Guide · Laundry and clothes washing ·
How to Clean an Ironing Board
Over time, an ironing board cover collects yellowing, starch and scorch marks, dust and stains; a dirty cover can transfer marks to the iron soleplate and to the clothes being ironed. On the metal top and legs, rust can appear from dust and the moisture that steam brings. This guide explains how to wash an ironing board cover, how to clean the frame and what to do with a rusty ironing board. For the iron soleplate, see the guide how to clean an iron soleplate.
Before you start
- Put the iron away: unplug the iron, let it cool and remove it from the board.
- Check the label: check the cover's care label and the ironing board manufacturer's care information.
- Remove the cover: loosen the cover's drawstring or elastic and separate the cover from the felt or foam pad underneath.
How to clean an ironing board cover
- If the label allows machine washing, wash the cover at the temperature on the label with detergent for coloureds.
- Silver, reflective coated covers usually cannot be machine washed; wipe these covers with a damp cloth and follow the label.
- Before washing, you can pre-treat stained areas with a stain remover suitable for the label (how to use stain remover).
- If the label does not allow it, do not tumble dry the cover; lay it out and let it dry completely.
- Do not put the felt or foam pad underneath in water; shake out the dust and air it, and replace a worn felt pad.
Scorch marks and yellowing
Brown scorch marks and yellowing on the cover are mostly caused by an overheated iron and by starch and fabric residue burning; these marks may not come out fully in the wash. Replace a scorched, holed or worn-thin cover. Washing the cover regularly and keeping the iron soleplate clean reduces new marks. For scorch marks and limescale on the soleplate, see the guide how to clean an iron soleplate.
Frame, legs and underside
- Wipe the metal top, the legs and the iron rest with a well-wrung cloth dampened in lukewarm water with START all-purpose surface cleaner added at the dose on the label. According to its safety data sheet, START Genel Yüzey Temizleyici has a pH of 7–8.
- Do not spray the product directly onto the board and dry the board with a dry cloth.
- Remove dirt from the plastic caps and non-slip feet at the ends of the legs with a damp cloth.
- Remove dust under the board and in the holes of the top with the brush nozzle of a vacuum cleaner.
- Do not apply oil or spray to the folding mechanism; contact the manufacturer if the mechanism jams.
How to clean a rusty ironing board
Rust on the metal top and legs of an ironing board usually forms where the paint has been scratched, from steam and moisture. This rust does not go away with cleaning, and we do not recommend a product for rust on metal surfaces. If the top is rusty, rust stains can transfer to the cover and to the clothes being ironed; replace the rusty top or board. For rust stains on fabric, see the guide how to remove rust stains. Not leaving the ironing board in a damp place and fitting the cover only when dry reduces rusting.
What not to do
- Cleaning the board while the iron is plugged in.
- Machine washing the cover without checking the label.
- Putting the felt or foam pad in water.
- Scraping a rusty top with steel wool or sandpaper.
- Fitting a wet cover on the board and ironing.
For laundries, tailors and hotels
In hotel laundries, tailors, dry cleaners and businesses offering ironing services, ironing boards are used all day; washing or replacing the covers regularly and wiping the frame with diluted surface cleaner keeps the work area orderly. For professional ironing boards and steam systems, follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. For laundry products, see the guide Laundry supplies and chemicals. TETİK detergent for coloureds is produced in 4 kg packs and START Genel Yüzey Temizleyici in 5 L packs; for bulk purchases you can request a quote.
