Properly cleaned iron can elevate your ironing experience for sure. But, you may not clean your iron regularly. Am I right?
In this article, I’ll discuss 13 ways that can get sticky residue off an iron. In addition, you’ll also learn about causes and adverse effects of these residues.
I hope that these hacks will benefit you hugely.
Let’s start!
What is sticky residue?
After regular use, your iron may build up residue over time. Generally, residues on soleplate are burned fabrics or spray starch. Such build-up may hamper the gliding power of iron.
Therefore, you should clean the soleplate regularly.
Is sticky residue harmful to iron?
For several reasons, sticky residue can hamper the performance of your iron. Take a look-
- It compromises the smoothness of iron.
- Because of residue, the wrinkle-removing power of iron may be reduced.
- It can hamper the lifespan of iron.
- Melted objects can ruin your garments, especially delicate fabrics.
Reasons behind sticky residues on iron
Reasons for sticky residue on irons are-
- Using inappropriate heat settings for fabrics.
- Not cleaning iron after using starch.
- Not utilizing self-cleaning function regularly.
- Not cleaning iron after every use.
How to solve sticky residue problem
There are many ways you can solve this particular problem. You can use soap, vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, salt, and soleplate cleaning kit to solve this problem. I’m going to cover solutions that can fulfill every need. Let’s start with the two simplest techniques-
1. Use toothpaste
Instruments
- Toothpaste
- Clean towel
Instructions
- First of all, take toothpaste in enough amounts.
- Pick a damp towel and apply toothpaste on cool soleplate. If your iron is hot, let it be cool first.
- Use it to scrub the soleplate gently.
- Take another towel to ensure clean soleplate. If not, your garments may smell a little bit odd.
2. Use plain water
Instruments
- Water
- Terry towel
Instructions
- Plugin your iron to the nearest power source and keep it in the lowest possible heat setting.
- Now, turn off the iron.
- Take a terry towel and dip it in water.
- Use it to clean soleplate properly.
These two methods work better if you deal with usual stickiness. However, for more intense or stubborn ones, follow any of the methods mentioned below.
3. Use salt and vinegar
Essential materials
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Terry towel
Instructions
- First of all, prepare a solution of salt and vinegar.
- Unplug your iron and wait for a few minutes.
- After cooling down, apply this solution on soleplate properly.
- Now, take a clean towel and clean soleplate properly.
Vinegar is one of the most effective cleaning agents in laundry room. However, if you don’t clean soleplate after applying vinegar, it may negatively affect its materials.
4. Use soap and water solution
Instruments
- Warm water
- Liquid soap
- Towel
Instructions
- First, fill a bowl with warm water.
- Add liquid soap to it. Just a few drops will be enough.
- Now, stir it to make a better solution.
- Take a clean cloth or towel and dip it in soap and water solution.
- Ensure that your iron is plugged off and it’s cool.
- Now, clean the soleplate with the damp towel. Cover the whole area properly.
- Take another dry towel to get rid of the moisture on soleplate.
5. Use baby powder
Things you need
- Baby powder
- Clean towel
Instructions
- Take some baby powder on a clean and dry towel.
- Unplug your iron and let it cool first.
- Now, gently clean cool soleplate with this towel.
- Plugin your iron and allow it to heat up.
- Take another two towels
- Iron them to get rid of the excess baby powder and sticky objects.
When you’re going to iron later, you have to test the iron. Just apply iron on a smaller area of your garments and see the results. If you don’t observe any oddness, iron the whole garments.
Remember, you should maintain this precaution when you iron delicate or sensitive fabrics like wool, cotton, silk, and cashmere.
6. Use baking soda
Things you need
- Small container
- Baking soda
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
- Small cup
Instructions
- First, unplug your iron from power connection. Wait for a few moments to cool down properly.
- Add some baking soda to a cup.
- Add water to it.
- Stir the mixture to make a paste.
- Now, apply the paste on soleplate.
- Grab a microfiber cloth to clean soleplate. Otherwise, the remaining baking soda may clog steam vents or your cloth. You can use water to ensure better cleanliness.
- Before using it again, dry it thoroughly.
