A viral TikTok hack has left people stunned after revealing that a common household item, often overlooked for cleaning purposes, can effortlessly remove stubborn burn marks from an iron. The trick, which has taken social media by storm, was shared by content creator @pshychlo, who demonstrated the unexpected method in action.
In her video, she presses a small white tablet against the scorched surface of her iron. Within moments, the blackened residue begins to dissolve and lift away, leaving the soleplate looking almost brand new. Clearly amazed by the results, she turns to her followers, asking: « Does anyone know the science behind why this removes stuff from your iron? Like… why does it work? That’s insane. »
The video quickly gained traction, with thousands of viewers sharing their amazement in the comments. Some admitted they had been scrubbing their irons for years without success, while others questioned how such a simple product could be so effective.
The secret behind this seemingly magical cleaning hack is paracetamol, the widely used painkiller that can be bought for as little as £0.49 at Superdrug.
While primarily known for treating headaches and fevers, this everyday medication has an unexpected use when it comes to household cleaning.
The effectiveness of paracetamol in removing stubborn stains from an iron lies in its chemical composition.
When applied to the hot surface, the tablet melts and interacts with the scorched residue, breaking it down and making it easy to wipe away.
The mild acidity of paracetamol helps dissolve tough stains, while its binding properties allow it to lift grime without the need for harsh scrubbing.
Unlike abrasive cleaning methods that can scratch or damage the iron’s soleplate, this trick is both gentle and highly effective.
Many TikTok users have since tested the hack themselves, with one commenting, « I can’t believe I’ve been struggling with a dirty iron for years when this works instantly! »
Others have praised the method for being not only inexpensive but also incredibly easy to do with something most households already have on hand.
For those looking for an effortless and affordable way to restore their iron, the answer has been sitting in their medicine cabinet all along.
