How to descale an iron with citric acid. How to descale an iron: clean inside, cleaning at home, Self Clean and citric acid

Every owner of this useful product may encounter the appearance of scale in an iron. household appliance, so it will be useful for everyone to know how you can get rid of it yourself easily and quickly. Let's consider effective ways, how to clean the inside of an iron from scale at home, using improvised and special cleaning products.

Scale– this is a solid deposit that forms on the heating elements of the iron during its operation (from salts contained in the water that is poured into the iron for steaming during ironing). Even the use of purified and boiled water will not protect you from the appearance of plaque and scale on the internal surface of the water tank in which it is heated, as well as in the honeycombs (holes) from which steam comes out during ironing and steaming clothes with an iron.

The formation of scale inside the iron over time can lead to its breakdown, as well as to contamination and damage to clothes (during ironing, “rusty” water flows from the iron and small scale particles settle on the clothes).

When the first signs of scale formation appear, as well as for preventive purposes, once every 3-4 months it is necessary to clean the inside of the iron from scale, so we will consider below the most effective and time-tested methods of cleaning the iron from plaque and scale using ordinary improvised means that can be found in almost every home, as well as special chemicals that can be bought at the nearest household store or supermarket.

How and how to clean the inside of the iron from scale at home


Before considering each of the methods for removing scale from inside an iron, we note that the most the best solution is the use of specialized products, often developed by iron manufacturers with one goal - to clean scale and white coating inside the iron and on its soleplate. However, you can safely use traditional methods, which are also quite effective and have been in demand throughout for long years many housewives.

The following home remedies for iron scale, as well as special chemicals they are universal and can be used when cleaning irons of most popular models of irons today: Tefal, Phillips, Braun, Bosch, Polaris, Rowenta, Redmond etc.

Note: many special anti-scale products for irons contain the same citric acid (the main active ingredient), which is often used to get rid of scale in an iron.

Self-cleaning function for descaling the iron


Many models of modern steam irons have a special self-cleaning function, which must be carried out every few months (described in more detail in the instructions for use of your iron, if such a function is available). Let's look at how automatic self-cleaning works in an iron:

  • We fill the iron with water to the maximum level, and also prepare in advance a container (for example, a basin) into which dirty water with scale will drain during the cleaning process (you can also carry out the procedure over a washbasin);
  • We set the iron heating temperature regulator to full power and turn on the iron;
  • We wait until the iron is completely heated, turns off, and then fully heats up again before turning off;
  • We press the self-cleaning button on the iron (the “Calc Clean” button), holding it horizontally with the sole down over the prepared container or washbasin, and steam with dirt (scale, sediment) will begin to intensively come out of the iron from the holes on the sole. While the steam is coming out, you can gently shake the iron a little so that all dirt and liquid come out of it more intensively;
  • We repeat the entire procedure several times, after which we wait until the iron has completely cooled down and with a clean damp cloth we clean off any remaining scale and stains on the sole of the iron.

The presence of the automatic self-cleaning function of the iron is very convenient and does not require special knowledge and skills, as well as the purchase of any cleaning products; only plain water is used. The main thing is to carefully study the instructions for your iron model in order to correctly and consistently carry out the entire procedure according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of this model.

Preventative cleaning of the iron with anti-scale protection


No less useful improvement in modern irons There are special anti-scale filters (cassettes) that soften the water poured into the iron, and in others there are anti-lime rods that mechanically clean the inside of the iron from scale.

Anti-scale cassettes come in two types: replaceable (must be replaced with a new one after certain period operation of the iron) and permanent (calculated for the entire service life of the iron).

Anti-lime rods are designed to last for the entire service life of the iron, but for their normal operation it is necessary to periodically descale them (every 1-2 months). To do this, the rod is removed from the iron and placed in a previously prepared solution. citric acid(1:1 with water) or solution acetic acid (9% table vinegar mixed 1:1 with water) for 2 hours (during this time scale, plaque and sediment on the rod dissolve in the solution), after which the rod is washed plain water and inserted back into the iron.


Advantages: effective and quick way cleaning the inside of the iron from scale. This method is suitable for irons with ceramic, Teflon and metal soles.

