How to clean the iron from scale?

An iron is an indispensable thing, without which it is almost impossible to do. Modern manufacturers offer all kinds of models of irons that will help make life easier for the whole family. Regardless of the quality of the products, there are certain rules for caring for them, following which you can extend the life of the equipment by several years. In this article, you will learn how to clean the scale from the iron using simple and affordable means.

Any technique sooner or later becomes unusable, and irons are no exception. The main cause of breakdowns is limescale deposits that form on the bottom of the device and inside the water tank. Too frequent use of the iron can lead to the formation of scale even on a recently purchased appliance.

Usually, the water in the water supply is quite hard, so the difficulties in using water-consuming equipment are familiar to residents of large cities firsthand. Even multi-stage purification is not able to soften the water and completely eliminate the presence of salts in the water.

Few people know how dangerous scale is. It does not conduct temperature well - about 10 times worse than the steel from which the iron body is made. The greater the layer of scale on the sole, the more difficult it will be to iron things. In this case, the metal of the iron will overheat, and it will take many times more time to heat the water. As a result - a decrease in the functionality of the device, metal distortion, difficulty in the ironing process.

Before you start cleaning your iron, you need to determine which cleaning method is right for your technique.

Many housewives prefer home cleaning methods, especially since in each apartment there is always one or two tools that will help you quickly and easily remove scale from the appliance. Each of them has its pros and cons and is effective in its own way. To find out which method is right for you, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most effective folk methods for cleaning an iron.

Any housewife can find citric acid, so this method can be called the most popular of all existing ones.

First, you should carefully inspect the heating soleplate of the iron, pay special attention to the steam outlets. The accumulation of scale inside the holes can be seen with the naked eye, and if there is too much of it, then it is better to start the procedure with them. Otherwise, it will be difficult to clean the water tank.

You will need:

• syringe;
• several cotton buds;
• basin for draining dirty liquids.

First you need to dilute citric acid with hot water and stir.This should be done as carefully as possible, since the ingress of undissolved crystals into the tank is unacceptable. If the holes are too clogged with scale, then you can blot them with a cotton swab dipped in the resulting solution.

You can clean the water tank as follows. A solution with citric acid must be poured into it through holes on the surface using a syringe. The rest of the liquid is poured in the usual way. Next, you need to heat the iron to a high temperature and leave it in a horizontal position for 5-10 minutes without removing the plug from the outlet.

After a while, you need to rinse the tank with clean water and treat the surface of the sole with gauze or a soft cloth. To do this, pour water inside and iron unnecessary rags in the usual way. If traces of scale are still visible, the procedure should be repeated.

remember, that acid solution should not be too concentratedeven if the holes in the surface are too clogged. Scale can be removed only by carefully wiping the holes, and too much citric acid in the solution can damage the internal parts of the device and even cause the equipment to fail.

The same can be repeated with lemon juice. It is necessary to squeeze the juice from the lemon into a glass of water, then pour the resulting liquid into the iron tank. It must be heated at full power and turn on the steam mode. It is best to do this over a bathtub or some kind of container. As a result, all scale should come out of the iron.

You need to continue manipulations until all the water comes out of the iron.Then cool the device and repeat the procedure with clean water. This cleaning method is especially loved by housewives for safety, because natural lemon does not contain any harmful substances.

Acetic acid does an excellent job of removing burns and scale, but is considered a more aggressive agent, so it can only be used to clean the bottom surface of the product.

You can wipe the soleplate of the iron with a cotton pad or a soft cloth soaked in vinegar.

The cleaning procedure is as follows:

1. the iron must be heated;
2. cotton wool or cloth should be moistened in undiluted vinegar;
3. carefully walk along the bottom surface of the device;
4. use cotton swabs to wipe the holes.

At the end of the manipulations, it is necessary to walk with an iron on some unnecessary fabric to remove the remnants of contamination.

Experts recommend cleaning the iron every two to three months, this will help increase the life of the equipment and eliminate problems during ironing. Remember that vinegar solution cannot be poured into the iron tank - it can corrode rubber parts.

Vinegar baths are allowed. To do this, you will need an unnecessary baking sheet or container and two slats on which you can put a heated iron.

The procedure goes like this:

• boil water and mix with a little vinegar;
• pour the solution into the container so that it covers part of the sole;
• leave the device for about an hour;
• to enhance the effect, the baking sheet can be put on a gentle fire.

Vinegar works well with baking soda. This home method of cleaning the iron is good because all its components are always at hand.

For this you need:

• set the table with a rough cloth (you can take a waffle towel);
• pour a little soda;
• carefully crush the lumps;
• pour soda with a little vinegar. For greater effect, you can add a few drops of ammonia. If there is no vinegar in the house, only ammonia is allowed;
• rub the heated iron on the cloth. The resulting foam well cleans the sole of the device from various contaminants and burns.
• if necessary, repeat the procedure several times.

Manufacturers of household chemicals are trying to make household life easier and create effective tools that allow you to quickly and easily clean the iron from scale. The use of chemicals greatly facilitates the process of cleaning the device and makes it simple and safe.

To date, all cleaning products on the market have acids in their composition that can cope with almost any dirt and scale.

One of these tools is Antinakipin, which removes scale well and has a low price. The cleaning technique differs little from the above:

• dilute "Antinakipin" with water, observing the proportions indicated in the instructions;
• fill the device into the tank and turn on the temperature at full power;
• when the iron warms up, turn on the steam;
• foam should appear from the steam holes;
• wait for the device to cool down and rinse the tank in the housing with clean water.

Compared with folk remedies, this method is more expensive, but the use of a chemical agent allows you to speed up the procedure and makes it as effective as possible.

There are many ways to clean irons from scale and other contaminants. Each of them has its pros and cons.

