It's safe to say we've all been guilty of ironing without checking the temperature settings or ironing things that are heat sensitive, leading to a disastrous burn mark on the bottom of your iron. This can be a major hassle, given that these marks can cause your iron to stick to your clothes or steam unevenly.

There are many methods for getting rid of the scorched area, such as baking soda, salt and a magic eraser. However, these techniques aren't always successful and can cause further damage. However, there is one unexpected item sitting in your medicine cabinet or even in your purse that will remove these stains: paracetamol. 

According to Scrub Hub, "paracetamol works remarkably well as a cleaning agent for an iron soleplate". It adds: "Paracetamol is a widely available pill that is used for fever and pain treatment.

"Using a paracetamol tablet and a hot soleplate, you can effortlessly clean your iron by removing stubborn stains and debris. As long as you’re taking a pure tablet of paracetamol (acetaminophen) without any coating, you won’t have to worry about inhaling any harmful vapours."

How to clean your iron with paracetamol 

To begin the cleaning process, switch on your iron and set it to a low or warm temperature — just enough heat to loosen the burnt residue without making the surface too hot.

While the iron is warming up, take a paracetamol tablet (make sure it's not in a capsule) and, using a pair of tweezers to avoid burning your fingers, gently press and rub the tablet directly onto the scorched area of the soleplate.

As the tablet melts slightly from the heat, it will begin to lift the burnt marks and dissolve the grime. Once you've covered the affected spots and the residue begins to loosen, allow the iron to cool down completely.

After it has cooled, take a clean, damp cloth or towel and wipe away the remaining residue, leaving your iron looking clean, stain-free, and ready for smooth, snag-free use once again.

Other ways to clean your iron

You can also clean your irons with toothpaste. "Using toothpaste to clean an iron is effective as it contains gentle abrasives that can remove dirt, stains, and grime," reported Wecasa. 

"Additionally, toothpaste has a mild acid that can dissolve mineral deposits like calcium and lime from the iron’s soleplate."

To clean, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth or sponge and spread it over the iron’s soleplate. Scrub in circular motions with gentle pressure to remove stains and buildup. Once clean, wipe off all the toothpaste with a damp towel, making sure no residue remains.