Steam irons become calcified over time, especially in countries with hard water, leading to limescale and mineral deposits in faucets. Irons should therefore be cleaned regularly, but which method is best? There are many instructions for descaling irons, but we believe that the natural method gives the best results and is quite affordable. In this article we will show you step by step how you can descale your iron in no time using products from your kitchen cupboard. However, make sure you follow each point carefully and be especially careful when it comes to cleaning non-stick coatings.
What causes limescale deposits
Hard water is generally the cause of limescale deposits in steam irons. Unfortunately, this cannot be completely avoided because tap water is actually the best water for your iron. However, in areas with hard water, the Calc-Clean models are best as they require regular iron maintenance and are more sustainable. If an iron with limescale is left untreated, the limescale can leave deposits on laundry, which can be frustrating and annoying. Over time, the water can also clog the holes in the soleplate, which need to be cleaned regularly so that your iron can perform to its full potential.
Important!Although the descaling method described in this article is suitable for most brands of irons - Phillips, Tefal, Morphy Richards - be sure to read the instructions before cleaning.
Descaling your iron – what you need
- White vinegar
- Water
- Small bowl
- Hand towel
- ironing board
- Salt
- Small towels
- cotton swab
- Iron cleaner
Quick steps on how to clean irons:
- Empty out the old water and rinse the water tank.
- Fill your iron with water, but make sure you fill it to the maximum fill line to get the full effect.
- Set your iron to the highest temperature and leave it at that temperature for at least 5 minutes.
- Press the steam button repeatedly to get a nice hot shot of hot hair through the iron.
- Let the iron cool down and check after half an hour whether limescale has formed.
- If you find limescale deposits, you will need to repeat this process until your iron is limescale-free.
Make a solution of vinegar and water
Descaling the iron with vinegar:Mix 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup vinegar in a small bowl. This solution will help you remove odors from your steam iron, eliminate limescale deposits, and even disinfect the interior. It also allows you to reach difficult areas if your iron is struggling with clogged steam irons. It is a natural and cost-effective way of cleaning. Fill the iron's container with the cleaning solution and turn on the iron. Set it to the hottest setting.
Run the solution:Now that the iron is on and heated up, you need to run the solution through the system. Place a towel on the ironing board and press the iron into it while holding down the steam button. Be sure to release the steam in bursts of 20 to 30 seconds, for a total of one and a half minutes.
Emptying the container: Tip out any remaining solution from the steam iron and rinse it in the sink. Then fill the container with fresh water and repeat the steaming process from the previous step. This will ensure that all vinegar is removed from the container and lines. Next, drain any remaining water from the container.
Cleaning the soleplate with table salt & vinegar
In a small bowl, mix a solution of table salt and white vinegar, making sure there are equal parts of each. This solution acts as a mild abrasive and can be used to remove stubborn deposits from the board. This is particularly useful if the soleplate is burned and no longer glides over clothes as well as it should.
Top-Tipp: Toothpaste has been shown to be great for removing burn marks or white spots from your iron, especially the soleplate.
Apply the solution: Apply the solution to the soleplate, making sure to create an even layer over the entire surface. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe away the solution. Wipe with slow but consistent movements. When you're finished, wipe off the excess with another cloth.
Apply the solution as often as necessary and repeat this process as many times as necessary to clean the soleplate. However, be careful not to scratch the soleplate as this may cause damage to the non-stick coating, such as: B. Rust and permanent discoloration.
Cleaning the air ducts with cotton swabs
Pay particular attention to the channels on the soleplate, as these become clogged over time with minerals and limescale contained in the water. If your iron is having trouble producing steam, you can use a cotton swab to clear the channels of limescale and remove any visible residue.
Descale the iron with a high-performance cleaner
If you have an iron that does not have a non-stick soleplate, you can purchase iron cleaner from your supermarket. Although every soleplate can be cleaned with the salt and vinegar solution, for some irons it makes sense to also use a high-performance cleaner. Just make sure you don't use it on a non-stick soleplate.
Finally:This is the best and most effective way to descale and clean your steam iron. With natural, homemade solutions, your iron will return to its usual, efficient performance. Plus, this method is incredibly cost-effective, which is good for your wallet.
You can find further care tips for ironsfind here!
