Instagram/@tari_ari_aja; Freepik.com
Brilio.net - Iron is one of the household appliances that is used almost every day, especially for those who want clothes to always look neat and wrinkle-free. However, over time and intense use, the surface of the iron can become scorched, especially if this tool is often used to iron sensitive materials or forgotten to be turned off.
Many people tend to clean scorch marks on the iron by rubbing it with a rough object, hoping that the surface will be smooth again. In fact, this method can actually damage the non-stick coating, making the iron's surface rougher and risk damaging clothes when used.
The main cause of scorch marks usually comes from synthetic material residue, fabric fibers, or chemicals that stick due to excessively high temperatures. If left alone, these residues can harden and turn into a sticky black crust that is difficult to clean.
photo: Freepik.com
Instead of scrubbing the surface of the iron with hard tools, you can try an easy trick shared by the Instagram account @tari_ari_aja. She only uses one simple ingredient that is often found in the kitchen, namely salt.
Salt has mild abrasive properties that can remove burnt spots without damaging the iron's protective layer. Reporting from the video, Friday (4/4), the account owner uses coarse salt, but it is recommended to use fine salt for maximum results and softer when rubbed.
The first step that needs to be done is to heat the iron first. Set it to the highest temperature, then wait until the indicator light goes out, that's a sign that the temperature is at its maximum.
Once the iron is hot, turn off the device and prepare a banana leaf. Sprinkle salt evenly over the surface of the leaf, then rub the surface of the iron over the salt using slow movements.
photo: Instagram/@tari_ari_aja
The burn marks will start to peel off and stick to the salt grains, making the iron surface look cleaner and shinier. The advantage of this method is that the iron surface remains safe, does not get scratched, and the non-stick coating remains intact.
The end result is that the iron looks like new and is much more comfortable to use. The ironing process is also smoother, without worrying about clothes getting stained or damaged by the rough surface.
photo: Instagram/@tari_ari_aja
Once the iron is clean again, it is also important to maintain it regularly to keep it durable. Always clean the bottom of the iron regularly, especially if you have just finished ironing sticky materials.
When ironing, make sure the iron temperature is adjusted to the type of fabric being ironed. Use a low temperature for delicate materials such as silk and a high temperature for cotton or linen. Avoid leaving the iron on above the garment, even for a few seconds, as this can cause scorch marks.
Proper care and ironing methods will help maintain the quality of clothes to stay prime. In addition, the iron can be more durable and long-lasting to use.
(brl/psa)