What would be the best way to remove plastic that has melted on the tip of the iron? Should I just heat it up and let it burn off? That is the only thing I can think that will work. and if it helps it was a plastic bag.
Are you sure that's safe/not going to break it? The whole idea of putting something electric in water sounds like a bad idea to me
If you just dip the ceramic part (the white part that heats up - i think you already knew that already ) in the boiling water and that part only you wont have any problems. The ceramic part isnt touching anything electronic so you will be fine, the ceramic heating element is made to withstand high temperature changes too so your fine on that end.
Heat it up, take a paper towel and quickly wipe the face of your iron, let the remainder burn off (preferably outside). If there is any plastic left on your iron, take some fine steel wool and remove it. Hot water just isn't hot enough to melt most plastics. Granny