Flaws: bad smell during the evaporation of the citric acid solution.

Using citric acid to clean an iron is one of the simplest, most affordable and effective ways to get rid of scale inside the water tank and in the holes on the soleplate from which steam is supplied during ironing. Cleaning the inside of the iron from scale with citric acid takes place in the following sequence:

  • We prepare a container into which dirty water with scale from the iron will be drained (large pan, basin). The procedure can also be carried out over a washbasin.
  • We prepare a solution of citric acid; to do this, dissolve a sachet of citric acid (25 grams) in a glass of water or measure out citric acid in teaspoons (2 teaspoons of citric acid per 250 ml of water). It is important to thoroughly stir it in the water so that no grains or sediment remain.
  • Pour the prepared citric acid solution into the water reservoir in the iron and close it.
  • We set the temperature regulator on the iron to maximum and turn it on, wait for the iron to fully heat up and turn it off automatically.
  • Holding the iron horizontally with the sole down over the prepared container or washbasin, gently rock it from side to side (so that the solution inside better washes away the accumulated scale) and press the button to release steam from the sole. We wait until the entire solution of citric acid with scale and pieces of lime deposits comes out with steam.
  • We repeat the procedure several times, rinse the inside of the iron with plain water, then, after waiting for the iron to cool down, use a clean damp cloth to clean the sole and the holes on it from any remaining dirt and stains.

Note: after cleaning the iron with citric acid, it is advisable to pour clean water into it and test iron old unwanted fabric (preferably cotton) at maximum temperature, while releasing steam from the soleplate of the iron to make sure that all remaining citric acid solution and particles scale has come out of the iron and will not stain clean clothes.


Advantages: affordable way remove scale from the iron, and also clean the holes (holes) on the sole of the iron at home.

Disadvantages: unpleasant odor during cleaning. This method can be used for irons with metal soles.

Using vinegar is effective for cleaning the soleplate, holes and channels through which steam escapes from the soleplate of the iron. Cleaning the iron with vinegar from scale takes place in the following sequence:

  • Prepare a large frying pan or baking sheet (into which you can pour water and heat it on the stove).
  • We make a vinegar solution for cleaning by mixing 1 liter of warm water with 1 glass of table vinegar 9%.
  • Place 2 on the bottom of the selected frying pan or baking sheet wooden sticks parallel to each other and place the iron on them with the sole down (it is advisable that rear end the iron was slightly higher than the front).
  • On the iron, set the steam regulator to maximum, after which we add the prepared vinegar solution to the container in which the iron is located so that it completely covers the sole of the iron, but does not reach the level above the plastic surfaces.
  • Turn on the stove and bring the vinegar solution in the container to a boil, after which we immediately turn off the stove.
  • We wait until the vinegar solution has cooled completely and repeat the procedure again.
  • After the container with the solution cools down again, take out the iron and thoroughly clean the entire sole with a damp cloth, while you can rinse the container into which it is poured in the iron with water.
  • We do not use the iron for 24 hours, after which we carry out “rough” ironing with clean water inside on old unnecessary cotton towel(or other unnecessary thing, preferably made of cotton) so that the remaining scale comes out of the internal surface of the iron and the holes through which steam escapes to the bottom of the iron are cleaned.

How to clean the inside of an iron from scale using special cleaning products


Most companies that manufacture modern steam irons also produce special chemical descaling products under their own brand, developed by professionals for specific iron models. These descaling cleaners can be purchased in stores. household appliances, as well as online stores (often located in departments that sell irons).

Also, in every household department of supermarkets you can choose descaling agents from conventional manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, which are universal and suitable for cleaning scale inside and outside irons. At the same time, as already written earlier, many anti-scale chemicals contain citric acid among the main effective components, which copes well with scale and plaque.

Note: how to properly use special products for cleaning scale in an iron is described on the packaging of all products, so please this issue will not focus attention.

