is complete, the iron is rinsed with a damp sponge. Allow the appliance to dry completely before use. Otherwise, you could seriously damage the performance of the product.

The suggested recommendations are enough to clean almost any iron from difficult types of dirt. It requires a fresh head, patience, a little free time and care.