If you’ve ever been excited to wear that crisply-ironed dress shirt only to discover unsightly stains left by your iron, you understand the frustration.

These stains don’t just appear out of nowhere; they’re the result of dirt, dust, spray starch, and fabric fibres that accumulate on the iron’s soleplate.

Not only do these accumulations lead to staining your garments, but they can also pose a potential fire hazard if not addressed, especially when this residue gets continuously heated.

But the good news is, you don’t need to spend a lot or resort to specialised cleaners to remedy this.

A budget-friendly solution is right in your bathroom cabinet: toothpaste!

Using toothpaste can efficiently remove grime from your clothes iron. Image source: Pixabay

We all love the magic of a well-ironed garment, and it’s such a letdown when a clean shirt gets ruined in the ironing process.

The iron, our trusted tool against wrinkles, should be making our chores easier, not harder. Yet, if neglected, it’s quite easy for the iron to become a problem.

The soleplate can accumulate residue, which, when heated, bakes further into it.

For those who iron weekly, it’s advisable to clean the soleplate once a month. If you use it less often, every six months will suffice.

Now, you might wonder, why toothpaste?

The reason is its gentle abrasive quality. When opting for toothpaste, remember to choose the white, non-gel type. This type ensures that no dyes are present and has the right consistency to lift off the dirt.

However, steer clear of toothpaste containing bicarb soda or whitening agents, as they might damage the iron's soleplate.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your iron with toothpaste:

1. Unplug and cool: Start by making sure the iron is unplugged. The soleplate should be cool to the touch, and the water reservoir (if your iron has one) should be completely emptied before you begin.
2. Apply toothpaste: Apply a modest amount of toothpaste directly onto the soleplate. Let it sit undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. This pause allows the toothpaste to work on the accumulated grime.
3. Gentle scrubbing: With a soft, clean cloth, gently rub the toothpaste on the soleplate using circular motions. If you observe stubborn scorch marks or caked-on residues, a soft-bristled toothbrush can be carefully used to address these stains.
4. Wipe clean: Once you've managed to lift the grime off, it's time to wipe the soleplate. Use a damp cloth to ensure all the toothpaste and its residue are thoroughly removed.
5. Steam it out: For the final step, place the iron over a sink or towel. Refill its reservoir, turn on the steam, and press the steam button. This clears any lingering toothpaste or debris from the iron's steam holes, preparing it for your next use.

Watch another method to clean your iron base surface with sticky burned fabric using toothpaste, vinegar, and baking soda. Check it out here:

Video source: YouTube/Cleaning Solutions​

Members, by using these cleaning tips above, you don't have to invest in another iron when faced with stubborn residues.

The next time you come across that sticky buildup on your iron's soleplate, just head to your bathroom and grab that tube of toothpaste. Your clothes will thank you!

Key Takeaways

• Regular cleaning of the iron's soleplate is essential to prevent residue build-up, which can lead to stained clothes and potential fire risks.
• Toothpaste, particularly white, non-gel variants, is recommended for iron cleaning due to its slightly coarse consistency and the absence of dyes.
• The cleaning process involves applying a small amount of toothpaste on the soleplate, allowing it to sit for a few minutes, and gently rubbing the toothpaste using a cloth in a circular motion.
• After cleaning, any remaining toothpaste and grime should be wiped off, and the iron should be filled with water, turned on, and steamed to flush out any remaining residues.

Members, have you tried this cleaning trick for your iron? We'd love to hear if you have other savvy methods to share with our community for keeping those irons grime-free.

Drop your insights and tips in the comments!

 

[Liz]

Thanks for this I will give it a go, cheaper than iron cleaners.

 

[PattiB]

Does this apply to irons with a nonstick sole plate? My iron has heaps of instructions about not putting anything on the sole plate. I must find the booklet & find out but it’s written in multiple languages so finding the English bit is difficult. Plus the print is way too small. Though my husband was given a fancy page magnifying thing with lights so that might help.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I bought a new Braun iron a few weeks ago. It's in pristine condition.

Still in its box. Unopened.

 

[PattiB]

I bought a new Braun iron a few weeks ago. It's in pristine condition.

Still in its box. Unopened.

My son has owned an iron for years but I’m the only one who ever uses it. He doesn’t see the point in ironing things, though most of his clothes dont require it. I taught him to hang shirts on hangers as soon a a wash finishes & to give things a good shake. I’m no longer prone to unnecessary ironing unlike my mum who ironed absolutely everything. So the box is a great place to keep an iron.

 

[Veggiepatch]

My son has owned an iron for years but I’m the only one who ever uses it. He doesn’t see the point in ironing things, though most of his clothes dont require it. I taught him to hang shirts on hangers as soon a a wash finishes & to give things a good shake. I’m no longer prone to unnecessary ironing unlike my mum who ironed absolutely everything. So the box is a great place to keep an iron.

You are one good egg! Just don't try to iron an egg....

 

[Liz]

Does this apply to irons with a nonstick sole plate? My iron has heaps of instructions about not putting anything on the sole plate. I must find the booklet & find out but it’s written in multiple languages so finding the English bit is difficult. Plus the print is way too small. Though my husband was given a fancy page magnifying thing with lights so that might help.

