How to clean iron with Toothpaste | The Ultimate Guide

Ironing clothes is an essential part of daily life for many people. However, the iron’s soleplate can become dirty and stained over time, making ironing less effective and damaging clothing. While there are several ways to clean an iron, using Toothpaste might be a method that you have yet to consider. You read that right – Toothpaste can effectively remove stubborn stains and grime from your iron’s soleplate. Toothpaste is a household item that most people have in their homes and is known for its cleaning properties. The ingredients in Toothpaste, such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, can help to break down and remove stains, grime, and dirt. The abrasive texture of Toothpaste also makes it an excellent tool for scrubbing and polishing surfaces.

To clean your iron with Toothpaste, you will need to apply some Toothpaste to a soft cloth and rub it onto the iron’s soleplate. The Toothpaste will work to break down and remove any marks on the surface. You can then wipe away the Toothpaste with a wet wipe and repeat it until the soleplate is clean. Here’s how to clean your iron with Toothpaste.

Essential supplies For cleaning an iron with toothpaste

 Before cleaning your iron with Toothpaste, you must gather a few supplies. You will need, 1.Toothpaste

2. A soft cloth

3. A bowl of warm water

4. A toothbrush (Ensure that your Toothpaste is a non-gel and non-whitening variety)

Step by Step guide: How to clean your iron with Toothpaste

1. Unplug and Cool Down Your Iron

Before cleaning your iron, ensure it is unplugged and cooled down completely. This will prevent any accidents while cleaning your iron.

2. Apply Toothpaste to the soleplate

Apply some Toothpaste to the soleplate of your iron. You can use your fingers or a soft cloth to apply the Toothpaste. Spread the Toothpaste evenly over the soleplate, and ensure it covers any stubborn stains.

3. Scrub the Soleplate

After you have applied the Toothpaste, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the soleplate of your iron. Use circular motions while cleaning, and apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the iron’s surface. Please pay special attention to any stubborn stains, and ensure that you remove them entirely.

4. Rinse the Soleplate

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse your iron’s soleplate with warm water. Ensure all the Toothpaste is removed and no residue is left on the iron’s surface.

5. Dry the Soleplate

After you have rinsed your iron, use a soft cloth to dry the soleplate thoroughly. Remove all the water from the iron’s surface, as any water left behind could lead to rusting.

6. Polish the Soleplate

Once the soleplate is dry, use a soft cloth to polish it. This will help remove any remaining stains and leave your iron shiny and new.

7. Clean the Exterior of the Iron

To clean the exterior of your iron, apply Toothpaste to a soft cloth and use it to wipe down the surface of the iron. Remove any dirt or stains, and rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading dirt.

8. Store Your Iron

Once you have finished cleaning your iron with Toothpaste, store it in a dry and cool place. This will help to prevent any rusting or damage to your iron.

Removing Stubborn stains and residue from your iron’s Vents

To clean the steam vents of your iron:

1. Apply Toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush and scrub the ducts.
2. Use circular motions, and be sure to apply gentle pressure.
3. Rinse the vents with warm water and dry them with a soft cloth.

Safety Precautions and best practices for Iron Cleaning

• Toothpaste may not be suitable for all types of irons, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions or manual before using Toothpaste to clean the soleplate.
• Some types of Toothpaste may contain too harsh ingredients and can damage the iron’s soleplate. It’s recommended to use mild Toothpaste free of abrasives and bleach.
• Too much moisture can cause damage to the iron’s electrical components. When using Toothpaste to clean the soleplate, avoiding moisture in any of the iron’s openings is essential.
• Toothpaste contains particles that can scratch the iron’s soleplate if applied too vigorously. Use a soft cloth and gentle pressure to clean the soleplate to avoid any damage to the surface.
• After cleaning the soleplate with Toothpaste, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly with water and dry it completely to prevent any residue from being left behind that may transfer to clothing during ironing.

Proactive Maintenance

Preventing build up and Extending Iron’s Lifespan

Toothpaste is effective for cleaning because it contains mild abrasives and surfactants that help remove dirt and grime from surfaces. Abrasive particles like silica or calcium carbonate in toothpaste help remove any stains or residues on the cleaned surface.

The surfactants, a combination of detergents and foaming agents, help to lift away the debris and keep it suspended in the toothpaste mixture. Toothpaste may also contain other elements, such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or citric acid, which can aid in cleaning and brightening the surface.

When Toothpaste is used to clean the iron soleplate, the abrasive particles help to scrub away any buildup or stains. At the same time, the surfactants work to lift away the debris and suspend it in the toothpaste mixture.

 However, not all toothpaste types are suitable for cleaning an iron, and following the precautions mentioned earlier is essential to avoid causing any damage to the iron or its soleplate. If you are missing something from this hack, there are other methods on our website to check that include articles on How to clean Iron with Salt and other home ingredients.

Advantages of cleaning your iron with Toothpaste

1. Toothpaste is an effective cleaner that can help remove stubborn stains and grime from your iron’s soleplate. The abrasive texture of Toothpaste also makes it an excellent tool for scrubbing and polishing surfaces.
2. Toothpaste is an affordable and readily available household item that most people already have in their homes. Using Toothpaste to clean your iron is a cost-effective alternative to buying expensive cleaning products.
3. Using Toothpaste to clean your iron is also an eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden cleaning products that can harm the environment. Toothpaste is a natural cleaning solution that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, making it a safer and greener choice.
4. Cleaning your iron with Toothpaste is a straightforward process requiring no special tools or equipment. All you need is Toothpaste, a soft cloth, and water to wipe away the toothpaste residue.
5. Toothpaste can clean other household items such as jewelry, shoes, and car headlights. This means you can use Toothpaste for multiple cleaning purposes, making it a versatile cleaning solution.

Disadvantages of cleaning iron with Toothpaste

1. Toothpaste is abrasive and contains tiny particles that can scratch and damage the surface of your iron. This can lead to scratches, nicks, or other types of damage, which can decrease the lifespan of your iron.
2. They contain ingredients that react with the metal surface of your iron. This can cause discoloration or even corrosion, which can ruin your iron.
3. It may leave a residue on the surface of your iron, which can transfer onto your clothes during ironing. This can stain your clothes or create a foul odor.
4. It may not effectively remove all types of stains or dirt from your iron. Some colors may require specialized iron cleaners or professional cleaning services.

Conclusion

Cleaning an iron is a relatively easy task. Toothpaste hack is practical and cost-friendly, as Toothpaste is found in every household. All you have to do is scrub gently and remove the excess with a soft cloth. Do not over-scrub it. Remember to take all the preventative measures beforehand to save yourself from accidental damage. Follow the steps mentioned above to make your iron shine like new.