It is hardly possible to imagine at least one house in which there is no iron. Although this household appliance makes life much easier for the owners, there are also problems with it. And if we consider such a most popular variety of irons as steam, then the main problem is the formation of scale in the holes through which the vapor dissipates. This, in turn, becomes the main reason for their breakdown. Therefore, all housewives need to know how to clean such an iron.
Cleaning the iron from scale
Most modern irons have a self-cleaning function. Therefore, when clogging steam vents, first of all, you need to apply it. To do this, completely fill the water tank, set the maximum temperature and turn on the iron. Wait until the device is fully heated until it automatically turns off. Many manufacturers recommend starting cleaning only after the second heating of the iron. Therefore, when the appliance heats up a second time, it must be disconnected from the mains and, after placing it above the sink or bath, press the self-cleaning button. From the holes on the sole under high pressure, steam with scum should leave. Typically, the evaporation of all water heating the iron is not enough, so while continuing to hold the button, shake them to pour out the remaining water. Practice shows that in good irons this function works reasonably well.
There are also models of irons that do not have the above function. Therefore, for their cleaning, this method is suitable. It is necessary to take a heat-resistant container in which the iron can easily fit, put wooden sticks on the bottom 2, on which to put the device so as not to cover any steam opening. Then a special agent from scale is poured onto the bottom of the container. Boil the water and pour it into the container so that it is 2 cm higher than the soleplate of the iron. Leave everything for about 10 minutes. This procedure allows you to effectively clean the iron from scale without damaging the rubber and plastic parts.
Cleaning from carbon deposits
Most manufacturers assure that their irons have soles of modern materials and they do not fear such a problem as a deposit. The reality is that carbon deposits can appear even on the most advanced models. And this problem was not ignored by steam irons. There are several ways to solve it.
To begin with, I would like to say that in no case can it be removed by mechanical means, that is, with a knife or a rigid brush. This method of cleaning can disable not only new, but also old irons. Therefore, it is necessary to use more conservative methods.
Pencil for cleaning. Similar pencils are created specifically to solve a similar problem. They can be found at any hardware store. The principle of its action is simple - a pencil applied to the soleplate of a heated iron when melting removes all dirt. However, it should be used very carefully to clean the steam irons, because the molten material can clog the hole or through it to get inside and cause a breakdown.
Vinegar or citric acid. With a low degree of coke, the use of citric acid or vinegar may be effective. For this, the surface of the iron must be wiped with a cloth soaked in one of these liquids. However, it is necessary to exclude the ingress of acetic acid on rubber parts that are afraid of contact with it.
Soap. The method of cleaning the surface of an iron with soap is simple and safe for any type of coating. The heated outsole of the device is rubbed with a piece of soap and left until it is completely cooled. Then remove the dirt with a damp cloth and wipe the surface with a dry cloth. Soap penetration into openings should be avoided.