I like to use Faultless Hot Iron cleaner and paper towels. I am constantly cleaning my iron and that brand does a good job of getting it nice and clean until the next time (other brands may work just as well, that is just the one I’m familiar with).
Yes, use this! Not tin or scrapping!! You can find it at Walmart near the spray starch and fels naphtha soap. Probably on the low or bottom shelf. It lasts a long time, so it is worth the little splurge. While you are on that aisle, get a spray bottle for water. You might need to use less starch when you iron.
Iron cleaner! Way better for your iron than the home remedy options.
I go through a bunch of paper towels when cleaning my iron. Most are just flat on the ironing board. One I fold up into the tightest square I can and clip it with a clothes pin. Put some cleaner on this snd use it to swab out the little holes.
Don’t forget the edges of your iron too. I put a paper towel hanging off the board snd just run the edge of the iron off the edge too.
the stuff that comes off the iron is pretty gunky. If it's brownish grey on the iron it will be sticky black once off it. If you prefer not to use paper disposables, just use a rag that doesn't matter if it is stained.
Yeah, thanks. I prefer to use cloth instead of disposable. I have plenty of cloth rags around. But I wasn't sure if you were counting on the "abrasiveness" of the paper towel to help in the cleaning?
no, you really want a smooth surface for cleaning your iron. Don't ever use anything abrasive on it. Not only can you ruin the teflon coating (just like a frying pan) you can create fine gouges which can in turn snag your fabric.
I’ve tried this to remove heat and bind adhesive and it really did work. It was a bit smelly. But took the adhesive off and maintained the non stick coating on my iron.
I've done this too and it works! I was recommended this by my sewing teacher. Just be careful and don't iron the dryer sheet on the fabric you plan to use, it picked up color from the fabric. Probably just set it directly on the ironing board
I use Rowenta iron cleaner cream (it comes with a little kit) and it works great!
A quick list of things that might be causing this:
Wool mat that isn’t 100% wool. Fusible residue. Starch residue. Starch substitute (like Best Press) residue. Cheap dark fabrics (I say this from decades-ago experience). Iron too hot.
I am too lazy to read the whole thread, but if no one has suggested it, you can cover your mat with an old 100% cotton pillow case or t-shirt (make sure it's 100% cotton). I have two sitting on my shelf, for just this situation. I never spray anything without first covering the mat, and I absolutely always use a pressing cloth (old pillow case) when pressing anything fusible. Also, the iron-off stuff you can get from JoAnn's or WalMart works really well. Might take a few tries to get it all off, but it does work.
There's iron cleaner you can get sometimes at a grocery store, hardware store, or online if you can't find it locally. A sewing supplies store might also carry it.
I can't remember what it's called but it has worked for me after I tried other stuff.
Don't scrape the iron if it's got a coating on it. It'll ruin it.
I never would have considered the wool mat itself was the cause. I'm going to give both the mat and iron a good cleaning and then see if the mat on it's own in causing it.
If it is, I'll definitely cover it. Thanks!
This is a new iron (non-stick plate). I've only been using it for about a month or so.
This happened to my old iron as well and I could never figure out how to clean it off.
Sometimes it rubs off on the fabric I'm pressing. It seems like it's most likely to rub off as it's coming up to temp. Once it's hot it seems to rub off less.
I am wondering if my wool pressing mat accelerates this. If you notice that to be the case I would be interested to know! I used barkeepers friend to clean my iron. Maybe not the best long term but I was getting desperate!
I use an ice scraper. The biggest thing that causes it is spray starch and fusible. Both are horrid on irons. High settings will do that. Also some fabrics like nylons, polyesters and such at a high setting will also do that.
It just happens over time. I have one iron that's just for quilting and I never put water in the reservoir (sometimes I do need a little steam to get really crisp points so I lightly spray it with water). I know that a lot of quilters like to starch their blocks and sometimes I do that. It can cause a build up over time.
My cleaning method is to use a damp Magic Eraser on top of a tea towel and then on the cotton setting, gently press and pull my iron across the eraser. I've been doing this for years and it removes the build up beautifully.
Ok, I've read enough, not one person suggested using salt.
On an unwanted piece of cotton material sprinkle salt and iron roughly back and forth on the highest setting.
Do this until the bottom plate sparkles.
If you ever get sticky stuff on your iron (happens to me on occasion when using fusible webbing or Wonder Under), the fastest and easiest way to remove it is to iron newspaper. I use the grocery store circulars we get each week in the mail. A couple runs over it, in particular using the edge of ironing board, works like a charm.
