Effective methods for removing scale from an iron at home

It is easy to understand that lime deposits (scale) have accumulated in the iron. Just look at the steam outlets and see a white coating.

If you do not take any measures, then over time the layer of scale will increase, leaving unattractive stains on the clothes during the ironing process.

Anyone can clean their iron from scale. There are a sufficient number of folk methods and professional remedies, using which you can quickly cope with the problem of limescale.

We'll tell you how to remove scale from an iron at home in this article.

Self-cleaning function - what is it, how to use it?

Modern models of irons are equipped with a special automatic system for cleaning limescale and rust. This function is called self-cleaning. The main purpose of self-cleaning is to prevent scale formation and clean the water tank.

Strict adherence to a certain sequence of actions will help you appreciate all the advantages of this function:

1. A special reservoir is filled with distilled water (you cannot use other cleaning products or regular tap water).
2. The iron is heated to maximum temperature.
3. After the device has warmed up (the indicator light has turned off), unplug it from the socket and, placing it over a basin or sink, turn on the Self Clean button (the self-cleaning system starts). To speed up the cleaning process, shake the iron periodically.

Traditional methods

There are a sufficient number of folk methods that help to quickly clean the iron (both inside and outside) of scale.

How to clean with citric acid?

By entering into a chemical reaction with particles of salt deposits, citric acid destroys them, turning them into a soluble sediment.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Prepare a solution for cleaning scale. To do this, dissolve 25 grams of citric acid powder in 200 ml of water. The resulting liquid must be thoroughly mixed so that no grains of citric acid remain in it.
2. Fill the cold iron reservoir with the prepared solution.
3. We set the maximum heating temperature and turn on the device. After the iron has heated up, they begin to gently shake it over a basin or bathtub, while pressing the steam button.
4. Continue cleaning until clean water comes out of the iron.
5. After the iron has cooled, wipe the soleplate with a clean damp cloth and carefully clean the steam holes with cotton swabs.

After cleaning with citric acid, you need to fill the tank with clean water, set the device to the maximum temperature and, using the steaming function, iron the unnecessary piece of cotton fabric several times. These steps will help ensure that any remaining scale and citric acid have been removed.

Vinegar

Table vinegar will help remove old layers of scale inside the iron.

Algorithm of actions:

• In a small container, mix water and 9% table vinegar (proportion 3:1);
• pour the solution into the iron tank;
• heat the device to maximum temperature;
• after the device automatically turns off, place it over the basin and press the steam release button several times;
• The procedure is repeated at least three to four times until the iron is completely clean.

How to remove hydrogen peroxide?

A hydrogen peroxide solution will quickly remove traces of plaque and rust on the soleplate of the iron.

Algorithm of actions:

1. The switched off appliance is placed vertically on a table or ironing board.
2. Using a cotton pad generously moistened with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, thoroughly wipe the soleplate of the iron.
3. Use cotton swabs soaked in peroxide to wipe the steam outlet holes.

There is no need to heat the iron before cleaning with peroxide solution.

Mineralka

The secret to using mineral water to remove scale is simple. During the production process, mineral water is saturated with carbon dioxide, which is released when the water is heated, actively interacting and destroying scale particles. As a result of a chemical reaction, a soluble salt is formed, which comes out of the iron along with steam.

Algorithm of actions:

• the tank is filled with mineral carbonated water;
• set the maximum heating temperature, turn on the device;
• A fabric or terry towel folded several times is ironed several times using the steaming function.

How to remove deposits inside the device with ascorbic acid?

Everyone's favorite ascorbic acid vitamins not only strengthen the human immune system, but also cope well with scale deposits.

Algorithm of actions:

1. A tablet of ascorbic acid is ground into powder and dissolved in one liter of water.
2. The resulting liquid is brought to a boil and then left to cool for a while.
3. The cool solution is poured into the reservoir.
4. The device is heated to maximum temperature.
5. After the device has automatically turned off, press the steam release button several times.

The ascorbic acid cleaning method is effective only for small lime deposits.

Soda

Baking soda powder is an excellent way to get rid of scale from your iron in a matter of minutes.

