How to descale the iron simply and effectively!

Ironing clothes  is an operation that not everyone likes because, let’s face it, it is a bit  tiring and boring.

Sometimes, then, the iron throws a tantrum and  ironing  becomes even more difficult.

In fact, how many times have you noticed a  small jet of steam  or  white/grayish flecks  coming out of the  holes of the iron  and staining your clothes?

If this has happened to you and continues to happen to you, don’t worry, it’s just  lime that has settled in the boiler  and on the hob.

Therefore, today we are going to see together  some simple and economical natural remedies to free the iron from limescale and have straight clothes with little effort!

NB   We recommend that you always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. In case of breakdown, consult the person in charge.

Water heater

The part where  lime deposits the most is the boiler  , since it is continually exposed to water.

So, first of all, we will focus on cleaning and  descaling this part of the iron.

For this operation, there are  two remedies  you can try… Let’s see them together!

Vinegar

The vinegar It is an ingredient with a  strong corrosive power capable of removing limescale from surfaces.

So start by creating a  solution that contains equal parts water and white vinegar.

Then pour it into the tank and after filling it, turn on the iron.

Let the plate heat up, then  steam  until  hard white pieces no longer come out of the holes in the plate.

At this point, turn off the iron, let it cool and  empty the boiler.

Together with the water and vinegar solution, you will notice that the lime residue present in the tank is also removed.

We recommend that you repeat this operation a  second time  , creating, however, a  solution composed of only 10% vinegar.

However, if you don’t want to vaporize the vinegar and water solution because you don’t like the strong smell of vinegar, you can also  pour it directly into the boiler  and  let it sit for a few hours.

For a more effective effect, the solution can also remain in the boiler  overnight. Then empty the boiler and let it drain by shaking the iron.

If you wish, you can repeat the procedure adding only   demineralized water  to completely eliminate the remains of white vinegar.

Citric acid

Citric acid  is a compound derived from citrus that is proposed as  a more ecological alternative to vinegar,  although it boasts the same effectiveness.

In fact,  it has anti-limescale, descaling and detergent properties,  very useful for removing limescale deposits from the iron.

Then dissolve  200 grams of citric acid   in   1 liter of   warm water (it dissolves better this way) and pour everything into the boiler.

Turn on the iron and let the steam escape until all the accumulated limescale is removed.

And  voilà: your iron is ready to be used to give you smooth, wrinkle-free clothes!

Leaf

However, in addition to cleaning the tank, it is also  important to clean the plate,  as limestone settles in the small holes underneath.

For this reason, the plate requires  periodic cleaning to free the holes  and not compromise the correct operation of the device.

Attention! Always make sure to unplug it before starting to clean the plate, to be completely safe.

baking soda and lemon

To clean iron plate,  baking soda  and  lemon are very effective.

In fact, combined together, these two ingredients react and form a  foam with descaling power.

Then pour  a tablespoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of lemon  into a glass of hot water. Then mix all the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

At this point, dip a  sponge in the mixture  thus obtained and pass it over the plate.

Finally, dry with a soft cloth and… the  game is done  !

cotton swab

Another  very effective home remedy  to thoroughly clean the holes under the plate and facilitate the escape of steam is to use  cotton swabs.

Then take a  cotton swab soaked in white vinegar  and gently run it through the holes in the plate.

Let it sit for a while and use your iron:  you will notice the difference!

How to prevent limescale formation

Once we have seen together how to descale the iron, let’s see together  how to prevent limescale formation  .

Demineralized water

First of all, we recommend that you always use  demineralized water  in your iron.

Demineralized water, in fact, is deprived of its saline component and this, therefore, allows it not to form calcareous deposits.

This  prevention system  will ensure that your iron does not suffer damage.

conditioning water

As an alternative to demineralized water, many people use  air conditioning water  to iron.

In fact, this water is condensed water, without lime.

Before using this water, however,  always ensure that no chemical detergents have been used in conditioners  that have not yet been discarded and that there is no damage that could alter the purity of the water.

Warnings

We remind you to always follow the production instructions before trying the suggested remedies on your iron.