Laundry iron can be a real headache if you do not know how to clean after each use. Certainly for each of us has happened, once, to stain clothes washed with fresh dirt on the soleplate.
Instead you buy another iron each time you stain clothes, you better learn some simple tricks to help you keep your iron clean.
No matter how trivial it may sound this advice, it is essential to carefully read the instructions for use of the iron and try to follow them strictly.
If you burned something while ironing, remove the iron from the mains and put on the burn area with a wet cloth. The difference in temperature and moisture will help loosen burned pieces stuck on the soleplate.
Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners to clean the sole of the iron, because you risk ruining its slippery outer layer.
To prevent limescale inside the iron, use distilled water instead of tap water.
Empty the water tank after each use and wipe the iron to avoid the buildup of mineral deposits and rust.
Natural solutions for cleaning the iron
Method of cleaning with vinegar
To clean the inside, prepare a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Fill the tank up to 1/3 of its capacity and turn it on to steam for 5-10 minutes or until all the solution evaporated. It’s good to do this as close to a window open to avoid inhaling fumes of vinegar and impurities. Once the tank is empty, fill it to capacity with fresh water (distilled) and restarts iron to remove any mineral deposits or vinegar remaining inside.
If you want to clean the soleplate, all you have to do is dip a cloth with vinegar and then start to rub it. You can use cotton buds to clean the holes where the steam comes out.
The method of cleaning with sodium bicarbonate
The same method for cleaning the interior but used for the exterior cleaning pad, cloth dipped in vinegar, add a tablespoon or two of baking soda. If you do not have baking soda, you can replace the salt. It works just as well.
The method of cleaning with toothpaste
Put a small amount of toothpaste (not gel) on a cloth and rub the affected areas thoroughly (make sure it is unplugged!), and then remove well from the soleplate. To be sure you have removed all traces of toothpaste, including the elimination of steam holes, apply the method of cleaning the interior with vinegar.
