Cleaning an old school iron involves removing mineral deposits and grime from both the soleplate and the vents. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the provided reference to help you restore your iron:
Homemade Iron Cleaner: Baking Soda Paste
The primary method described involves using a homemade cleaner to tackle mineral build-up.
Steps:
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Prepare the Paste: Mix baking soda and water in a 2:1 ratio. This creates a paste suitable for cleaning.
- Example: 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water.
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Apply the Paste: Coat the iron's soleplate with the baking soda paste, focusing on areas with heavy mineral deposits.
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Wipe Clean: Use a wet cloth to wipe away the paste and any loosened mineral deposits.
Additional Tips for Cleaning an Iron
While the reference focuses on baking soda, other methods can be employed for a thorough clean:
- Vinegar Cleaning: Heat equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water in the iron, steam for 5-10 minutes, then unplug and let it sit for 30 minutes before emptying and rinsing.
- Salt Cleaning: Place a plain cotton cloth on the ironing board and sprinkle generously with salt. With the iron on a high, dry setting (no steam), iron over the salt-covered cloth. The salt helps to remove residue from the soleplate.
Safety Precautions
- Always unplug the iron before cleaning.
- Allow the iron to cool down completely before handling it.
- Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the soleplate.
- Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the soleplate first.