There may be cases when the iron has not been descaled for a long time(possibly for several years after purchase), in this case there are situations when, in addition to soot, a small deposit of scale may form on the sole, while the holes in the sole, from which steam comes out, also become clogged with a layer limescale. In this case, do not despair and you can use the vinegar cleaning method (described above), in the case of an iron with a metal sole, but if the steam iron sole has a ceramic or Teflon coating, then you should use the tips below:

  • Prepare a citric acid solution by thoroughly stirring 1 sachet (2 teaspoons) of citric acid in warm water.
  • Carefully manually clean the soleplate of the iron with cotton pads soaked in a solution of citric acid, and clean the holes cotton swabs, which are also moistened in the prepared solution. At heavy pollution holes in the sole with scale, they can be generously moistened with the solution and left for 10 minutes so that the scale gets wet and begins to dissolve, after which we continue to clean these holes with new cotton swabs until they are completely clean.

Note: it is always better not to bring the iron to a state where a large layer of scale forms in it, and the channels and holes in the soleplate become clogged, since in this case a thorough, long-term cleaning is required.

We also read the article

It is an indispensable assistant for anyone who wants to look neat and pleasant to others. The neatness of your appearance directly depends on the quality of your iron and how often you clean it of dirt. We will tell you how to clean your iron at home.

After reading this article, you will understand that cleaning the iron is not difficult, requiring minimal effort on your part.

From this article you will learn:

  • how to clean the soleplate of an iron at home;
  • how to clean an iron with ceramic coating;
  • how to clean a Teflon iron;
  • how to clean an iron from burnt fabric;
  • how to descale an iron at home;
  • how to clean steam iron from scale.

Everyone will agree that clothes damaged by a dirty iron are an unpleasant surprise at that moment when you need to quickly stroke something and quickly run about your business. And in general, clothes damaged by an iron are always a nuisance.

How many times have you been upset when a recently purchased iron suddenly began to “chew” the fabric of your favorite item? After all, some shirts and blouses are made of very fancy fabrics, and such troubles with the iron can lead to throwing your favorite item in the trash.

Do you want to forget once and for all about problems with ironing and the long search for products to clean the surface of the iron? Then read the article carefully.

The coatings of irons, that is, their soles, are made of iron, Teflon or ceramics. These materials are very durable and easy to use.

How to clean an iron from burning at home?

Let's consider the first method. In order to clean the soleplate of the iron from carbon deposits using peroxide, you will need ordinary hydrogen peroxide, which can be bought at any pharmacy, and a cotton pad.

Soak a cotton pad in hydrogen peroxide until the cotton pad is completely wet. Wipe the soleplate of the iron. With each movement, the carbon deposits will disappear.

This method is easy to use and does not require large expenses.

You will find the answer to this question by reading the following method for cleaning your iron.

Cleaning the iron with citric acid is also not particularly difficult. In order to descale the iron with citric acid, you need to use a glass of boiled water dilute a packet of citric acid weighing 10 g.

Next, you need to pour the resulting solution into the iron’s reservoir. Activate the steam boost mode by setting the iron to full power.

This cleaning should continue until all the water in the tank is gone. Citric acid will steam off the scale, after which all dirt will disappear.

How to clean a steam iron from scale?

Steam irons made in our time have the property of self-cleaning.

In order to clean the steam iron from scale, you need to turn it on at full power, having first filled the water tank with maximum amount liquids.

Next, the iron will begin to heat up until it reaches the maximum heat mark, after which it will turn off. You must wait until the iron turns off for the second time, after which you should unplug the electrical appliance from the outlet, and then press the button located on the iron body.

This button is provided to clean the device.

Prepare a container in advance so that the steam and dirt that will come out of the iron after pressing the clean button do not stain you.

During this cleaning process, the device must be shaken vigorously so that the scale leaves the iron faster. Upon completion of this procedure, it is necessary to wash the soleplate of the iron and rinse the container.

The method of cleaning an iron using salt will help you understand how to clean the soleplate of your iron from carbon deposits quickly and without unnecessary worries.

In order to clean the iron with salt, you need finely ground salt and clean paper (you should not use newspaper, as printing ink may remain on the sole of the iron during the cleaning process).

Pour salt onto clean paper and heat the iron. Run the iron over the salt coating as if you were ironing. Hot salt will clean the soleplate of your iron quickly and efficiently.

Cleaning with soap

If the stain on the soleplate of the iron is still quite fresh, then cleaning will do The fourth way to remove dirt from an iron.