I must look up my new Philips as well.

 

[Bullwinkle]

I use the dial on my iron to iron at the correct temperature, my sole plate on my iron still looks like new, it is about 10 years old. My iron is a Tefal UltraGliss Ultra Glide Diffusion Cordless iron, I think it all comes down to the quality of the iron!!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I use the dial on my iron to iron at the correct temperature, my sole plate on my iron still looks like new, it is about 10 years old. My iron is a Tefal UltraGliss Ultra Glide Diffusion Cordless iron, I think it all comes down to the quality of the iron!!

Good quality stuff. I use Tefal cookware religiously, along with Baccarat and Mondial, the Brazilian brand of knives and scissors.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Good quality stuff. I use Tefal cookware religiously, along with Baccarat and Mondial, the Brazilian brand of knives and scissors.

I am a great believer in that you only get what you pay for….need to spend money, to buy quality products that last!!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I am a great believer in that you only get what you pay for….need to spend money, to buy quality products that last!!

Yes my dear!

 

[PattiB]

I use the dial on my iron to iron at the correct temperature, my sole plate on my iron still looks like new, it is about 10 years old. My iron is a Tefal UltraGliss Ultra Glide Diffusion Cordless iron, I think it all comes down to the quality of the iron!!

I Also have a Tefal iron & absolutely love it. It’s light to handle but does have a cord. I’ve not had to clean the sole plate only descale it now & then. You are so right, buy quality & it lasts for years.

 

[bluetang]

If you’ve ever been excited to wear that crisply-ironed dress shirt only to discover unsightly stains left by your iron, you understand the frustration.

These stains don’t just appear out of nowhere; they’re the result of dirt, dust, spray starch, and fabric fibres that accumulate on the iron’s soleplate.

Not only do these accumulations lead to staining your garments, but they can also pose a potential fire hazard if not addressed, especially when this residue gets continuously heated.

But the good news is, you don’t need to spend a lot or resort to specialised cleaners to remedy this.

A budget-friendly solution is right in your bathroom cabinet: toothpaste!

View attachment 32900

Using toothpaste can efficiently remove grime from your clothes iron. Image source: Pixabay

We all love the magic of a well-ironed garment, and it’s such a letdown when a clean shirt gets ruined in the ironing process.

The iron, our trusted tool against wrinkles, should be making our chores easier, not harder. Yet, if neglected, it’s quite easy for the iron to become a problem.

The soleplate can accumulate residue, which, when heated, bakes further into it.

For those who iron weekly, it’s advisable to clean the soleplate once a month. If you use it less often, every six months will suffice.

Now, you might wonder, why toothpaste?

The reason is its gentle abrasive quality. When opting for toothpaste, remember to choose the white, non-gel type. This type ensures that no dyes are present and has the right consistency to lift off the dirt.

However, steer clear of toothpaste containing bicarb soda or whitening agents, as they might damage the iron's soleplate.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your iron with toothpaste:

1. Unplug and cool: Start by making sure the iron is unplugged. The soleplate should be cool to the touch, and the water reservoir (if your iron has one) should be completely emptied before you begin.
2. Apply toothpaste: Apply a modest amount of toothpaste directly onto the soleplate. Let it sit undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. This pause allows the toothpaste to work on the accumulated grime.
3. Gentle scrubbing: With a soft, clean cloth, gently rub the toothpaste on the soleplate using circular motions. If you observe stubborn scorch marks or caked-on residues, a soft-bristled toothbrush can be carefully used to address these stains.
4. Wipe clean: Once you've managed to lift the grime off, it's time to wipe the soleplate. Use a damp cloth to ensure all the toothpaste and its residue are thoroughly removed.
5. Steam it out: For the final step, place the iron over a sink or towel. Refill its reservoir, turn on the steam, and press the steam button. This clears any lingering toothpaste or debris from the iron's steam holes, preparing it for your next use.

Watch another method to clean your iron base surface with sticky burned fabric using toothpaste, vinegar, and baking soda. Check it out here:

Video source: YouTube/Cleaning Solutions​

Members, by using these cleaning tips above, you don't have to invest in another iron when faced with stubborn residues.

The next time you come across that sticky buildup on your iron's soleplate, just head to your bathroom and grab that tube of toothpaste. Your clothes will thank you!

Key Takeaways

• Regular cleaning of the iron's soleplate is essential to prevent residue build-up, which can lead to stained clothes and potential fire risks.
• Toothpaste, particularly white, non-gel variants, is recommended for iron cleaning due to its slightly coarse consistency and the absence of dyes.
• The cleaning process involves applying a small amount of toothpaste on the soleplate, allowing it to sit for a few minutes, and gently rubbing the toothpaste using a cloth in a circular motion.
• After cleaning, any remaining toothpaste and grime should be wiped off, and the iron should be filled with water, turned on, and steamed to flush out any remaining residues.

Members, have you tried this cleaning trick for your iron? We'd love to hear if you have other savvy methods to share with our community for keeping those irons grime-free.

Drop your insights and tips in the comments!

Am going to try it. There are quite a few cleaning hacks using tooth paste, coke, and dishwashing liquid
for cleaning frying pans etc.