Tips for Cleaning the Iron

Everyone should know how to clean an iron. This is such an important thing to know how to do so we have clean, fresh clothes to wear daily.

We iron our clothing so they look crisp and neat when we wear them. Is using a dirty iron sensible then? It really isn’t the best thing to put something dirty on your clean garments.

Clean the Fill Tank

Many people tend to store their irons with leftover water in the reservoir. This is not a good thing to do because it encourages build up within the tank.

It can also make the garments you are ironing smell – as stagnant water does have a distinct odor.

If you have been doing this, stop, and save yourself cleaning time and your clothes will smell better too.

1. To clean the fill tank empty the water and fill the tank with vinegar and let it soak for a few minutes.
2. Turn the iron on to the steam setting and steam a white cloth until the tank is completely empty.
3. When you have completely emptied the tank of the vinegar, fill the tank with water.
4. Steam the rag until the tank is empty again. You may want to repeat this step to make sure the vinegar is gone so your clothes don’t have a vinegar odor.
5. After you have cleaned out the reservoir, inspect the bottom of the iron for salt-like debris.
6. If there is any sign of debris, repeat the process. Continue this until there is no more residue on the sole plate/base plate.

Cleaning the Base Plate / Sole Plate

The easiest way to turn freshly laundered clothing into stained rags is by using an iron with a dirty base plate.

Nobody wants to ruin their garments, especially when the problem can be prevented easily.

If the bottom of your iron just needs a good cleaning:

1. Make sure the iron has been turned off and cooled.
2. Make a solution of mild dish soap and water to clean.
3. Using a dishcloth, wipe the bottom of the iron with the cleaning solution.
4. Rinse the bottom of the iron complete to remove the cleaning solution.

How to Clean the Outside of the Iron

A clean wet cloth will get the job done in no time. If necessary add a touch of dish soap to the water.

Removing Scorch Stains

If you have scorch stains try the following:

1. Place one cup of vinegar into a small saucepan.
2. Add four tablespoons of salt and heat this until the salt is dissolved.
3. Let the solution cool until it is lukewarm.
4. Dip a nylon scrubby pad (not a metal pad as this can scratch the bottom of the iron) into the cleaning mixture. Gently scrub the sole plate until all sediment has been removed. This can take a while if there is also a build-up of starch on the metal. You will need to keep scrubbing until the base is shiny and smooth.
5. Once you are finished scrubbing, remove any trace of vinegar residue with clean water.

A clean base plate not only makes the iron more effective but produces cleaner, crisper lines on your clothing.

Any remaining solution can be stored in a glass container for future use. Be sure to let it get to room temperature before storage or the glass could break. Remember to heat the solution before each use.

Cleaning Clogged Steam Vents

If you live in an area that has hard water you may end up with clogged steam vents from the mineral deposits and the iron not working its best.

Try using a pipe cleaner to gently clean out the vents. Simply dip the pipe cleaner in distilled water and insert it into a hole and twist to clean out any build up.