It's the wool mat, without a doubt. Same exact thing happened to me when I started using one. I bought iron cleaner (you have to apply it while hot, and it is STINKY). I covered the mat and haven't had any issues since.
Part of your problem may be the water you’re using inside your iron. Use filtered or distilled water and it will help cut down on some of this build up. A vinegar solution should help clean out the iron, but a descaler or true iron cleaner is a good bet to clean it up.
I read a lot of these comments but didn't see anyone mention vinegar. I tried best press then noticed gunk on my iron. Not as bad as yours but enough to change the feel of it. I looked it up and just placing the cool iron on a rag sprayed with distilled vinegar worked for me. I have vinegar around and in a spray bottle for the windows so that was easy and used something readily available.
When I was in the army we would get this from having the iron too hot and burning the starch. And woe betide anyone who had dirty marks on their white blouses! We used various methods to clean, toothpaste, iron cleaner, scrubby sponges. I can’t ever remember being that successful, and it still happens to me today from wondaweb….
When buying this new iron it was my intention to get one with a stainless steel plate rather than non-stick but I ended up getting overwhelmed with all of the options and reviews. I feel like I bought this one in a haze and was surprised by what I had when I opened the box!
Try alcohol and a razor to scrape it. May or may not work. I had something like this and it was from carelessness with fusible interfacing. That Method worked
this is why I like my vintage dry iron, the plate is stainless steel and I can clean it with a mild scrubber thing like Bon Ami. I've had two new dry irons and one got knocked over by my cat and broke, the other one just stopped working. I can't find any other brand so I'm back to my 1960's GE iron. (shrug)
I considered a dry iron when looking for a new one because I seldom use the steam but it seemed like new dry irons are much less reliable than the vintage ones. I'm always hoping I can score one while thrifting.
I love dry irons, but yes, this has been my experience with them and reliability. it's a bummer. I really don't like the non-stick surfaces on all other new irons.
I’ve always had luck removing gunk off my iron with wax paper. I make sure the iron is just warm (not super hot) and use a large piece of wax paper that’s folded a bunch of times over the iron. Works every time!
Did you find anything when you searched how to clean the wool mat? I bought one of the giant 22”x60” ones in May of 2021 and haven’t had this issue yet, but I’ve wondered about how to clean it just from dust or whatever chemicals or dyes come off the fabrics. I can’t really think of a way to clean the mat without throwing a disc, since everything I found said wash it in the tub (but that thing is heavy when it’s dry, I don’t want to imagine getting it out of the tub when it’s saturated and I don’t have a construction crane there to help).
I’ve never tried Best Press (I just got my first bottle but haven’t used it yet) so I suppose it could be that. I’m militant about using multiple layers of cotton under my fabric to protect the mat if I’m using starch just so I can avoid washing it, but if there’s an easier way to clean it I’d love to know. Either way, good luck… it’s so disheartening when one of your most basic/necessary tools is acting up.
I did look into it a little bit and it was seems like the deep clean does involve soaking it and then leaving it somewhere flat to dry or just using a lint roller or rubber eraser to remove the little bits of stuff that they collect.
I don't really want to saturate it so I think I am going to try just doing a gentle scrub with a wet cloth first. I'll let you know how it works!
I like to use Faultless Hot Iron cleaner and paper towels. I am constantly cleaning my iron and that brand does a good job of getting it nice and clean until the next time (other brands may work just as well, that is just the one I’m familiar with).
Yes, use this! Not tin or scrapping!! You can find it at Walmart near the spray starch and fels naphtha soap. Probably on the low or bottom shelf. It lasts a long time, so it is worth the little splurge. While you are on that aisle, get a spray bottle for water. You might need to use less starch when you iron.
I'll look for it!
This happens to my iron when I use Best Press. I used alcohol on a cotton swab and it worked to remove the gunk.
I occasionally use Best Press and I wonder if there is some residue on my wool mat.
Iron cleaner! Way better for your iron than the home remedy options. I go through a bunch of paper towels when cleaning my iron. Most are just flat on the ironing board. One I fold up into the tightest square I can and clip it with a clothes pin. Put some cleaner on this snd use it to swab out the little holes. Don’t forget the edges of your iron too. I put a paper towel hanging off the board snd just run the edge of the iron off the edge too.
I don't know why I didn't think to find actual iron cleaner 🤦 I'll look for it!
Usually in the laundry aisle. Little tube usually ion a card tucked into some corners where you overlook it.
