What is an iron sole cleaning pencil and how to use it?

Any housewife intuitively understands that an iron, like any other household appliance, needs to be properly cared for. But what should you do if an emergency occurred while ironing and the sole of the iron became covered with unpleasant dark spots, accidentally “frying” the sleeve of a synthetic blouse? If you don’t have extra time and don’t want to check the effectiveness of folk recipes, the solution is simple - buy a pencil for cleaning your iron. This simple remedy will help you quickly deal with the problem.

Composition and principle of action

As a rule, such a product contains only two components - urea and organic acid (for example, stearic acid). Mixing these substances in a certain proportion makes it possible to obtain a “pencil” similar to a paraffin candle.

When applied to the heated sole of the iron, the composition begins to melt, interacts with the carbon deposits remaining on it and dissolves it. This does not take much time; the reaction occurs almost immediately. After this, all that remains is to wipe the cleaned surface with a natural cloth.

It is worth noting that the sole of the iron can be metal, Teflon or even ceramic - such products are usually suitable for any materials.

Kinds

Today, pencils for cleaning irons are produced by a variety of companies - both domestic and foreign.

The following manufacturers will help clean the “smoked” iron of a modern housewife:

• Selena (production in Russia under the control of the British company Meryl);
• Greenfield (produced in our country under the control of the same UK company);
• "Cinderella" (Russia);
• "Typhoon" (Russia);
• Magic Power (Russia);
• Snowter (Russia);
• "Sinai" (Russia) and others.

You won’t have to choose for a long time from such a variety: since the composition of all these products is identical and they are all inexpensive, you can safely take the first one you come across.

The cleaning pencil can be sold complete with an anti-scale solution (such as from Topperr). If you’ve already decided to put in order the iron that has served you faithfully, why not clean it from the inside at the same time?

Where can I buy?

You can buy a urea bar for cleaning your iron at any hardware store. As a rule, such products are also available in the assortment of large household appliance stores (in the departments of related products). Of course, you can order online, but this option makes sense only when purchasing “in addition” to some larger product (otherwise the delivery cost will be several times higher than the price of the cleaning product).

How to clean your iron?

Cleaning the iron with a pencil is quite simple; all steps are described in detail in the instructions on the package.

• Cover the surface on which the iron is placed with scrap fabric. It is also advisable to open the window, as the smell will most likely be quite strong during cleaning.
• Heat the iron to 130-150 degrees.
• Cover the heated sole evenly with a pencil - it will melt. It is advisable to tilt the iron so that the composition does not flow into the steam holes (do not hold it with the sole up).
• Use a cotton or linen cloth to gently wipe off any contamination, being careful not to allow the melted mixture to come into contact with your skin.
• Release a stream of steam to clear out the steam holes.

Advice

If the pencil was sold not in foil, but in plastic packaging, it should be removed before use. For convenience, the edge by which you hold the block can be wrapped in paper or cloth.

So, a pencil for cleaning the iron from dirt is an effective tool, which is much more convenient to use than, for example, salt (this method is often recommended by representatives of the older generation). It is inexpensive and works very effectively. The only negative is the pungent odor that appears when the bar comes into contact with a heated surface and the carbon deposits remaining on it.