How to clean the iron from scale and carbon deposits: useful tips

An iron is an indispensable household appliance that many people find hard to imagine their lives without. It allows people to look neat and attractive.

However, sometimes limescale and carbon deposits appear on the iron, which can negatively affect its efficiency and condition. Jacqueline Stein, a professional space organizer, shared how to clean it in a post on her Instagram page.

Using a dirty iron can stain your clean clothes. Also, accumulated scale and carbon deposits can interfere with the normal release of steam. Therefore, proper cleaning of the appliance not only extends its lifespan but also improves ironing results.

Cleaning the water tank and steam nozzles

One of the most common ways to descale your iron is to use distilled water and vinegar.

First, mix half a cup of distilled water with a quarter cup of vinegar. Pour the solution into the water reservoir, turn on the iron, and select the steam mode. This will heat the mixture and allow it to descale and push build-up out of the steam holes.

Before turning off the iron, use a soft cloth or cotton pads to remove any mineral deposits.

Cleaning the metal plate of the iron

The metal plate of the iron can build up carbon deposits from melted fabric fibers. To clean it effectively and quickly, first mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. Spread the paste evenly on the iron and leave it on for a minute. Finally, use a damp cloth to remove the paste along with the carbon deposits.

You can also use paracetamol tablets to remove the carbon deposits. Heat the iron and gently rub the tablet over the stains.

Tips for keeping your iron clean

• Remove the water from the reservoir after each use of the iron and leave the water door open to allow the reservoir to dry. This will reduce the chance of mold and mildew.

• Use purified water for ironing, as poor quality and hard water is conducive to limescale formation.
• Clean your iron regularly, because old dirt is much harder to remove.

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