How to Clean a Flat Iron with Baking Soda

flat iron cover

Nothing feels quite as good as wearing fresh and wrinkle-free clothes.

The confidence boost is quite euphoric and we have our dependable flat irons to thank for it.

However, if the bottom of your iron is starting to look dirty or crazy burnt, maybe it’s time to call our friend, Mr. Baking Soda.

In this article, I’ll show you how to clean the soleplate of your flat iron by using baking soda.

Here’s a picture of a clothing iron soleplate with labels in case you’re not familiar with the parts:

soleplate and steam vents

Let’s start cleaning.

What you’ll need:

Baking soda
Water
Small container
Spoon
Cloth or sponge
Q-tips/cotton buds

what you'll need clean flat iron

Steps on How to Clean Your Flat Iron’s Soleplate with Baking Soda:

1. Make sure the flat iron is cool and unplugged before you start. Drain the water from the steamer reservoir if there’s any.

2. Create a paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda for every 2-3 tablespoons of water.

mix baking soda and water to create paste

 3. Apply the paste on the soleplate. Spread it out a bit.

apply paste on the soleplate

4. Use a damp sponge or cloth to scrub off the stains from the soleplate. Keep scrubbing until you are satisfied with the result. 

scrub soleplate with cloth and paste

5. Clean the steam vents with cotton buds. Scrub off any mineral deposits around the holes.

clean steam vents with cotton buds

6. Wipe off the soleplate with a clean cloth.

Will Baking Soda Scratch the Soleplate of My Flat Iron?

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, and that’s why it’s great for scrubbing off hardened stains and mineral deposits. However, using too much baking soda may scratch the surface or protective coating of your iron.

It’s good practice to start with a 1:3 baking soda to water ratio when making a paste. Then add more baking soda if you need to.

Most clothes iron on the market either have a stainless or ceramic coating. So make sure you check your flat iron’s cleaning instructions before you start scrubbing it. It’s best to err on the side of caution.

8 Tips to Avoid Burning and Staining Your Clothes with the
Flat Iron (Never Again!)

Now that your flat iron is clean, here are some tips to help you avoid staining and burning your clothes again.

  1. Iron inside out whenever possible.
  2. Always check the temperature setting and the bottom(soleplate) of the iron before starting.
  3. Read the clothes care tags for ironing instructions.
  4. Use a press cloth for sensitive fabrics like silk and linen.
  5. Use a fabric softener when doing the laundry, so it’s easier to iron your clothes later.
  6. Go easy on the spray starch. Using too much starch can create a build-up that can stick to the soleplate of your iron.
  7. Iron on low setting for some fabrics like nylon and polyester. Iron the inside first to test it if you’re not sure what kind of fabric it is.
  8. Never leave your iron plugged in and unattended. It’s not just a stain issue but also a safety issue. Do not forget this.

Conclusion

And that’s how I use baking soda to clean my flat iron.

If you’re looking for more ways to use baking soda, here’s an article on how to use baking soda to remove armpit stains from clothes.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Until next time.

-Baking Soda Guy

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

For Cleaning the Flat Iron:

  1. Can I clean my flat iron while it’s still hot? No, it’s crucial to ensure that the flat iron is cool and unplugged before starting the cleaning process. Cleaning a hot flat iron can be dangerous and may cause burns.
  2. Is it necessary to remove the water from the steamer reservoir before cleaning the flat iron? Yes, it’s essential to drain the water from the steamer reservoir before cleaning the flat iron’s soleplate. This prevents water from mixing with the baking soda paste and potentially damaging the iron.
  3. Can I use a different cleaning agent instead of baking soda to clean the flat iron? Baking soda is a safe and effective natural cleaning agent for flat irons. However, if you prefer an alternative, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water or a commercial flat iron cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.

Regarding Baking Soda and the Soleplate:

  1. How do I know if my flat iron has a stainless or ceramic coating? To determine the type of coating on your flat iron’s soleplate, refer to the product’s user manual or check the manufacturer’s website for specifications. Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents on ceramic-coated plates.
  2. What should I do if I accidentally scratch the soleplate of my flat iron? If you accidentally scratch the soleplate of your flat iron, stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer for guidance. Continued use with a damaged soleplate may further damage your clothes and the flat iron itself.
  3. Can I use baking soda to clean the outside of my flat iron? Baking soda can be used to clean the soleplate of your flat iron, but it’s not recommended for cleaning the outside or other parts. For the external surfaces, use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean gently.

General Tips for Flat Iron Usage:

  1. Can I use the same ironing temperature for all types of fabrics? Different fabrics have different temperature requirements for ironing. Always check the clothing care tags or the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate ironing temperature for each fabric.
  2. Is using spray starch necessary for ironing clothes? Spray starch can be used to add stiffness to certain fabrics and make ironing easier. However, using too much starch can cause build-up on the soleplate. It’s best to use starch sparingly and only when needed.

Safety Measures:

  1. Can I leave my flat iron plugged in while I take a quick break from ironing? It’s essential never to leave a flat iron plugged in and unattended, even for a short break. Always unplug the flat iron when not in use to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

Top Photo by Teslariu Mihai on Unsplash