7. Use baking soda and vinegar
Instruments
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft towel
Instructions
- First, pour some distilled white vinegar into a container.
- Add baking soda to it. The mixture may create bubbles in the beginning. After a few seconds, it’ll be normal.
- Now, dip a clean, soft towel in it and squeeze it to remove the excess solution.
- Ensure that your iron is turned off and soleplate is cool.
- Apply it smoothly on soleplate. Rub the affected areas properly.
8. Use dryer sheet
Instruments
- Dryer sheet
- Towel
Instructions
- Turn on your iron
- Set it to a lower heat setting.
- Now, rub the soleplate with dryer sheet.
- Now, set the highest possible heat setting and polish a towel to ensure properly cleaned iron.
9. Use newspaper
Instruments
- Newspaper
- Hand gloves
Instructions
- First of all, set your iron to the highest possible heat setting.
- Lay some newspaper on a flat surface.
- Now, move your hot iron over newspaper. As your iron is hot, please be careful. For better results, follow the ironing safety rules.
- If you still notice residues, throw salt on paper and run iron over it.
10. Use Mr. Clean magic eraser
Instructions
- Keep Mr. Clean magic eraser on your ironing board or any flat surface.
- Take your cool iron. If your iron is hot, unplug it from power and let it cool down.
- Rub it on the surface of eraser several times. Keep doing it until you properly clean your iron.
By the way, you can buy Mr. Clean Magic Eraser from stores, even Amazon. If you want to buy it from Amazon, click here.
11. Use toothpaste, vinegar, and baking soda
Things you need
- Toothpaste
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Small jar
- Toothbrush
- A piece of cloth or towel
Instructions
- First and foremost, take a sufficient amount of toothpaste in a jar.
- Now, add few drops of distilled white vinegar and baking soda to it.
- Prepare a paste and apply it on soleplate properly. You can use toothbrush, if you want.
- Clean the soleplate with a clean cloth or towel.
12. Use Paracetamol tablet
Instruments
- Paracetamol tablet
- Towel
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Firstly, plug in your iron.
- Allow it to warm up for some minutes.
- Wear oven mitts to protect your hands from getting burn marks.
- Now, unplug iron and carefully rub the tablet on hot soleplate.
- Take a towel to clean the soleplate.
- If you still observe residues, apply Paracetamol again on hot soleplate.
13. Use soleplate cleaning kit
Instruments
- Faultless iron cleaner
- Towel
- Old cloth
Instructions
- First, take faultless iron cleaner and apply it on a towel.
- Plugin your iron and allow it to heat up.
- Now, rub the towel on hot soleplate. Rub it until the burned items or starch residues are removed.
- Turn on the steam function and press the steam button several times.
- Now, iron an old piece of cloth to clean your iron properly.
Faultless iron cleaner is an awesome cleaning kit for your iron. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. So, you can easily use it without any question. Faultless has many pros. Check some of those-
- It works while your iron is hot. So, it’s a time saver.
- One of the best iron cleaners in the market.
- It’s cheap and comfortable to use.
- It removes sticky residues perfectly from soleplate.
- It isn’t abrasive at all.
You can buy this product from Amazon. To check its price, click here.
Frequently asked questions
How do you adhesive off an iron?
Melted adhesives can be harmful to your fabrics. So, you should take extra care to clean it.
To keep your iron clean from them,
- Arrange a mixture of water and baking soda.
- Now, apply it to the soleplate.
- Wait a few moments and clean soleplate using a piece of clean cloth.
- Use water for better cleaning.
Take proper care of iron
Buying a standard iron from market can be expensive. If you suffer from financial constraints, it’ll be nothing but a burden for you. Therefore, ensure proper care of your iron.
After buying, read the user manual to understand the cleaning instructions. Never forget to empty the water tank after every use.
Most importantly, use the correct type of water recommended by manufacturer. For example, use tap water if you use Rowenta iron.
When you notice sticky objects, clean them as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may end up with ruined fabrics or have to buy another iron.
You can quickly improve lifespan of iron by taking proper care of them. So, never neglect this issue.
Goodbye!
