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Despite the fact that the latest models of irons have a self-cleaning function, after purchase you still have to wonder how to clean the iron from scale at home. And this must be done regularly and without fail, otherwise internal scale will interfere not only with normal steam formation, but can also affect the operation and durability of the device. An even worse situation is when the flakes stain clothes and washing afterward does not always help.
In our article we will share simple recipes on how to properly clean the inside of the iron from scale , incl. and such expensive models as Tefal, Bosh, Philips. Let's talk about preventive measures.
Popular irons
Reasons for the formation of soot and scale on the sole of the iron
The main reason for the formation of carbon deposits is improper ironing of items made from synthetic fabrics. If you make a mistake in setting the mode and choose too high a temperature, the synthetic material melts under the sole and its particles stick tightly to the surface. You may not notice this right away. The problem will only appear after you start ironing the next item.
Melted synthetic fibers will prevent the sole from sliding freely over the surface and can, like hot glue, stick the iron to the fabric
Scale formation is another common problem. It appears as rusty or whitish marks on the fabric. The source of the problem is tap water. Believe me, this is not a whim of the manufacturers - the recommendation is to fill the iron with filtered or distilled liquid. This is a real look at the quality of our tap water.
The quality of plain tap water usually does not meet the requirements of imported heating units
Traces of scale: how to clean an iron at home
Let's start with the problem of scale. This is not the worst thing that can happen to your device. There are several effective methods for removing scale.
How to simultaneously clean an iron from scale and carbon deposits: universal industrial products
German manufacturers have been most successful in this matter: they offer a wide range of chemicals for simultaneously cleaning the soleplate of a heating device from soot and scale.
Method 1 – chemical cleaner
The most popular products in this segment are products from Topperr , Bosch and Filtero . It’s not difficult to use them; the algorithm is the same for all. How to clean a steam iron: you need to dilute the chemical in water in a ratio of 1:3, warm up the device as much as possible, turn it off and place it with the sole down in the tank with the cleaning agent. After a couple of hours, you need to wash the sole with water. Before ironing again, press the steam release lever five to six times.
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How to descale an iron: folk remedies
Factory chemicals are not always available in your home. It doesn’t matter, you can clean it using folk remedies. You probably have most of the ingredients in your home, so here are some ideas on how to descale your iron.
How to effectively clean the inside of an iron from scale with citric acid, vinegar or soda
Method 2 – Citric Acid Powder
To descale an iron at home, dissolve 10 g of powder in half a glass of heated water, wet a soft cloth with this solution and apply it to the sole of the inverted appliance for half an hour. Then clean the steam vents with cotton swabs. For internal cleaning, pour lemon juice solution into a water container and turn on the device at maximum mode. Release steam from the heated unit several times.
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Method 3 – sparkling water
To clean the iron from scale inside, pour carbonated mineral water into the liquid reservoir. Then the algorithm is the same as when cleaning the iron with citric acid: warming up and releasing steam.
Method 4 – vinegar
Another popular way to clean a device from contamination is to use table vinegar. Do not use concentrated acid for this purpose, it will damage the iron. Lightly dampen a rag with 6% table vinegar and iron it with a heated iron. Traces of rust will disappear without a trace.
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Steam generator care
The device smoothes fabric using fine steam supplied from a boiler to a removable iron under high pressure.
Steam generators are equipped with self-cleaning functions, the process of which is described in the instructions supplied with the equipment.
Many models have a cartridge filter with granules that purifies the water entering the tank.
Such elements should be replaced every 1-3 months (the exact service life of the product is indicated in the instructions for it).
To remove dirt from the soleplate of a removable iron, you can use cleaning pencils or a water solution of laundry soap (or dishwashing detergent).
You can remove scale from the heating element by wiping the soleplate with a cloth soaked in a solution of vinegar and salt (mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 100 ml of acidic solution).
After cleaning, be sure to treat all surfaces with clean water and wipe the iron dry.
IMPORTANT!
Cleaning the boiler using improvised means is unacceptable. If it is necessary to remove scale, you should use the services of a service center.
How to quickly clean the iron from carbon deposits on the outside
Method 5 – paraffin candle
Fresh deposits on the soleplate of the iron can be easily removed using a regular candle. Rub the surface of the sole with it, and then vigorously wipe off the wax with hard paper. Instead of a candle, you can use a piece of soap.
Method 6 – salt
Fine “Extra” salt should be sprinkled on a newspaper and a hot iron should be moved over it with force. Salt will absorb all impurities. Please note that this technique is not suitable for devices with Teflon soles.
Method 7 - soda
Plaque and scale are easily cleaned with soda solution. Soda is moistened with water to form a paste. Rub the sole with it, using grains of soda as an abrasive.
