How To Clean An Iron With Salt

An iron can become dirty over time due to fabric residues, burnt marks, or mineral deposits from steam. When the iron’s soleplate is not clean, it may stick to clothes or cause stains while ironing. Using salt is a simple and affordable way to clean the bottom of an iron and restore smooth gliding. Salt acts as a gentle abrasive that removes dirt without scratching the metal surface. Below is a clear guide on how to clean an iron using salt safely at home.

1. Prepare the Iron for Cleaning
   Ensure the iron is unplugged and completely cool before you begin. Place the iron on a flat ironing board or countertop. It is important to remove any water from the tank to avoid spills while cleaning the soleplate.
2. Sprinkle Salt on a Heat-Resistant Surface
   Use a clean cotton cloth, newspaper, or brown baking paper. Sprinkle a generous layer of coarse salt on it. Coarse salt works better because the grains scrub away dirt effectively without melting quickly.
3. Heat the Iron to a Low or Medium Setting
   Plug in the iron and allow it to warm slightly. Do not use the steam function. Keeping it on a dry heat prevents salt from getting wet and keeps the cleaning process effective. Make sure steam holes remain dry throughout the procedure.
4. Rub the Iron Over the Salt
   Hold the iron with a light pressure and move it back and forth over the salt. The grains will lift burnt marks, dirty patches, and sticky residues from the soleplate. Continue rubbing until you see the salt darkening, which means it has started removing dirt.
5. Turn Off the Iron and Let It Cool
   Once you finish scrubbing, unplug the iron and allow it to cool down completely. This step prevents accidental burns and gives time for the residues to separate from the surface.
6. Wipe the Soleplate Clean
   Use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining salt crystals and loosened dirt. If some particles are stuck in steam holes, use a cotton bud to clean them out gently. Make sure the surface is smooth and shiny before storing the iron again.
7. Polish the Surface for Extra Shine
   To make the iron glide even better, wipe the soleplate with a soft microfiber cloth. This final touch ensures no streaks or abrasive marks remain.
8. Test the Iron on an Old Cloth
   Before ironing your best outfit, test the iron on an old towel or a piece of fabric. This helps confirm that the surface is clean and that no leftover salt or dirt will transfer to your clothes.

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