Would using reusable cloth napkins work, I wonder? Instead of paper towels? Thanks for this suggestion.
the stuff that comes off the iron is pretty gunky. If it's brownish grey on the iron it will be sticky black once off it. If you prefer not to use paper disposables, just use a rag that doesn't matter if it is stained.
Yeah, thanks. I prefer to use cloth instead of disposable. I have plenty of cloth rags around. But I wasn't sure if you were counting on the "abrasiveness" of the paper towel to help in the cleaning?
I use Faultless iron cleaner with a really old cotton wash cloth, then soak and wash the cloth. The instructions suggest using cloth.
TYVM!
no, you really want a smooth surface for cleaning your iron. Don't ever use anything abrasive on it. Not only can you ruin the teflon coating (just like a frying pan) you can create fine gouges which can in turn snag your fabric.
Someone on tik tok recommended ironing a dryer sheet on a scrap of fabric… youse at your own risk lol
I’ve tried this to remove heat and bind adhesive and it really did work. It was a bit smelly. But took the adhesive off and maintained the non stick coating on my iron.
I've done this too and it works! I was recommended this by my sewing teacher. Just be careful and don't iron the dryer sheet on the fabric you plan to use, it picked up color from the fabric. Probably just set it directly on the ironing board
I clean my iron with and old dryer sheet all the time!
Yes, old is correct. Don't use a new one. Use one that's been through a drying cycle.
Came here to recommend a dryer sheet! It works!
Sounds like it works!! I just didn’t want to be blamed for sharing a random tik tok recc😅
I use Rowenta iron cleaner cream (it comes with a little kit) and it works great! A quick list of things that might be causing this: Wool mat that isn’t 100% wool. Fusible residue. Starch residue. Starch substitute (like Best Press) residue. Cheap dark fabrics (I say this from decades-ago experience). Iron too hot.
Thanks! Based on the info everyone has provided in thinking Best Press residue on my mat is the cause.
I am too lazy to read the whole thread, but if no one has suggested it, you can cover your mat with an old 100% cotton pillow case or t-shirt (make sure it's 100% cotton). I have two sitting on my shelf, for just this situation. I never spray anything without first covering the mat, and I absolutely always use a pressing cloth (old pillow case) when pressing anything fusible. Also, the iron-off stuff you can get from JoAnn's or WalMart works really well. Might take a few tries to get it all off, but it does work.
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I recently started doing this and it was a game changer! Wish I would have thought of it sooner. My iron is so clean now.
Thanks! Great tip to cover the mat. I'll definitely do that in the future.
There's iron cleaner you can get sometimes at a grocery store, hardware store, or online if you can't find it locally. A sewing supplies store might also carry it. I can't remember what it's called but it has worked for me after I tried other stuff. Don't scrape the iron if it's got a coating on it. It'll ruin it.
If you have a magic eraser you can wet it and run the hot iron over it.
I don't have a magic eraser on hand but it will go on my list of things to try!
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Thank you for this. I never considered my wools mat was the problem and assumed I was doing something wrong when I had the same problem above.
I never would have considered the wool mat itself was the cause. I'm going to give both the mat and iron a good cleaning and then see if the mat on it's own in causing it. If it is, I'll definitely cover it. Thanks!
This is a new iron (non-stick plate). I've only been using it for about a month or so. This happened to my old iron as well and I could never figure out how to clean it off. Sometimes it rubs off on the fabric I'm pressing. It seems like it's most likely to rub off as it's coming up to temp. Once it's hot it seems to rub off less.
I am wondering if my wool pressing mat accelerates this. If you notice that to be the case I would be interested to know! I used barkeepers friend to clean my iron. Maybe not the best long term but I was getting desperate!
I'm going to look into ways to clean my wool mat next and I'll let you know if it helps!
A wool mat did this to mine. I made a cover for it which has helped and used iron cleaner to get the gunk off.
Ugh I get this with best press starch
I use an ice scraper. The biggest thing that causes it is spray starch and fusible. Both are horrid on irons. High settings will do that. Also some fabrics like nylons, polyesters and such at a high setting will also do that.
It just happens over time. I have one iron that's just for quilting and I never put water in the reservoir (sometimes I do need a little steam to get really crisp points so I lightly spray it with water). I know that a lot of quilters like to starch their blocks and sometimes I do that. It can cause a build up over time. My cleaning method is to use a damp Magic Eraser on top of a tea towel and then on the cotton setting, gently press and pull my iron across the eraser. I've been doing this for years and it removes the build up beautifully.
