Remedies for a Sticky Dilemma

Here are several helpful tips and suggestions for removing sticky residue you’re your iron. Many of the solutions can be found right in your own cupboards.

1. Sprinkle some table salt on a piece of fabric (not a good piece as it will get iron burned) and just run the iron over the salt. Do not use this technique if the sole plate is Teflon.

2. Pull off a square of wax paper, sprinkle table salt on it (use about a teaspoon) and then run your iron over it and in circles.

3. Mix 2 tablespoons of salt with 2 teaspoons of vinegar to form a paste. Use it to clean lots of things, as well as an iron.

4. Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Spritz it with water, lay it on a folded towel and run the hot iron over the damp side of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser until clean.

5. Squeeze a bit of inexpensive toothpaste on a clean dry rag and rub in circular motion on HOT iron. Use a cotton swab to remove residue from holes.

6. Run the sole plate of your warm iron over a fabric softener sheet.

7. Sqeeze a bit of Hot Iron Cleaner paste by Faultless onto a dry terry cotton towel and rub the iron in a circular motion until the sticky residue has been removed.

8. Use the ceramic polish that is recommended for cleaning the ceramic hotplate on a cooktop. It doesn't scratch at all but gently removes the gunk when applied using an old cotton facecloth.

9. A quilter from Australia recommends a squeeze paste product called High Speed by Pental. Squeeze the paste on the hot iron plate and then rub over a scrap piece of fabric.

By Vicki Miles