How to Tackle Burnt on Stains and Other Issues with Your Iron

We’ve all been there. You’re halfway through a pile of laundry when suddenly your iron starts dragging or sticking, and you notice a dreaded burnt patch on the soleplate.  

Often caused by synthetic fabrics like polyester melting onto the hot surface, these stains not only look unsightly but can ruin your clothes if not sorted quickly. 

The good news? There’s a simple, safe way to clean your iron and keep it gliding like new. Here's how! 

Burnt On Stains? Here's a Tried and Tested Hack 

If your iron’s soleplate has burnt on residue, especially from synthetics like polyester, don’t panic. You can usually lift off the gunk with nothing more than an old cotton tea towel or shirt. 

Step by Step:

Dampen the cotton cloth – It should be wet but not dripping and definitely something you don’t want to wear again. 

Set your iron to its highest temperature – (Check your manual first to confirm it’s safe to run the iron at full heat.) 

Lay the wet cotton flat – ideally use an ironing board cover or towel to add extra protection from damage. 

Iron directly onto the cloth – Move the iron gently over the damp cotton. The steam and heat help loosen and lift the burnt on residue. 

Wipe the soleplate while warm – After ironing, switch the iron off and allow it to cool slightly. Use a clean dry cloth (once the iron is unplugged and cooled slightly) to remove any softened residue. 

It might not remove everything the first time around but this method can work wonders. The sticky build up transfers to the cloth, not your next outfit and you get the glide back in your iron!

Always Check Your Manual First 

Before trying any cleaning method, it’s worth looking at your iron’s user manual. Some models may have specific recommendations (or warnings) for cleaning the soleplate. 

Other Safe Soleplate Cleaning Ideas 

If the cotton cloth trick doesn't do the job entirely, here are a few other gentle methods that are safe for most irons: 

Bicarbonate of soda paste: Mix with cool water, apply to a cold soleplate with a soft cloth, then wipe clean. Ensure to avoid the steam holes as the paste could get trapped inside causing damage to the steam vents.  

Specialist soleplate cleaners:  Available at most supermarkets and homeware stores. Always refer to the user manual and instructions before using.  

1. Check for a descaling button – Some models have a dedicated calc clean or descaling button. Use it regularly.
2. No button? Use the steam boost – Fill the tank with a white vinegar and water solution (50:50), heat the iron, then activate the steam burst repeatedly. Do this over the sink or an old towel. 
3. Rinse thoroughly – Follow up with a few full tanks of clean water to remove any remaining vinegar smell.