One of the common problems that may occur during the ironing is scorched iron.
Somehow the residue on the bottom of the iron will trouble you to smooth your clothes. Your clothes will wrinkle and be stuck to the burnt debris.
Don’t let your iron get scorched for too long. These are some tips on how to clean an iron plate when burnt. Check them out.
Vinegar
If the scorched marks are really bad, you will need to be more aggressive in your cleaning efforts. Instead of salt, heat up some white vinegar and dip a soft cloth in it. Next, gently wipe the cloth on the scorched sole plate until the marks are gone. Finish by wiping the bottom of the iron with a cloth dampened with clean water.
If vinegar alone does not erase the marks, then you will need to mix a few teaspoons of table salt or baking soda with the hot white vinegar. Stir the mixture until the salt or baking soda dissolves. Soak a clean cloth in the cleaning solution and then wipe the iron’s sole plate. Continue wiping until the stains are gone, and then clean the bottom of the iron with a clean, damp towel before storing.
Laundry Detergent
If your iron has a nonstick sole plate, then you have the option of cleaning the marks with a little liquid laundry detergent. Simply add a drop or two of detergent in a small bowl with warm water. Next, dip a clean cloth into the solution and scrub the sole plate. Finally, dry the bottom of the iron with a towel before using the appliance again.
Dish Soap
There are times when scorch marks cover iron vents. To clean this type of mess, combine water and some gentle dish soap, such as Ivory, to create a soapy mixture. Dip cotton swabs into the cleaning solution and rub on the scorched sole plate and in the dirty vents. Once the stains are gone, use a clean cloth to dry the iron.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A simple way to clean a scorched iron is to soak a rag into hydrogen peroxide, place it on an ironing board and iron over it until the stains lift.
Metal Polish
If you scorch an iron that does not have a coated iron plate, then you can salvage it by applying a few drops of metal polish solution on it. Rub the polish on the scorch marks with a rag until they disappear, then get a clean cloth and wipe off any damp spots.
Prior to experimenting with any of the aforementioned cleaning techniques, it is a good idea to read the iron’s owners manual first. The manufacturer may have additional tips on how to remove scorch marks. In addition, the instructions may also feature a list of cleaning solutions that are not recommended for use on your iron.
Nail Polish Remover
The nail polish remover does not have to be acetone. Other chemicals work just as well. Always test a small section of the iron before attempting to clean the entire heating surface. Never use any heated chemicals or strong smells around pet birds. If you have birds in the house, only use this method outside. Many fumes are dangerous or deadly to birds.
Have all of your materials at hand, and only work on a stable foundation. There must be good ventilation – and this method is best handled outdoors. The iron will be very warm as it heats and after cleaning (until it cools). Be careful to avoid getting burned and do not inhale the fumes. The fumes are toxic.
Heat the iron to the lowest setting only.
Dip a Q-Tip or rolled rag into the nail polish remover.
Carefully rub at a section of the burned area.
Use a clean section of rag or Q-Tip once the edge has become soiled.
Once the entire iron is cleaned, dampen a cloth in clean water and rub the bottom. You can also lay the damp cloth flat and “iron” that to remove any leftover debris and burn marks.
Lime Juice and Baking Soda
This less toxic and more pleasant method involves a trip to the grocery store. Lime juice works quite well at lifting burns from the iron. The acid from the lime and the gentle abrasive action of the baking soda will leave your iron looking like new!
Simply squeeze one lime and add enough baking soda to make a paste.
Place the paste on the soiled areas of the iron.
Leave on the iron (cold, not heated) for at least 5 minutes.
Test a section after 5 minutes to see if the paste is lifting the stain.
Gently rub the lime and soda paste until the bottom of the iron is clean.
Wipe the excess paste with a damp cloth and allow the iron to air dry.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
You don’t have to make a special purchase of limes if you have some good old-fashioned white vinegar waiting in the cupboard. Make sure the iron is off and the heat plate is cool.
Mix a half cup of vinegar with a half cup of water.
Fold a rag or cotton ball and dip this into the vinegar and water solution.
Add a sprinkle of baking soda to the wet spot on the rag (this is your abrasive), and gentle begin scrubbing the burn stains. Use a circular motion and a little bit of pressure to lift off the stains.
Simply wipe off the excess with a damp cloth.
Both the vinegar and the lime juice (acids) react with the baking soda creating a fantastic stain busting duo. This combination is not a chemical; it is non-toxic and it works great.
Candle Wax
While melted candle wax is a “problem” when it spills on carpets and table cloths, it is a bane for cleaning burnt spots from the plate of an iron! It is an easy method too.
Set the iron to the lowest setting. Be careful to not touch the plate – it is still very hot. Rub the candle over the burn marks and scorch stains. Using a thick cloth (you can protect your hands by wearing oven mitts), apply pressure to rub the wax and the stain off the iron.
Wipe the iron clean by setting a thick, dampened cloth onto a flat surface. Iron the cloth to “wipe” off the remaining wax and to create a shine on the iron’s plate.
