Iron filings and bar magnets work together to make an amazing demonstration of magnetic fields. When they are separated by a piece of paper or a sheet of Plexiglas, the filings align with the magnetic field of the bar magnet in a dramatic way. However, if you are not careful, you can easily end up with a bar magnet covered with iron filings.
Pinch off as many of the filings as possible with your fingers.
Press a sticky substance, such as wax or adhesive tape, against the iron filings.
Remove the sticky substance from the magnet.
Repeat using a clean spot on the sticky substance until all iron filings are removed.
If you use warm wax, be careful with the wax while it is hot.
