I have a Rowenta pressure iron and steamer. (about 2 months old) today I accidently got plastic on the bottom. Thats what happens when I dont pay attention. But, how do I fix it. How do I clean the bottom. Thanks, Iva

Iva, pass candle in still hot iron.
This is going to solve.

I see you got lots of good answers...But I wanted to say that you always ask the best questions! I need to know the answers to them, too!! Thank you.

I use a very very fine steal wool size oooo. You can get it at the hardware store. DO NOT use this on a tefflon bottom though. Go in one direction with it or you will get swirl patterns on the bottom if you are not careful. Suzanne

This is an opportune topic, Iva........
I have an iron issue right now. I've been trying to ignore it. It just appeared and I haven't found where the synthetic goo, which is now cooked onto the iron very hard and fast, came from.
I'm going to try the salt and the wax paper ideas first before I use the iron-cleaning cream .... again.
...... and ......Just another of my 'iron stories'..... I buy white vinegar and distilled water in big, identical plastic bottles. One day I filled my iron's water tank and went along ironing, wondering why there was a distinct smell of vinegar every time the iron sprayed steam. Too busy to worry about it, I finished the ironing, dressed and went off to work, no doubt smelling a bit like pickles. Several days later, when making mayonnaise I wondered where my big bottle of vinegar had got to. The distilled water was still in the pantry..... :}

AlmaG.

2 comments

by mommadooks 21 Oct 2010

I bet you had a good laugh at your self that day

by danababes 21 Oct 2010

oh my,Alma, lol I just spat hot choc at my screen ....dont drink & read LOL ..smelling like pickles (I'm still laughing). I'll bet there wasnt one wrinkle in your clothes tho!

Iva, hope you managed to get the plastic off. Hugs Yvonne

I have used baking soda to scrub the bottom of my iron with. I occasionally use stitch witchery to bond fabrics & will get some on the iron. I like using the cleaner that can be purchased at the fabric store & I do believe I saw some at WalMart in the dept. where they sale irons.

Been there, done that. I set the iron on a low setting and iron on paper, blank newspaper I happened to have, and got it all off - with patience. Learned my lesson and have kept clear of plastic wraps and bags since - knock wood.

Years ago my grandmother accidently melted plastic from a bread wrapper. She didn't panic, she just took out some wax paper and ironed on it and the plastic started coming off. Unfortunately she had a "Sunbeam" brand on the bottom, but the plastic came off. hehhee. Don't know if it still works for different irons, but it's worth a try.

I found this advice, Carolyn was right about the salt. There is probably a remedy using vinegar but I have'nt found it. LOL
Bev

1 comment

by mommadooks 20 Oct 2010

Thank you, will try these also.

You can get an iron cleaner at the fabric store that is like a cream that you put on the hot iron and wipe off with a rag. It should take it off. Mine is called Iron-Off by Dritz.

2 comments

by mommadooks 20 Oct 2010

thanks, only place in this town to get fabric at all is our hardware store. but will see what they have there. other wise its an hours drive to one

by sewmom 20 Oct 2010

Maybe call around first. Grocery or drug stores sometimes have small sewing sections. The hardware store might too.

In the olden days we always poured salt on the ironing board & IRONED TILL IT WAS CLEAN .nOW IN THE 2000's what do you do ??Likely spend money on some costly product HA!HA! I hope you do get it off Carolyn

1 comment

by mommadooks 20 Oct 2010

oh I hope so to, it cost me a lot.