You will need soap (laundry soap is best) and water. Heat the iron, then gently rub the soleplate with soap. You need to wait until the iron cools down, after which the dirt can be easily washed off using a wet cloth.

The cleaned surface of the iron will pleasantly please you.

Cleaning the soleplate of an iron with a chemical pencil is the most in a simple way removing burnt stains from the surface of the iron sole.

Just heat up the iron, after which you need to press the cleaning pencil directly to the sole of the iron and anoint the dirty spots on the sole. After you notice that the product has corroded the dirt, you need to wipe the iron on a lint-free cloth.

This cleaning method is suitable when you have time to go to the hardware store to buy this pencil.

How to clean an iron from carbon deposits?

If you don’t have a cleaning product such as a chemical pencil on hand, then you can also clean the iron from carbon deposits using toothpaste, which, of course, everyone has.

It is necessary to apply toothpaste to the soleplate of the iron, after heating the appliance. A few minutes after applying the toothpaste, remove any remaining toothpaste by ironing the unwanted fabric.

Cleansing with vinegar

Clean the iron without heating. Cold cleaning of the iron can be done using vinegar. To do this, moisten a cotton swab with vinegar and wipe the stained areas.

Carbon deposits from the soleplate of the iron can be easily removed in a matter of minutes. The iron must remain turned off!

Using a matchbox

Side matchbox where the sulfur strip is located, wipe the dirty spots on the iron. In this case, the iron must be heated.

The last method, but not at all effective. Reliable way Removing burnt fabric from the surface of the iron sole using a paraffin candle will help you solve your problem.

Wrap the paraffin candle in a cloth (cotton fits better total), spread with the resulting “sausage” hot iron in places where it is necessary to remove contamination.

Melting paraffin will do the job perfectly.

How to clean a ceramic iron?

Everyone knows that ceramics are an expensive material that requires attention, but cleaning a ceramic-coated iron is not as difficult as it seems. There are several ways to clean the ceramic soleplate of your iron at no extra cost.

One of these methods is cleaning with soda. It is necessary to mix soda with water in a ratio of 1:20. Next, wipe the surface of the iron with a soft cloth. Ceramic iron can also be cleaned with citric acid, toilet soap and hydrogen peroxide.

How to clean a Teflon coated iron? The answer is simple. You can clean a Teflon iron using the same methods that are used to clean other types of irons.

To remove a burnt piece synthetic fabric to the surface of the iron, you just need to heat the iron, then scrape the melted fabric from the iron using something not sharp, a scraper will do.

Want to know how to descale your Philips iron? The fact is that the irons of this company have a special container built into them that collects scale. In order to descale your Philips iron, you need to remove the container by pressing the release button located on the back of the iron.

Having taken out the container, rinse it and dry it, wipe off any scale particles with a damp cloth, after which the container will be ready for use again.

The modern Tefal iron is an iron with . In order to clean your Tefal iron, you need to fill the water tank with mineral water, since it removes scale perfectly, then the iron is turned on at full power.

After the water has completely evaporated, the procedure must be repeated, only with ordinary water. You can also clean with citric acid, but I usually clean with mineral water.

So, you've met the basics in effective ways cleaning the soleplate of the iron from stuck fabric and burning. We learned how to clean the ceramic sole of an iron, how to clean the iron from burnt marks on the sole, and how to clean the inside of this household appliance.

Regular cleaning of the iron will protect your electrical appliance from burning. Now you won't be afraid of holes in your favorite clothes caused by ironing with a dirty iron, since now your iron will always shine clean.

The iron must be cleaned periodically inside and outside:

  • Water tank - against scale and mold;
  • Housing - from dust and dirt;
  • The sole is protected from traces of burnt fabric, rust and scale.

From this material you will learn 10 super-effective ways to clean your iron at home with products that are always at hand and cost mere pennies.

How to descale an iron - 3 ways

When using tap water rather than distilled water for steam ironing, over time mineral deposits accumulate in the reservoir and steam outlet channels in the soleplate of the iron.

  • If the iron suddenly starts releasing dirty water and getting your clothes dirty, this means that it’s high time to descale it.

