Why does the sole of the iron darken and how to clean it

For the smooth operation of any electrical device, it is necessary to properly care for it. For an iron, these operations consist of timely cleaning of the soleplate and steam generator container. If this is not done, then over time the consumer qualities deteriorate and ironing clothes becomes not very convenient. In particularly advanced cases, linen can be ruined, especially for capricious, delicate fabrics: silk, chiffon, velvet. This trouble occurs due to carbon deposits that form over time on the sole of the device.

If you do not clean the steam generator, scale will form in it. Because of this, when ironing, stains remain on the fabric. In addition, scale clogs the steam ducts, which negatively affects the operation of the iron.

Why does the soleplate of the iron turn dark?

When the device is heated too much, tiny fibers of fabric stick to the sole of the device. They are the ones who form the dark coating, and this can happen for several reasons:

• the use of inappropriate temperature conditions is one of the main causes of pollution;

Reference! Each type of fabric requires its own regime. For example, silk should be ironed at a minimum, and for ironing wool, a layer of gauze should be used.

• contact of the hot sole with plastic elements - buttons, buttons - as a result of which particles of melted plastic may remain on the iron;
• impacts on a hard surface or falls of a household appliance - the coating on the bottom of the iron may receive microscopic damage and scratches, on which, in turn, dust and dirt will accumulate more quickly;

Reference! Today, the soleplate of an iron can be coated with the following compounds: Teflon, glass ceramics and ceramics, enamel and Teflon.

• the quality of the water poured into the steam generator - if you use hard water, then scale will not only clog the steam-conducting channels over time, but will also protrude on the sole, forming a coating;
• inaccurate ironing of clothes that have metal parts (rivets, buttons, metal buttons and zippers) - these elements can scratch the coating, and microscopic particles and fibers will stick to the deformation site.

How to properly clean the soleplate of your iron

If such a nuisance has happened, and the base of the device is covered with dark soot, then you should use one of the methods below:

1. Cleaning pencil. This special product can be purchased at a hardware store. Each type of coating has its own composition. You can find out which product is suitable for your type of iron from the instructions. To clean, heat the device and rub the soleplate with a pencil. Wait until the substance, having dissolved the carbon deposits, forms foam and wipe it with a soft cotton cloth.
2. Finely ground table salt. Pour it onto a clean cloth, smooth it out and run a heated iron over it until all the carbon deposits are removed. After the procedure, the cooled iron should be wiped with a clean cloth.
   
3. Laundry soap. You can rub it on a heated device. Then wait until it cools down and rinse the surface with clean water.
4. Table nine percent vinegar. For old contamination, it is better to use a concentrated liquid, and for fresh contamination, dilute two tablespoons in a glass of water. To use, moisten a cotton pad with the liquid and wipe off the carbon deposits. If necessary, the procedure should be repeated.
5. Vinegar and ammonia. Mix equal parts vinegar and ammonia. You can also use the juice of one lemon and three drops of ammonia.
6. Hydrogen peroxide. Regular peroxide will perfectly clean carbon deposits.

Reference! In addition to the products listed, you can use a paraffin candle, nail polish remover or acetone, or sulfur from matches. They are used in the same way as in the above methods - heat the device and treat the sole with the product.

How to protect the soleplate of your iron from darkening

Of course, you can even deal with old stains on the soleplate of the iron, but it is much wiser to prevent their formation. To do this, when ironing you should follow a few simple rules:

1. The main thing is to maintain the correct temperature for a certain type of fabric. You can get the necessary information by reading the recommendations on the clothing label.
2. To iron synthetic items or wool items, use a layer in the form of a piece of gauze or thin fabric.
3. To prevent deposits from forming in the water container, it is necessary to remove any remaining water from it after ironing.
4. If you do not want scale to appear in the steam generator, use filtered water for the procedure. You can fill the steam generator with already boiled water.
5. After completing the process, do not rush to put the device in the closet, wait for it to cool completely and wipe the sole with a piece of soft, dry cloth.
6. Periodically clean the steam generator from deposits using special means.
7. If a slight contamination does appear, remove it immediately, without delaying it for later. The more time passes, the more difficult it will be to remove carbon deposits.
8. If you are not sure that the purchased product will suit the type of coating on the base of the device, try applying it on a small area at the edge. After waiting for some time, check the result. Once you are convinced of the positive effect, apply it to the entire surface.

Remember: good care helps maintain the performance of the iron and extend its service life. A working iron will not spoil your favorite things and will help maintain their attractive appearance. All this overall saves the family budget, freeing up funds for pleasant purchases.