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Originally Posted by EasyPeezy
(Post 8144809)
I use a silicone
sheet over the fabric until it's 99% dry. My iron stays clean. |
Originally Posted by SuziSew
(Post 8144844)
If I start getting build up I use one of the "magic erasers". Works great and doesn't mess up my iron. In a pinch I've also just used a regular towel, sprayed it with water and "iron" it until it's clean
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Originally Posted by gingergrandma
(Post 8145173)
I use the magic eraser too!
Several recommendations for these - I’ll have to see if I can get them here in the UK. If not, one of my US friends may get an unusual Christmas present request! |
Originally Posted by Jingle
(Post 8144903)
That is the main reason I don't use any kind of starch. I didn't know about stuff to add to the starch. In the 1950's my Mom sprinkled clothes to be ironed with just water. I don't recall her using starch.
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Originally Posted by pocoellie
(Post 8144904)
I just use plain old water to clean the sole plate. Here's how I was taught how to starch: when your iron gets all gunky, it's because when you’re ironing,and the fabric hasn't had a chance to absorb the starch, what you're doing is, instead of ironing the fabric, you are ironing the starch. I starch every piece of fabric I'm going to work with, at least 2 hours ahead of the time, throw it in a large ziplock bag, and let it sit, then I'll take it out, either line dry or throw in the dryer for a few minutes, then iron, have never had a problem with the iron getting all gunky then, I do spray mist with water since I don't use the steam on my iron.
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I scrub the HOT iron with a new dryer sheet wadded up. If the build-up is bad it might take two sheets. Be very careful with that hot iron though.
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I had this issue just the last couple of days. I normally use Sta-Flo liquid starch in a 50/50 mix. I let the starch soak into the fabric for a few minutes and start ironing. Well, I ran out of Sta-Flo and my local grocery store only had 'Linit' brand. I think it has a lower scorch point than the Sta-Flo. So I ended up having gunk all over my iron. Of course, could not find the Iron Off cleaner so had to purchase a different brand of that yesterday. Not quite as good as Iron Off but it did work.
You squeeze the goo on a piece of terrycloth, rub your hot iron on it and the gunk comes off. Clean iron once again. Yippee! BTW, I also purchased more Sta-Flo. Will put the other jug aside and only use if I have another starch emergency, lol. |
I found if you starch from the bottom side and press on the top side, it keeps the starch from collecting on your iron. I normally starch my fabrics using the dunk, squeeze thru a wringer and hang method. So the starch is on both sides but I have never had an issue with starch getting on my iron. If I have to spray more starch on the block I starch from the back side and then press. If you let the starch soak in before you press, that also will help with the buildup.
As to cleaning your iron of the buildup, I use Dritz's "Iron Off" in a tube found in the sewing dept of Walmart. I put some on an old rag and run my iron over the stuff. It may take a couple times depending on how much buildup you have but it works great for me. I haven't had to use it in some time now. [ |
I was amazed at how well the Magic Eraser cleaned my iron when it was gunky. They're handy to have around the house for other chores too.
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A little salt on a brown paper bag and iron with a hot iron Cleans of almost any gunk.
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