The iron, one of the home’s necessities is often neglected when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Over time, the bottom of the iron starts to get dark and sticky. This is due to the frequent use of spray starch or you burning your clothes.  Here are a few tricks for cleaning a burnt or dark iron bottom. All methods listed below involve pre-heating and cleaning while the iron is hot. Be sure to protect your hands before you start.

Toothpaste: You can use toothpaste to clean your iron even if the crust on the bottom has hardened.

1. Heat your iron, use an old toothbrush to apply the toothpaste to the bottom while it still hot and unplugged from the power source.
2. Use an old towel or a really thick material that is no longer in use to wipe the toothpaste.  
3. Repeat the process until it’s clean.

1. Paracetamol tablet: We know what you are thinking but yes! paracetamol tablet can be used.
   1. Heat your iron till it’s hot. Unplug from the power source before you move to the next step
   2. Gently rub a piece of paracetamol tablet all over the burnt area.
   3. Wipe the bottom with a damp cloth. You may repeat as many times as it takes to clean the burnt area.
2. Candle wax: Candle wax draws out tough stains and leaves the bottom of your iron looking brand new.
   1. Heat the iron to a bearable temperature.
   2. Rub a candlestick against the burnt part.
   3. Wipe off the candle with a damp cloth.

Written by Nancy Ewurum. She is a young and ambitious lady with a passion for creative writing and social entrepreneurship through software development. Currently enrolled in the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology, Accra, she writes in her spare time. You can connect with her on Twitter.