Method 8 – matchbox
Another simple answer to the question of how to remove scale from an iron is to use a matchbox. Its sticker, which is struck with a match, perfectly removes traces of lime and rust from the sole.
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How to clean an iron from burning if the sole is made of ceramic or Teflon
Expensive, good irons from well-known companies such as Tefal or Philips are equipped with modern soles. How to clean such a device without hopelessly damaging it?
Ceramic sole
Method 9 – cleaning agents for glass-ceramic hobs
While special compositions for cleaning irons cannot be found in every hardware store, compositions for electric stoves are available almost everywhere. This paste is applied to the sole and carbon deposits are removed using soft circular movements.
Method 10 – hydrogen peroxide
Peroxide solution is an excellent home remedy for descaling. How to descale a Philips iron with peroxide: wet a piece of cotton, preferably linen, fabric with the solution and iron it with a hot iron.
Method 11 – toothpaste
An excellent tip from experienced housewives is to clean ceramic soles with toothpaste. Apply the paste to the warm sole, rubbing particularly dirty areas with light force. Once dry, wipe off the paste with a dry cloth.
How to descale an iron if it has a Teflon sole
Method 12 – nail polish remover with acetone
Acetone will help get rid of traces of burnt synthetics or polyethylene. Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover and apply to the stain for a couple of minutes. Then wipe the sole with the same cotton wool. You should know that cleaning with acetone is only done on a cold surface!
Method 13 – chalk
Now we clean the Teflon iron at home with regular chalk: heat the device and run the chalk directly over the surface of the sole. All dirt is easily washed off. Chalk residues can be easily removed with a paper napkin.
Method 14 - ammonia
Not a very pleasant, but effective option on how to get rid of scale from your iron. Moisten the cloth with a solution of ammonia and wipe the sole. In difficult cases, you need to iron the damp fabric with a hot iron. Take care of your lungs, use a respirator and open the windows!
Method 15 – dishwashing liquid
The Teflon sole can be cleaned from burnt synthetics with dishwashing detergent. Wet the cloth with it and rub the heated sole. Then wipe with a damp cloth to remove any remaining soap.
By the way, if your Teflon device has begun to lose its sliding properties, you can extend its service life. Mix paraffin wax with Extra salt, place it between two layers of a handkerchief and iron with a hot iron. You will have to throw away the tissues, but the device itself will last for some time. Some service shops offer services for restoring Teflon coating, but this is not a cheap pleasure, so it is perhaps easier to buy a new device.
Cleaning the Teflon surface
Laundry soap helps to clean a Teflon iron well. Clean the Tefal iron cannot be cleaned with acid or abrasive.
Cleaning the iron step by step begins with the following steps:
- Preheat the soleplate of the iron to maximum.
- Clean the soleplate of the iron with laundry soap and rub the surface with a damp cloth.
- Leave the soap for five minutes and wipe the slightly heated sole of the device with a dry cloth to remove black deposits.
- The holes are cleaned with cotton swabs.
- Turn on the iron and iron the unwanted fabric using the steam function.
- After turning on the iron, it is permissible to rinse the soleplate with running water and wipe the iron dry.
How to use the Self clean function on an iron
“Self Clean” is a self-cleaning function that significantly extends the life of the device. If your iron has this feature, use it periodically. Such devices are not cleaned with chemicals.
To control this function there is a special button on the case
Just fill the water tank and turn on the iron at full power. When the heating indicator goes out, you need to unplug the cord from the outlet, place the device over a basin or sink, press the “Self Clean” button and hold it until all the water has drained out. In the process, you will see dirt and debris pouring out of the sole. After cleaning, turn on the device again and iron the unnecessary cloth with it. With regular cleaning, your device will last a very long time.
A paraffin candle will help remove carbon deposits
For irons with any coating, you can use a paraffin candle.
Proceed as follows:
- Turn on the iron and raise the heat temperature to maximum.
- Place the iron vertically and place an unnecessary thick cloth under the device.
- Wrap a paraffin candle in a cloth and treat the surface of the iron.
Liquid hot paraffin melts the burnt residue. After the dirt has drained off, wipe the surface of the device with a dry cotton cloth.
Features of descaling an iron with an anti-lime rod or cassettes
Some devices from well-known companies, such as Brown or Mulinex, are equipped with an anti-lime rod or special cassettes. These additional devices prevent the formation of scale inside the iron. You just need to clean them periodically. To do this, the rod is removed and placed overnight in a glass of lemon juice. After it should be rinsed with water. Instead of lemon juice, you can use descaling agent or bleach.
It is important to remember that the rod should not be touched with your fingers.
