What is the best way to clean the plate of an iron?

Question

I was doing some ironing and I never realized how dirty the plate on my iron was. I don't know the best way to clean it without affecting the clothing.

Answer 1

Vinegar. Just use a soft cloth and dab full strength vinegar directly to the iron, then polish with a dry cloth.

Answer 2

There is a product to clean HOT irons. Get an old, clean thick towel and follow the instructions for cleaning the iron. If not at Wal-Mart, you should find it at a sewing shop or a hardware store. If the iron seems to "drag" after cleaning, get a piece of wax paper and iron over the wax paper to make the iron work smoothly. Make sure you place a clean towel down under the wax paper so you don't get residue on your board. Make sure the steam is off during all processes to clean. If you can't find the hot iron cleaner, use a piece of steel wool and make sure you have a thick, clean rag under it. Iron the dampened steel wool with a hot iron. Then, iron the rest of the towel to get the junk off the iron. You will have to use a piece of wax paper after this process. (The latter cleaning idea came to me from my mother. That's how she cleaned her iron. She ironed even her sheets.)

Answer 3

You can always start with a moist cloth with a drop or two of dish detergent on it. If it's really dirty, Dawn dishwashing liquid works great, if it's mildly dirty, Palmolive or Sunlight detergent will do fine. It does not have to be anti-biotic detergent, just plain soap.
If shine is your goal, try a mixture of salt and lemon juice for a paste and scrub lightly, wiping with a wet rag in plain water and letting dry.
Just be sure to avoid getting the cord and the body wet, and make sure it is completely dry before plugging back in (even the slightest drop of water inside in the wrong place could cause a spark.)
Good luck.

Answer 4

with the iron off, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or cotton ball. let it dry completely before you turn it on.

If it's from melted fibers from clothing, turn the iron on the hottest setting, and use a cotton terry cloth bath towel. Wet the towel down very moist, and iron away. if you need to, put a couple of drops of dish soap in the water before you put the water on the towel.

;) Good luck!! hope that helps!! :)

Answer 5

when the iron is hot rub it in salt, then iron on an old towel.