How to Remove Burnt-On Stains From an Iron

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Scorch marks on the iron plate will mark clothing.

Burnt-on stains on the iron plate cause black marks on your clothes when ironing. The easy solution is to go out and buy a new iron, but with a few simple household items you will be able to clean off the black scorch marks and make the faceplate look like new. Several methods use nontoxic items you probably have in your kitchen cupboards. Unplug the iron and let it cool before applying the cleaning solution.

Advertisement

Vinegar Solution

Video of the Day

Step 1

Mix 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup salt in a small saucepan and put it on the stove with low heat.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Remove the saucepan from the stove once the vinegar and salt mixture is warmed. Do not let the mixture overheat.

Advertisement

Step 3

Rub the mixture into the iron plate with a nonabrasive cloth.

Oven Cleaner

Step 1

Cover the iron with newspaper except the scorched hotplate.

Advertisement

Step 2

Take the iron outdoors and spray oven foam cleaner on the hotplate. Let it stand for three minutes.

Step 3

Rinse the iron hotplate with a damp nonabrasive cloth and cold water. The burn marks should wipe away.

Baking Soda

Step 1

Make a paste from mixing 1/2 cup baking soda into 1/2 cup cold water. Use white toothpaste if you are out of baking soda.

Advertisement

Step 2

Wipe the iron hotplate with the baking soda solution. Let the iron stand for two minutes with the baking soda solution on it.

Step 3

Rinse off the hotplate with a damp cloth. The burn marks should disappear.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...