How to Remove a Black Stain From Iron

Written By
Carole Ellis
Carole Ellis
Published: May 8, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • White vinegar
  • Rough cleaning rags (not abrasive)
  • Toothbrush
  • Bowl
  • Warm water

By using a few household items, your iron will soon be bright and shiny again.

  1. Saturate the stained area with the white vinegar. You can spray it on, rub it on with the rough rag or soak it piece of iron in the vinegar if it is not part of an electric appliance.

  2. Mix white vinegar and warm water in the bowl. You can use a 3 to 1 ratio of vinegar to water, and you probably will not need more than about 4 tbsp. of the mixture.

  3. Scrub the stained area with the toothbrush, dipped in the vinegar and water solution. The bristles will get into any small crevices and holes in the stained area and work the vinegar into these areas. You can also scrub flat surfaces with the rough rag. As you work, you will begin to see the black stain lifting off the surface of the iron in flakes.

  4. Wipe the iron clean. Use a clean, damp rag to wipe all of the vinegar and the black mineral residue off of the iron. If you notice any spots that are not clear, then you can go back and re-clean them with the toothbrush soaked in the vinegar solution.

  5. Dry the iron off with a clean, dry rag. Once it is fully dry, you can store it as you did before.

Warnings

Never work with an appliance that is plugged in when you are getting it wet.

Carole Ellis

Carole Ellis began writing in 2004 for the "UGA Research Magazine." Her work has appeared in Growing Edge, Medscape and Doctors' Guide publications. In addition to medical coverage, Carole publishes a real estate newsletter called…

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