Algorithm of actions:

• soda is mixed with water to a thick paste (proportion 1:2);
• the resulting mixture is applied to a cotton pad, which is used to gently wipe the dirty soleplate of the iron;
• The already clean device is wiped with a damp cloth.

Acetone

Any acetone-containing product (the most popular is nail polish remover) will help restore the original appearance of an iron covered with old scale stains.

It’s simple: use a soft cloth, generously moistened with acetone, to thoroughly wipe away the dirt.. The already cleaned surface of the iron is wiped again with a damp, clean sponge, and then wiped dry.

Work with acetone is carried out only in a well-ventilated area, away from open flame sources.

Special means

If traditional methods are powerless in the fight against limescale, special chemicals will come to the rescue. TOP 5 most popular and effective special products:

Antiscale powder

Antiscale powder is an effective drug removing scale from various surfaces.

Heat the iron to maximum temperature, turn off the device from the mains, and place it vertically on a table or ironing board. After half an hour, holding the iron horizontally over a sink or basin, press the steam release button several times.

The drug contains acid. It is better to work with Antiscale with gloves and a protective mask..

The average cost of the drug is 16 rubles. (100 g bag).

Top House

Top House scale cleaner is a liquid that helps quickly remove lime deposits and prevent the formation of corrosion. The special product was produced in Germany using the latest technology.

Then the device is placed horizontally on the ironing board (with pencils placed under the sole) and left for ten minutes. The final stage of cleaning is to shake the device and press the steam release button.

The average cost of a Top House descaling cleaner is 225 rubles.

Magic Power

Magic Power descaler is a universal product, the special formula of which allows you to use the liquid to clean any irons.

Final cleaning - shake the device and press the steam button. The average cost of Magic Power is 100 rubles. (250 ml bottle).

Bon cleaning pencil

The Bon cleaning pencil will help you deal not only with lime deposits, but also with carbon stains.

Attention: you can rub with chalk only when the device is unplugged.. The average cost of a chalk is 150 rubles. (bar 25 g).

Paterra tablets

Paterra anti-scale tablets will quickly clean the inside of your household appliance from limescale deposits.

Lime deposits and other contaminants will come out along with the steam through the holes in the sole iron. The average cost of the drug is 160 rubles. (pack of 4 tablets).

If the electrical appliance has a steamer

Modern models of irons with steamers are often equipped with a special removable rod that absorbs all particles of limescale.

To clean your steam iron, it is necessary to follow a certain sequence of actions:

1. The device is heated to maximum temperature, after which it is turned off from the network.
2. Take out the anti-lime rod and place it in a container filled with vinegar water (diluted in a 1:1 ratio).
3. After an hour, the rod is washed with clean water, wiped with a dry towel, and replaced in its original place.

Further care to prevent lime deposits

Regular care and compliance with the operating rules of the iron will help prevent the appearance of scale:

• It is advisable to pour filtered water into the iron, because the fewer salts contained in the liquid, the longer the device will remain clean;
• at the end of ironing, the water must be drained (this will help avoid the appearance of an unpleasant musty odor and prevent the appearance of scale);
• the device must be kept in an upright position at all times, with its nose up (even when turned off);
• It is necessary to carefully ensure that the sole of the iron remains perfectly flat (it is almost impossible to remove scale from dents or chips).

It is best to monitor the condition of a household appliance from the moment of purchase. Early prevention of scale will preserve the original appearance of the iron for a long time.

Adviсe

A few tips from experienced housewives will help solve the problem. scale as quickly as possible:

1. If you use softened water (ordinary tap water, boiled for ten minutes with a small amount of baking soda), you will have to clean the iron less often.
2. The cleanliness of the anti-lime rod must be checked at least once every month and a half.
3. You can avoid the rapid appearance of scale deposits by pouring distilled water into the iron (sold at any gas station).
4. After cleaning with acetone, the device is tested on unwanted clothing. This will help prevent yellow marks from appearing during the ironing process.

Find out more about ways to remove scale from household appliances - here.

Video on the topic of the article

This video will show you how to descale your iron inside and out:

Conclusion

By applying in practice all kinds of methods for cleaning the iron from scale (both inside and outside), you can significantly extend the life of the device and improve the quality of ironing.