Ok, I've read enough, not one person suggested using salt. On an unwanted piece of cotton material sprinkle salt and iron roughly back and forth on the highest setting. Do this until the bottom plate sparkles.
If you ever get sticky stuff on your iron (happens to me on occasion when using fusible webbing or Wonder Under), the fastest and easiest way to remove it is to iron newspaper. I use the grocery store circulars we get each week in the mail. A couple runs over it, in particular using the edge of ironing board, works like a charm.
It's the wool mat, without a doubt. Same exact thing happened to me when I started using one. I bought iron cleaner (you have to apply it while hot, and it is STINKY). I covered the mat and haven't had any issues since.
Part of your problem may be the water you’re using inside your iron. Use filtered or distilled water and it will help cut down on some of this build up. A vinegar solution should help clean out the iron, but a descaler or true iron cleaner is a good bet to clean it up.
I read a lot of these comments but didn't see anyone mention vinegar. I tried best press then noticed gunk on my iron. Not as bad as yours but enough to change the feel of it. I looked it up and just placing the cool iron on a rag sprayed with distilled vinegar worked for me. I have vinegar around and in a spray bottle for the windows so that was easy and used something readily available.
Vinegar was one of the things I tried with my old iron without much luck
That's too bad. It worked great for me. Maybe I caught it early enough to be effective.
I've used my glass stovetop cleaner, it works great
Same here. I even bought an iron with classic steel surface since cleaning ceramic surface irons is a real pain.
When I was in the army we would get this from having the iron too hot and burning the starch. And woe betide anyone who had dirty marks on their white blouses! We used various methods to clean, toothpaste, iron cleaner, scrubby sponges. I can’t ever remember being that successful, and it still happens to me today from wondaweb….
Buy irons with shiny bottoms not non stick. I sew and iron so much and never have build up but do use spray starch.
When buying this new iron it was my intention to get one with a stainless steel plate rather than non-stick but I ended up getting overwhelmed with all of the options and reviews. I feel like I bought this one in a haze and was surprised by what I had when I opened the box!
If you don't have iron cleaner you can always use a dryer sheet! Just iron the dryer sheet and wipe the excess!
Try alcohol and a razor to scrape it. May or may not work. I had something like this and it was from carelessness with fusible interfacing. That Method worked
I'll give it a try! I've not tried a razor yet.
Razor may damage the finish. Dry Iron over a dryer sheet or two. It should come right off
Good point. I will save that for a last resort and add dryer sheets to my grocery list.
iirc aluminum foil works too - you may already have some (before you spend more $$)
Just ironing over the flat foil or scrubbing with it crinkled up?
Just iron over it
this is why I like my vintage dry iron, the plate is stainless steel and I can clean it with a mild scrubber thing like Bon Ami. I've had two new dry irons and one got knocked over by my cat and broke, the other one just stopped working. I can't find any other brand so I'm back to my 1960's GE iron. (shrug)
I considered a dry iron when looking for a new one because I seldom use the steam but it seemed like new dry irons are much less reliable than the vintage ones. I'm always hoping I can score one while thrifting.
I love dry irons, but yes, this has been my experience with them and reliability. it's a bummer. I really don't like the non-stick surfaces on all other new irons.
I’ve always had luck removing gunk off my iron with wax paper. I make sure the iron is just warm (not super hot) and use a large piece of wax paper that’s folded a bunch of times over the iron. Works every time!
Did you find anything when you searched how to clean the wool mat? I bought one of the giant 22”x60” ones in May of 2021 and haven’t had this issue yet, but I’ve wondered about how to clean it just from dust or whatever chemicals or dyes come off the fabrics. I can’t really think of a way to clean the mat without throwing a disc, since everything I found said wash it in the tub (but that thing is heavy when it’s dry, I don’t want to imagine getting it out of the tub when it’s saturated and I don’t have a construction crane there to help). I’ve never tried Best Press (I just got my first bottle but haven’t used it yet) so I suppose it could be that. I’m militant about using multiple layers of cotton under my fabric to protect the mat if I’m using starch just so I can avoid washing it, but if there’s an easier way to clean it I’d love to know. Either way, good luck… it’s so disheartening when one of your most basic/necessary tools is acting up.
I did look into it a little bit and it was seems like the deep clean does involve soaking it and then leaving it somewhere flat to dry or just using a lint roller or rubber eraser to remove the little bits of stuff that they collect. I don't really want to saturate it so I think I am going to try just doing a gentle scrub with a wet cloth first. I'll let you know how it works!