Since scale is just calcium and magnesium salts, it needs to be treated with acid. Here are two ways to help you clean the inside of your iron.

Method 1. How to descale your iron using vinegar

Fill the iron with a solution of vinegar and water, diluted in equal proportions to approximately one-third of the tank.

Heat the iron to maximum and leave it in vertical position for 5-10 minutes. Keep in mind that during this time it will periodically turn off, cool down and heat up again to maximum; there is no need to interfere with this process.

Next, place a container under the iron to collect water, and, holding the device horizontally, begin to actively release steam by pressing the corresponding button. As a result, rusty drops should flow out of the holes in the sole. Continue releasing steam until no more dirt comes out of the iron (see left photo).

Be careful and release steam while keeping the device at a distance arm's length to avoid inhaling fumes and the smell of vinegar

Then fill the iron with clean water and turn it back on to maximum. temperature regime to remove any remaining scale and vinegar. Hold the device horizontally over the basin again and release steam several times. Finally, simply drain the water and wipe the soleplate and steam vents with a tissue or clean rag.

Method 2. How to descale an iron using citric acid

Dissolve a small packet of citric acid (no more than 25 g) in 1 glass of warm water until completely transparent.

Pour the resulting solution into an iron heated to maximum and let it “simmer” for 5-10 minutes. Next, holding the device horizontally over the basin, release steam from it several times by pressing the appropriate button so that scale and rust flow out of the holes in the sole. When all the dirt has flowed out, drain the iron, pour clean water into it and let the device “steam” again to remove any remaining scale and vinegar. Release the steam over the bowl again several times and finally wipe the sole and the holes in it with a napkin or clean rag.

Method 3. How to descale an iron using a “hot bath”

Reviews about this method of descaling an iron are very mixed, so we did not test it in practice, but you can try it if the first two methods did not solve the problem. How to make a “hot bath” for the sole of the iron, see this video tutorial.

Whatever method of descaling your iron you choose, when you finish all the procedures, be sure to test the result by ironing a light-colored fabric in the steam mode. If the iron still produces dirty water or leaves yellowish stains (for example, from citric acid), then it needs to be cleaned 2-3 more times with clean water.

Also see our other materials:

How to clean the soleplate of an iron - 7 ways

Method 1. How to clean the soleplate of your iron with vinegar

Vinegar can be used to remove not only scale, but also carbon deposits on the soleplate of the iron. To do this, mix table vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Dampen a rag in the resulting solution and wipe the sole with it (it should not be heated). Next, soak a cotton swab in the solution and clean the steam holes with it.

  • This method is suitable for cleaning soles with Teflon and ceramic coatings.

Method 2. Cleaning the sole from carbon deposits with soda

Stubborn traces of rust, soot and scale can be removed with soda. Mix 2 tsp. baking soda with a little water or 9% vinegar to form a paste. Apply the paste to a slightly warmed sole and rub with a cloth.

Method 3. Cleaning with salt

To clean dirt from your iron, sprinkle some salt on a paper/cotton towel or a sheet of foil and place the iron on it at high heat.

In practice, salt itself did not remove traces of burnt fabric, but after rubbing with a rag, the dirt actually came off quite quickly

There is another way to clean your iron with salt: heat it to minimum temperature, pour a handful of salt into gauze folded in three or other thin cotton fabric and rub the sole with it.

This method seemed to us the simplest and most effective.

Method 4. How to clean a Teflon-coated iron with laundry soap

Heat the iron to the minimum temperature and carefully rub the sole laundry soap. The soap will begin to melt and soften the burn. Next, all you have to do is wipe the sole clean and clean the steam vents with cotton swabs or toothpicks.

Method 5. How to clean the soleplate of your iron with toothpaste

You can “scrub” carbon deposits from the sole of the iron with regular toothpaste (it should be white, not gel). Squeeze out of the tube a large number of paste and wipe the slightly heated sole.

Method 7. Removing traces of burnt synthetics or plastic with acetone (suitable for cleaning Teflon and ceramic coated soles)

Simply soak a cotton pad with acetone or nail polish remover and wipe all problem areas.

