Ironing clothes is an important part of keeping them looking their best. But did you know that your iron needs to be cleaned regularly?
Many people are unaware or simply don’t know how to clean an iron.
How do you clean an iron?
And how to clean the plate of the iron?
How often should you clean an iron?
Luckily, it’s not difficult. You can clean an iron easily at home using household products that you probably already have lying around the house.
In this post, we’ll show you how to clean an iron and the plate of the iron, and go over the risks of using an iron that hasn’t been properly cleaned and maintained.
Here’s how to clean your iron and keep it in good condition.
Are you supposed to clean your iron?
I know what you’re probably thinking: You know how to use an iron to smooth out wrinkles in your clothes, so why would you need to clean it?
Well, believe it or not, irons can get quite dirty. Over time, the bottom of the iron (the part that comes into contact with your clothes) can become covered in a build-up of materials like fabric softener, starch, and even burned-on fabric.
Why is it important to clean your iron?
It is important to keep your iron clean for several reasons. For starters, do you really want to walk around with streaky, wrinkled clothes? No, we didn’t think so! A clean iron ensures that your clothes are pressed properly, without any streaks or marks left behind.
A dirty iron can also reduce the appliance’s efficiency! Dirt and grime build up on the soleplate and can insulate the heat, making it harder for the iron to heat up, leading to longer ironing times and increased energy usage.
Additionally, a dirty iron can harbour bacteria and gunk, which can be transferred to your clothes when you iron them. By regularly cleaning your iron, you can help to extend its lifespan and keep your clothes looking and smelling fresh.
So, how do you clean an iron?
Well, it’s actually pretty easy. In most cases, all you need is a little elbow grease and some household ingredients like vinegar or baking soda.
Keep reading for tips on how to clean an iron properly!
How to clean an iron plate
Sometimes, the bottom of the iron collects buildup from fabric softener, starch, and burned-on fabric. If this happens, the iron can become less effective and might leave marks on your clothes.
Wondering how to clean the bottom of an iron?
Here’s 8 tips to clean the plate of the iron:
- Unplug the iron and let it cool completely before cleaning: never try to clean a hot iron, as this could be dangerous.
- Wipe down the surface of the iron with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Make a paste out of equal parts vinegar and baking soda: this will help to break down the build-up on the bottom of the iron.
- Apply the paste to the bottom of the iron with a cloth or sponge and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Wipe the paste off with a damp cloth: you may need to use a little elbow grease to remove all of the build-up.
- Rinse the bottom of the iron with water and dry it off with a clean cloth.
- Plug the iron back in and turn it on to the lowest setting: this will help to remove any water residue that may be left behind.
- Once the iron is dry, you can put it away!
How often should you clean an iron?
So, now that you know how to clean your iron, you might be wondering how often you should do it.
Ideally, you should clean your iron every few months to prevent build-up and keep it working properly. However, if you notice that the bottom of your iron is particularly dirty, then you may need to clean it more frequently.
Cleaning an iron is important to keep it working properly and to prevent build-up. Using an iron that has not been cleaned can damage your clothes.
Got an iron that needs cleaning? Use our tips and get it sparkling clean in no time!
Related read: How to Use A Steamer for Wrinkle-Free Clothes
When should you replace your iron?
If you find that your iron is not working as well as it used to, it may be time to replace it. Irons don’t last forever, and over time they can wear out or break down.
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your iron, try cleaning it first to see if that makes a difference. If it doesn’t, then it’s probably time to invest in a new one.
Risks of using a dirty iron
What will happen if I use a dirty iron on my clothes?
If you use a dirty iron on your clothes, it can actually damage them. The build-up on the bottom of the iron can transfer to your clothes and cause them to discolor or develop holes. In some cases, it can also cause the fabric to scorch or burn. Always follow safety precautions when using an iron to smooth out clothes.
So, if you want to keep your clothes looking their best, it’s important to clean your iron regularly.
Cleaning an iron is easy and only takes a few minutes. However, if you don’t clean your iron, it can damage your clothes. So, be sure to give it a good cleaning every few months!
