DIY Network

Ironing Ironing From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-124

Figure A

Do you want pressed pants, crisp collars and shirts without wrinkles? Then it's time to get out the iron and get ready for basic training. Today's show is boot camp for ironing, a task most of us prefer to avoid. And speaking of boot camp, even joining the military won't keep you away from an iron: ironing is a teaching tool for the military (figure A). But more about that later, after a few cleaning questions.

advertisement

Figure B

Q: What will remove paintball paint from bedroom carpeting (figure B)?

A: Saturate the stained area with heated white vinegar, then cover with a vinegar-soaked cloth. Let it set until the paint starts to get soft, then begin blotting to remove the stain. Next use a steam cleaner filled with vinegar to clean the area. A second option is to use a product called Oops to clean the stained area.

Q: How do you remove salsa stains from clothing?

A: Salsa creates both a red and an oily stain, so use your favorite laundry spotter to remove the grease; to remove the red stain, use a commercial red-wine stain remover called Wine Away, available at liquor stores.

Q: What is the easiest way to remove fingerprints from stainless-steel appliances?

A: Wipe down appliances with club soda that has lost its carbonation, then buff. Microfiber cloths also remove fingerprints. Look for those that also have a glass cloth. Wipe down the appliances with the microfiber cloth, then buff with the glass cloth.

Q: Is there a streak-free way to clean windows?

A: Mix together 2 quarts warm water with 1/2 cup cornstarch. The mixture may appear lumpy, but this will not affect its cleaning ability. Wipe on the windows and buff with a paper towel for a brilliant streak-free shine.

	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Cleaning Silver-Plated and Nonstick Irons

• Heat the iron to a nonsteam, medium heat before cleaning. Sprinkle a generous layer of table salt over a brown grocery bag (use one that has no writing on the top surface). The salt is abrasive and will remove residue. Iron over the salt to remove starch and debris from the surface of the iron (figure C).

• Residue can also be removed with white nongel toothpaste. Apply a small amount to a damp cloth and scrub the surface of the iron (figure D). Rinse, turn the iron on, set to a steam setting. Fill the reservoir with water and use pipe cleaners to remove any remaining debris or cleanser from the iron vents.

• For heavy buildup or where fabric has burned to the bottom of a cold iron, protect the body of the iron in a covering of aluminum foil, then spray the iron plate with oven cleaner. Wait 10 minutes and, wearing gloves, wipe off the cleaner. Rinse thoroughly, remove the foil, turn the iron on and steam it over old wet cloths before ironing clothes.

• Nonstick iron plates can be cleaned with your favorite laundry stain remover. To a cool iron, apply stain remover with a soft, damp cloth (figure E). Work into the plate and let it set for 15 minutes or so, then rinse thoroughly. Turn on the iron and steam it over old rags; clean the vents before using on clothes.

• Clean water reservoirs with a solution that is equal parts white vinegar and water. Fill the iron and let the solution steam for 10 to 15 minutes. Shut off the iron and let it set for an hour. Turn it back on and let it begin to steam again. Then empty the solution, rinse, and clean the face plate and steam vents of any residue.

Tip: Place aluminum foil, shiny side up, between the ironing board and the cover. It will reflect heat up onto the garment you're ironing, so you'll get the job done in less time.