  • If you burn the fabric and its traces remain on the sole, immediately apply a cotton rag soaked in water to the stained area. cold water. A sudden change in temperature will help peel off the burnt fabric from the metal.
  • Do not use metal sponges or hard brushes to clean the soleplate of the iron, especially if it has a Teflon or ceramic coating. Also, to avoid scratching the metal, avoid using abrasive cleaners.
  • To reduce scale and rust deposits inside the iron, each time after ironing, while the appliance is still warm, pour out all remaining water from it.
  • To delay descaling your iron, try to use filtered water for steaming.

And finally, we suggest watching a useful video on how to clean an iron with a metal, ceramic or Teflon sole using folk and special means.

Every housewife knows that scale and carbon deposits often form on the iron, which not only affect appearance device, but can even damage or stain things.

To prevent this from happening, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the operating rules of the iron and use different modes for certain types of fabric.

How can you clean your iron at home?

Unfortunately, even with proper use, plaque may appear on the iron due to water hardness and synthetics. Scale inside the appliance and rust make the housewife’s work very difficult, making ironing a labor-intensive and almost impossible task. Such an iron can ruin all white things, and all kinds of modern and improved powders and detergents will not be able to cope with the terrible pollution. Not every family can afford to buy a new household appliance every time - this is an expensive and completely unnecessary exercise, because the old one can be cleaned.

Important to remember! To iron silk and synthetics, the iron should not be too hot, and wool items are best ironed by placing wet gauze on them.


If you need to clean your iron from scale and carbon deposits, but you don’t have products specifically designed for this in your apartment, then you shouldn’t immediately run to the store to get them. You can clean the device using those things that every good housewife has on hand:

  1. Vinegar. The iron must be turned off, because this product evaporates quickly. You need to moisten a rough cloth with vinegar and simply rub the dirty surface of the device. For more quick effect should be added to it ammonia. If you were unable to clean the iron the first time, you can heat it slightly and then rub it with a cloth soaked in vinegar. Using this method, you must understand that inhaling vinegar vapor is dangerous to health, so this procedure is best carried out outdoors or in a garage, in as a last resort- at home, but with the windows completely open.
  2. Salt. It will greatly help get rid of rust and plaque on the surface of the iron. Pour a large amount of salt onto clean paper or cloth and rub the heated device vigorously. It is worth remembering that this method can harm Teflon-coated irons.
  3. Salt with paraffin. This mixture gives the most best result than the previous one. You need to do everything the same. Using this method, you can easily remove all the bumps and small dents on the iron. Do not forget that it is better not to use newspaper in cases 2 and 3, because printing ink may remain on the iron.
  4. Hydrogen peroxide. Soak a piece of cotton wool in it, and then completely wipe the surface of the iron. The most important thing is that you will not feel any unnecessary or unpleasant odor. If you don't have hydrogen peroxide on hand, you can use nail polish remover or acetone.
  5. Lemon acid. You should dilute it in a small amount of water, soak the unnecessary fabric in the resulting solution and clean the iron with the cloth.

How to clean the inside of a steam iron from scale at home?

Most people do not pay attention to manufacturers' recommendations regarding the amount of water that should be poured into a steam iron. It must be distilled, otherwise the service life of a household item is significantly reduced.

Because of ordinary water scale appears inside the appliance from the tap, so the channels that remove vapors become clogged. Thus, the technique begins to leave stains on clothes. It is very convenient that some models are equipped with self-cleaning, so there is no need to worry about the normal operation of the device and the integrity of things, but such irons are expensive. If you don't have one electrical appliance, then below are some tips for cleaning the scale inside:

  1. In a small saucepan you need to boil water and stir citric acid in it, pour the resulting liquid into the iron and turn it on very high. high temperature. After heating, press the steam release button several times. After turning off the device and waiting until it cools down a little, wipe off any remaining citric acid with a paper towel. This method is suitable for those housewives who have very little scale inside the iron.
  2. Preheat the iron well, then unplug it and place it securely so that the soleplate is on top. Pour a few drops of Cillit into the steam outlet and wait 10 minutes. Later, wipe off all dirt with a sponge and rinse the iron well.
  3. If after ironing there are rusty stains on the laundry, then Anti-scale will help you. The product should be diluted with water and poured into the iron, turning it on. After heating, turn off the device and leave for 30 minutes. At the end, rinse the iron thoroughly to remove rust and scale.
  4. Boil water and pour vinegar into it. Place the iron in a basin or wide pan and pour the resulting liquid to the level of the sole. Let the base of the device stand like this for several hours. Afterwards, carefully wipe the iron and remove dirt from it.

