A dirty steam iron can lead to streaks on your clothes due to the residue build up on the soleplate (the metal plate that heats up). This makes it cumbersome to iron your fabric. How does this residue develop, you ask? Well, spray starch or melted synthetic fabrics are responsible for building up this residue. Once the steam iron cools, it is difficult to remove the residue, however, it is not impossible. You just need to know a few tricks on how to tackle this residue the right way without burning your hands. Ensure you read through the end to know how you can keep your steam iron clean by warming the iron and carefully scrubbing the soleplate.
Related: Which is the Best Steam Iron in UAE?
What You Require to Clean the Bottom of Your Steam Iron?
The following things will help you to eliminate the residue from the bottom of your steam iron. You will be amazed to see that you don’t need any fancy items. These are basic objects and things that we use in our daily life. Ensure you keep all these things ready in one place before you start with the cleaning process in order to avoid last minute rush.
- Baking Soda
- Wooden Spatula
- Towel
- Cloth
Step-by-Step Process to Remove Residue
- To remove a thin residue such as starch or fusible fabric from the soleplate, simply turn on the steam iron and adjust the temperature to a high heat setting. Then, rub it vigorously yet carefully over a rough old towel. Of course, you need to take utmost care of your fingers and hands while doing the job, so consider using heat-protecting gloves. If you have oven mitt gloves, even that will do.
- If you need to remove a thick residue from the soleplate (for instance melted plastic or fabric), simply heat the steam iron on its low setting. Do this until the residue begins to soften. Once the residue softens, simply scrape off the residue with a wooden spatula.
- Baking soda is a saviour when it comes to cleaning most of your appliances including your steam iron, dishwasher, and microwave oven. To remove any remaining residue from your steam iron, simply combine two parts (two tablespoons) baking soda with one part (one tablespoon) water to make a powerful stain-fighting paste. Rub the soleplate with this paste and rinse with clear water. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Avoid baking soda from entering the steam holes. In case, it gets into the steam holes, don’t worry, all you need to do is clean them out. How to do it is mentioned in the next point.
- If baking soda gets into the steam holes, then use a cotton swab to clean them out. We bet, among all the tools used, cotton swabs have been proven as the best since they are able to get inside the steam holes and remove the baking soda. Ensure you dip the cotton swabs in distilled white vinegar before you insert them into the steam holes. This will expedite the cleaning by intensifying the grime-fighting power.
- In case your steam iron is corroded, then you can make use of vinegar to clean the iron plate. Simply soak the towel in vinegar and then place your steam iron onto the towel. Note that the iron plate should face downwards. Allow it to be in this position for 30 minutes and then wipe it down.
Restore the Bottom of Your Iron
With the right approach, cleaning your steam iron is easy breezy. We hope this step-by-step process has relieved you. Keep your iron working effectively as good as new by following these tips.