Chemicals save time, but using them, it is important to take precautions and avoid contact with the skin of the hands. Do not use coarse abrasives and rub the surface of the iron with a stiff brush or a metal brush - this can damage the soleplate. It is better to choose soft cloths and gentle cleaning products designed for this.

In addition to the cleaning methods described above, there is a whole list of folk remedies using soda and detergent, laundry soap, hydroperite, salt, toothpaste and even a paraffin candle - it's up to you what to choose.

Do not forget that the cleaning method must correspond to each individual device model. Some devices have a delicate surface that is very easy to spoil with salt or soda, so in such cases it is best to give preference to more gentle methods.

When using candle wax for cleaning, make sure that it does not get stuck in the steam holes of the device. Don't forget to put the tray under the bottom, as when heated against the iron, the candle will begin to melt and flow down.You can avoid getting wax into the holes by tilting the iron vertically.

Most modern steam irons are equipped with a special self-cleaning system, using which you can significantly increase the life of the devices. In addition, this is the most functional way to clean this technique from the inside.

The self-cleaning procedure of the device takes place in several stages:

• it is necessary to choose a deep container, preferably metal;
• fill the tank with water, you can add a purchased product designed for this;
• the iron must be turned on at full power to warm up;
• after it warms up, disconnect it from the power supply and turn on the self-cleaning mode. At this point, the device must be held over the basin or tub. The self-cleaning button is located on the body of the iron. Pressing it will provoke the removal of steam and water from the tank, along with which pieces of plaque will come out. To make the procedure more effective, you can gently shake the iron;
• to completely remove scale inside the device, you can repeat the procedure a couple of times.

The popularity of ceramic coated irons is due to the practicality of operation and ease of maintenance. Such irons practically do not spoil things, they are easy to clean from dirt, and besides, they have a long service life.

Over time, any technology becomes obsolete. It is common for irons to build up limescale deposits on the soleplate and inside the water tank.Spots from clothes often appear on the surface, which not only make it difficult to iron the linen, but can also be imprinted on things.

There are several ways to remove dirt and plaque from the ceramic coating:

• Means for glass ceramics. This is one of the most affordable and cheapest ways to clean dirt and limescale. How to use: Apply the solution to the cold surface of the iron and rub with a soft sponge until the surface is completely cleansed. After that, remove the remnants of the product with a cloth dipped in warm water.
• Vinegar + ammonia. How to use: apply ammonia on the cold surface of the sole and use a sponge or soft cloth to walk over the entire surface. Dampen a cloth in vinegar and repeat the manipulations, heat the iron and turn on the steam mode. This will help eliminate scale even in the holes on the sole.
• Hydrogen peroxide. This is another easy and affordable way to remove scale from the surface. How to use: moisten a cotton swab with peroxide and treat the work surface. To enhance the effect, the iron must be turned on, but make sure that the surface does not get very hot.

• Salt. With its help, you can easily clean the ceramic iron from too strong burn. How to use: Sprinkle a thin layer of fine salt on the leaf. Turn on the iron and iron the sheet with salt in smooth, slow movements. Do not use coarse salt - ceramics are easily scratched.
• Hydroperide tablet. With its help, you can easily get rid of heavy dirt on the surface of the ceramic iron. How to use: heat the device to the maximum temperature and unplug it from the outlet. Rub the tablet over the entire surface of the sole, paying particular attention to old stains.Remove any remaining tablet with a damp cloth. Using this method, open a window or balcony to allow the hydroperite fumes to vent.

Teflon is a unique material widely used in household and industrial applications. It is distinguished by high strength qualities and an incredibly slippery surface. Teflon-coated irons have long been the favorite models of housewives. Teflon is simply ideal for ironing - it does not cling to textiles, therefore it is suitable for even the most delicate fabric, it does not wash or deteriorate with proper care. The shelf life of Teflon-coated irons is longer than ceramic ones. However, even such models lose their original properties over time and require cleaning.

It is strictly forbidden to use soda and coarse salt. It is better to try to remove dirt and limescale using hydrogen peroxide or a special chemical agent. You will also need soft cloths or sponges for more effective cleaning and cotton swabs for cleaning surfaces with holes.

Secrets of thrifty housewives:

1. Ammonia is an all-purpose cleaner. It is the best suited for Teflon coatings, perfectly removing dirt, scale, stains. After use, the soleplate of the iron should be rinsed with warm water and wiped dry.
2. By mixing baking soda with 2-3 drops of detergent and lemon juice, you can make a shock mixture to remove stubborn stains. It is applied in a thin layer over the entire surface with a cotton swab or roller.To enhance the effect, you can wait about half an hour, and then rinse with warm water.
3. A soft, fluffy cloth is best for removing stains. You can use microfiber cloths - they absorb moisture well and are easy to use.
4. Under no circumstances should sandpaper, a knife or other sharp objects be used to clean the surface of irons. They will scratch the surface and may cause the device to malfunction.
5. The Teflon coating must not be rubbed too hard. This will lead to the formation of microcracks and damage to the entire surface in the future.
6. A pencil cleaner will help to cope with the most capricious surface. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range, among which you can easily choose the best option for yourself. The pencil is applied only on a heated surface. After use, iron unnecessary rags and wipe the cooled surface of the iron with a damp cloth.

The formation of burns on the surface of the iron can be prevented by adhering to several rules:

• observe the temperature regime for each type of fabric;
• delicate items, which include wool, silk, nylon, polyester, lace, cashmere, knitwear, must be ironed through a wet cloth;
• after each ironing, it is necessary to wipe the surface of the iron with a damp cloth;
• Only purified water should be poured into the water tank. Distilled or filtered water will do to help reduce scale build-up.

How to clean the iron from scale inside, see the following video.