Important point! Never clean your iron with metal brushes or materials that can easily damage its surface. A cooled iron can be cleaned with a nylon sponge, and a hot iron can be cleaned with a terry cloth and wooden scrapers.

How to clean the soleplate of an iron from carbon deposits at home?

If your electrical appliance starts to leave brown spots on clothes, you should definitely clean it. This is done very simply, much easier than watering flowers and hammering nails. The most important thing is availability necessary funds and a thoughtful approach to business. There are several ways to clean your iron from carbon deposits at home:

  • If your iron is in good condition, but there is a small amount of carbon deposits on the soleplate, then a regular iron can handle it. toothpaste. You need to apply it a little on a wet cloth and wipe the device. At the end, be sure to dry the soleplate of the iron and remove all dirt.
  • We have invented an excellent invention - a pencil, with which you can easily remove carbon deposits from the surface of the iron. You just need to read the instructions and use this item correctly.
  • Pour salt onto a piece of paper and move a heated iron over it, pressing as hard as you can. This method is called “mom’s” because many housewives get rid of carbon deposits this way.

There are several rules that should be followed when cleaning the ceramic soleplate of your iron:

  • do not use scratching materials;
  • Never clean the iron with metal utensils or knives;
  • choose methods without mechanically removing carbon deposits (dissolving it).

Tip of the day! To make the iron less dirty, it is advisable to wipe it after each ironing. wet wipe or gauze.

How to clean a burnt Teflon coated iron?

Clean regular iron is not difficult. However, Teflon-coated devices are a very delicate and careful matter. These irons require more careful and careful attitude to yourself.

  1. If the iron is a little dirty, then a regular cloth moistened with water will help. You just need to wipe the surface of the device with it.
  2. If the first method does not help, then you can wipe the iron cotton pad or a piece of cloth soaked in vinegar and ammonia. In this case, the iron should be warm.
  3. If any material (plastic, polyethylene, etc.) is burnt to the surface of the iron, then it is strictly forbidden to tear it off by force or using a knife or other sharp object! You should wait until the iron dries and wipe its coating with cotton wool soaked in acetone or a liquid that removes varnish.
  4. If there are small irregularities on the surface of the iron, then this situation can be corrected with the help of paraffin. Mix the crushed candle with fine salt, spread it all on a cloth, and cover the top paper towel. Then iron the structure (the temperature of the device should not exceed 120 degrees). Finally, wipe the sole thoroughly with a clean piece of cloth.

How to clean an iron at home: video

Any housewife is faced with the question of how to descale an iron. Even high price of a household ironing appliance does not guarantee the absence of carbon deposits on the soleplate or scale inside it. During operation, distilled water is not always used, which leads to the appearance of plaque. The device works worse and worse and leaves stains. The range of special and folk remedies Helps effectively remove scale.

Ways to descale your iron at home

The resulting plaque causes contamination of clothes when ironing them. They are rust or yellowish stains that spoil the appearance of your favorite things. Someone considers a device with scale damaged and is already in a hurry to buy a new one. Completely in vain: there are a number of methods for cleaning an iron at home - from self-cleaning to “homemade” remedies.

Self-cleaning function

How to easily descale an iron? Modern manufacturers have taken care of their customers and have provided a special function for home steam assistants. It is a quick self-cleaning system at home in a couple of steps:

  1. Find in the instructions what kind of water should be used when ironing.
  2. Pour as much liquid as possible into the device.
  3. Set the heating temperature to the highest high level, connect the device to the power supply.
  4. Wait until it warms up, while noticing the moment it automatically turns off.
  5. Repeat the heating process for the 2nd time.
  6. While the iron is going through 2 heating/cooling cycles, remove it from a heat-resistant container, such as a basin.
  7. Carefully tilt the hot appliance over the basin and press the self-cleaning button.

