4 Simple But Effective Hacks to Rid Iron Box of Black Stains

Iron Box
An iron box on a stand
Photo
Ideal Home

An Iron box is a common electric appliance in Kenyan households that enables users to conveniently straighten out wrinkles in clothes.

However, over time, the appliance can become stained with black residue that damages fabric during ironing or leaves burns behind.

If the residue is not removed, it can eventually build up and damage the iron box, causing it to malfunction or destroy it completely.

The black stains are caused by a number of factors including using hard water on steam iron boxes or sing fabric softeners.

A collage image of an iron box with black stains (Left) and Iron boxes on a stand(Right).
A collage image of an iron box with black stains (Left) and Iron boxes on a stand(Right).
Photo
Mr Blak/Ideal Home

Some of the most common and effective ways to get rid of stains include:

1. Using Baking Soda

Baking Soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to effortlessly remove black stains from iron boxes.

To use this technique, mix a handful of baking soda with water to form a paste.

While the appliance is off, apply the paste to the stained area and let it be for about 30 min, then scrub to remove the paste applied using a damp cloth.

The stain will be removed from the iron box allowing you to use it without leaving any residue on your cloth.

Allow the iron box to dry before use. 

2. Using Toothpaste

Like baking soda, toothpaste is also an abrasive that will remove black stains from your iron box. 

For effective results, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth and rub it over the stained area on the iron box.

Leave it on the surface for five min and wipe it off with a clean dump cloth. The stain comes off immediately. 

Repeat the process to achieve the level of cleanliness to want the iron box to attain. 

An iron box in use.
An iron box in use.
Photo
Handy

3. Using Salt 

Salt is a common household product and because of its availability, it is a simple and effective way to get rid of those black spots on your iron box. 

To effectively use salt, pour some of it on a surface, warm the iron box and run it over the surface of the salt. 

Repeat the process several times changing direction as if ironing a cloth and shaking off the excess salt to check progress. 

After a while, the stain on the iron box will be removed.

4. Using Vinegar

Vinegar is also effective for removing black stains on an iron box.

Immerse a towel into a solution of vinegar and leave it for a minute. Lay the towel on a flat surface and run the iron box over the towel while it is turned off. 

The stains should come off.  Repeat the process to attain the desired results. 
 

How to prevent stains from forming

it is important to take care of your iron box to avoid risks of damaging the appliance or your clothes.

Some of the ways to achieve this include;

Use distilled water. Steam iron boxes have become more and more common because of their convenience when ironing clothes that need a little sprinkle of water before ironing.

When using such iron boxes, use distilled water as opposed to tap water which may contain minerals that leave deposits of iron on the appliance which eventually form black stains. 

After each use, empty the water reservoir. Do not leave water in the reservoir on the iron box to prevent minerals from accumulating over time. 

After each use, wipe the iron plate. Use a damp cloth to wipe the iron plate to remove any mineral residue after every use. 

Storage. Keep your iron in a cool, dry location to prevent any formation of rust. 

An iron box and clothes pictured on top on an ironing board.
An iron box and clothes pictured on top on an ironing board.
Photo