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An unclean iron can create many issues, especially when you have a stack of clothes to iron. Over time, minerals in the water may form deposits on the iron's soleplate. If you spray starch or other products while ironing, the soleplate can become stained. Fortunately, cleaning your iron is fairly easy, especially when done regularly.
Steps
Cleaning with Baking Soda
Make a Paste. Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. The paste should be slightly thick but still pliable enough to stick to the iron's soleplate.
- Use filtered or distilled water if available.
Apply the Paste to the Iron. You can apply the paste directly to the soleplate of the iron. If the iron is only dirty in one area, you don't need to cover the entire soleplate. For overall cleaning, feel free to spread the mixture across the entire surface.
- You can use your fingers or a butter knife to apply the paste.
- If the iron has a lot of build-up, let the mixture sit for a few minutes.
Dampen a Clean Cloth. This cloth will be used to wipe off the paste, so make sure it is clean. Wet the cloth, wring out the excess water, and use it to wipe away the paste applied to the soleplate.
- Apply more paste to the iron, especially if it's very dirty.
Use a Cotton Swab to Clean the Steam Holes. Dip a cotton swab (the kind typically used for ear cleaning) into clean water. Gently clean each steam hole on the iron.
- You may need several cotton swabs if the holes are heavily clogged. Change the swab once it becomes dirty.
Pour Water into the Iron's Water Tank. If there is any old water in the iron, make sure to empty it out first. Open the water compartment and tilt the iron to empty it. After that, fill it about one-third full with distilled or filtered water.
- You can also use a mixture of 3/4 water and 1/4 white vinegar in the water tank for a stronger cleaning solution. However, check your iron's instructions to ensure it can safely handle vinegar.
Turn On the Iron. Set the iron to its highest heat setting, and make sure to choose the steam option. At this stage, the steam and heat will help to loosen the dirt and mineral build-up inside the steam holes.
- Be careful when handling the hot iron. Avoid burns from the steam coming out of the iron.
Use a clean cloth in just a few minutes. Select a cloth that you don't mind getting dirty. If there is residue inside the iron, brown streaks will appear on the cloth. Now, simply iron the cloth to clean the iron. If your iron has a steam button, press it frequently to release more steam.
- Dish towels work well for this task.
Turn off the iron and let it cool down. Make sure to place the iron on a safe surface (such as a kitchen rack with a towel underneath). When the iron cools, any residue may start to drip out.
- If there is still water left in the iron’s water tank, make sure to empty it completely.
Clean with vinegar and salt
Mix two parts white vinegar with one part salt. Heat this mixture on the stove over medium heat. Let it simmer until the salt dissolves, but make sure the vinegar doesn’t boil.
- Unfortunately, the smell of the mixture is quite strong, but it’s an effective cleaner for your iron.
Let the mixture cool. Allow the vinegar solution to cool down. You need to use it while it's warm, but not too hot.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the vinegar’s smell.
Soak a clean cloth in a vinegar solution. Use this mixture to clean the iron’s surface by dipping the cloth into the solution once it has cooled, then rubbing it on the iron's plate.
- You can also use a soft brush for this task, unless your iron has a Teflon coating, as a brush might scratch the surface. Avoid using a metal brush as it could damage the iron's plate.
- This method is excellent for removing scorch marks from the iron.
Clean the iron. After using the solution to clean the iron, you’ll need to remove any leftover mixture. You can dip a clean cloth in white vinegar and gently wipe down the iron’s surface again.
- Next, you can turn the iron on and press it onto a piece of old, clean fabric. This will help burn off any remaining solution.
Other ways to clean your iron
Use a fabric softener sheet (commonly used for drying clothes) to wipe the iron's surface. Set the iron to its lowest heat setting. Take a fresh fabric softener sheet and gently rub it across the iron’s surface until dirt and residue are gone.
- Once done, increase the heat slightly and press the iron onto a clean cloth to remove any leftover chemicals from the softener sheet.
Pour water into the iron's water reservoir. It’s recommended to use white vinegar mixed with distilled water or filtered water if available. Set the iron to steam mode and press it onto a thick cotton cloth for 5 minutes. Empty the vinegar solution from the iron and wipe its surface with a clean cloth.
- Be sure to check the iron's user manual to confirm that the water reservoir can withstand vinegar.
Use toothpaste to clean the iron's surface. Apply a layer of toothpaste to the cool iron surface, focusing on the dirty spots. Wipe off the toothpaste with a cloth, then set the iron to steam mode and press it onto a piece of fabric for 5 minutes.
Use old newspaper to clean a sticky iron. If the iron's plate has something stuck to it, turn the iron to a high temperature and set it to steam mode. Iron a sheet of newspaper until it’s clean.
- If the iron remains sticky afterward, sprinkle a little salt on the newspaper and press the iron again. This method will help deal with sticky substances.
Tips
- Iron cleaning products are also available if you prefer using this method. Always follow the instructions carefully.
- If you want to clean other parts of the iron (aside from the plate), use a damp cloth. Remember, this is an electrical device, so excessive water usage may damage the iron.
- If using a steam iron, always empty any remaining water. This will prevent mineral buildup inside the iron.
- In general, it's best to use distilled or filtered water instead of tap water for refilling the iron's reservoir.
Warnings
- Carefully read the user manual that comes with the iron. The manufacturer may have specific instructions on how to clean the iron without causing any damage.