Cleaning the device from dirt and plaque occurs due to the intense release of steam from the holes in the sole, which you will see at the bottom of the basin after draining the water. For more effective removal scale, you can shake the appliance slightly while draining the water. After the iron has cooled, all that remains is to rinse the container a couple of times with running water and wipe the device itself dry.

Specialized descaling products

The market for household appliances has a wide range of anti-scale agents for irons:

  1. "Antiscale". Special product, which helps remove scale. To get rid of contaminants with it, dilute the substance with water in the amount indicated in the instructions. Pour the resulting solution into the iron, connect it to the mains and wait 30 minutes. After cooling, rinse the tank with clean water.
  2. Topper. An anti-scale agent that actively affects the structure of lime deposits due to its high concentration. To prepare a cleaning solution, mix water and product in a 2:1 ratio. Heat the iron in an upright position and then place it on the soleplate. After 2 hours, drain the solution. Rinse the container and then refill it with water, heat and steam to descale the soleplate. Iron any unwanted fabric to remove any remaining limescale.
  3. Top House. To clean the device, fill the container inside with 100 ml of water and 50 ml detergent composition. Heat the iron in the "Cotton" mode, while the position should be vertical. As soon as heating ends, switch to steam mode and turn the device horizontally. Wait 10 minutes. and drain the solution. Rinse the iron using steam until no more limescale particles come out of the holes.
  4. Greenfield. Pencil chemical action, which is used to directly clean the ironing surface from burnt marks. To remove the fumes, heat the device to the temperature of ironing wool, i.e. 140°C. Apply a pencil to the sole. After a few minutes, wipe the surface to be cleaned with a linen or cotton rag. After cooling, rinse the sole with water.

Folk remedies for cleaning the soleplate of the iron

In addition to special products, you can also use home methods. Here are recipes on how to clean your iron from burnt marks and scale:

  1. Salt. Excellent product for cleaning the soles of a home helper. Spread the salt on a piece of paper in a thin layer. To soften too large particles, add grated paraffin to the mixture. Iron the resulting composition so that it absorbs all the dirt. Remember that you cannot clean the Teflon coating in this way.
  2. Vinegar 9%. With it, you can easily solve the problem of how to clean your iron from carbon deposits. Vinegar will effectively clean Philips irons with their delicate ceramic sole. Dampen any cloth with it and wipe off any remaining burnt marks, but do not overdo it. Heat the iron to iron any unnecessary thing. The burn will remain on it. Instead of vinegar, you can use ammonia.
  3. To clean the sole from burnt fabric, heat the device to maximum. Then scrape off any synthetic residue with a wooden spatula, but do not use steel wool. It will damage the non-stick coating of some iron models, for example Tefal models.
  4. A gruel based on water and soda copes well with the problem of how to clean an iron from burnt marks. According to reviews, the method is good because it does not require heating the device. You only need to apply a small amount of water and soda to the surface. After a few minutes the mixture will take effect. After this, you can wash it off and then wipe the sole dry.

How to clean the inside of an iron from scale

There are many methods and means of processing not only the surface, but also the interior of devices. Here are tips on how to clean internal scale iron. Housewives enjoy natural products. Those who have used mineral water or citric acid can easily tell you how to remove scale:

  1. Pour mineral water or a solution based on one sachet of citric acid into the iron.
  2. Heat the electrical appliance to maximum temperature.
  3. Pass steam and water over a pre-prepared container several times until all the plaque comes off.
  4. Repeat all steps using regular water to rinse the device.

Video: how to clean your iron from scale and carbon deposits

Teflon coated Teflon, Philips with ceramic sole or Moulinex with stainless surface - each model requires individual approach in purification. It won’t be difficult to find information on how and with what to remove carbon deposits from your iron and descale it. After reading the instructions for the decalcifying composition, you can easily return the device to its former condition.

What to do if something doesn’t go according to plan during the process? How do you know if the technology for cleaning the device has been carried out correctly? To minimize the likelihood of error, it is recommended to observe the cleaning process of the equipment with your own eyes. Useful videos show how and how to clean the iron from carbon deposits and scale, and contain explanations of all stages.

Cleaning a Teflon coated iron

With ceramic coating

With steam generator


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