If your iron starts to jiggle when you move it, or if it has residue on the bottom (also known as the soleplate), this is a good time to clean it. You'll need to clean the soleplate and steam vent (this is where the residue often sticks when you use tap water). You can use commercial products made specifically for cleaning irons. Some household materials can also be used to clean the iron, such as salt, vinegar, toothpaste, baking soda, and dish soap.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Vinegar and Salt
Step 1. Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part salt in a saucepan
Place the pot on the stove and turn on the heat until the salt dissolves. You can stir the mixture every now and then to help the process. Turn off the stove before the vinegar starts to boil.
Step 2. Dip a clean cloth in the heated salt and vinegar solution
Make sure you're wearing waterproof gloves (eg gloves for washing dishes) to keep your hands from getting too hot. Depending on the surface you want to clean, you may need to use newspaper or a towel to cover it. Vinegar can damage some types of surfaces such as marble and stone.
Step 3. Gently wipe the bottom of the iron until it is clean
Also scrub the steam vent to remove accumulated dirt. If necessary, also clean the outside of the iron.
- Remember, this vinegar and salt mixture can also remove scorch marks on the soleplate.
- If the cloth is not strong enough to remove any dirt on the iron, you can use a scourer or dishwashing sponge. Remember, don't use a metal polisher, as this can scratch the iron.
Method 2 of 4: Using Baking Soda
Step 1. Mix baking soda with water
Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of baking soda. Mix the ingredients in a bowl until the water is gone and the two become a paste.
Step 2. Apply the paste on the iron using a spatula
Focus on the areas with the most dirt. Also grease the steam vent. Don't use too thick a paste, but apply just enough to coat the soleplate evenly.
Step 3. Clean the paste by wiping it with a damp cloth
If the dirt is difficult to clean, feel free to scrub it vigorously. Wipe the iron until the paste is clean and the dirt is gone.
- Baking soda can leave a white residue on the bottom of the iron. You can rub the iron with a damp cloth several times to remove it.
- Rinse the cloth after each scrubbing to prevent the baking soda from sticking to the cloth from spreading.
Step 4. Use a cotton swab to clean the steam vent
Dip a cotton swab in the water, then insert it into the steam vent. Rub a cotton swab to remove mineral deposits and baking soda paste.
- Once the steam vent is cleaned, take the iron to the sink. Discard any water that may have entered the steam vent.
- Never use paper clips or other hard metal objects as they can scratch the steam vents of the iron.
Step 5. Fill the iron with water, then iron a piece of cloth
Use an unused cloth because it can get stubborn stains. Set the iron to its hottest setting and iron the fabric for a few minutes. Clean water in the container will clean the remaining dirt.
- Discard the remaining water in the sink.
- Let the iron dry. Do not leave the iron on a sensitive surface in case any sediment comes out of the steam vent.
- Test the iron on a clean cloth before using it on clothes. This way, if any residue remains, your clothes won't be stained or damaged.
Method 3 of 4: Using Other Household Materials
Step 1. Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bowl
The amount of soap that should be used depends on the level of soiling of the iron. Remember, the resulting mixture should be thinner than when you used it to wash dishes.
Step 2. Dip a cotton cloth in the soap solution and wipe it over the soleplate
Also make sure to scrub the steam vents as dirt can often be found in this area. You can also wipe the entire iron to clean the dirt that sticks.
This gentle cleaning method is perfect for Teflon-coated soleplates, as are other Teflon-coated cookware. Teflon can prevent food from sticking, but it is very susceptible to scratches
Step 3. Wet a cloth with water to clean the iron
Wipe the iron until all traces of soap are gone. Place the iron in an upright position on the table and let it dry. You can place a towel underneath to catch any dripping water.
Step 4. Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the soleplate
Use white toothpaste (not gel) because it can produce more foam. Apply as much as no more than one coin.
For better results, mix toothpaste with a little baking soda and vinegar
Step 5. Use a cloth to rub the toothpaste on the soleplate
Pay greater attention to the steam vent as various types of residue usually accumulate there. If the soleplate is very dirty, use a scrubber or dishwashing sponge to remove the dirt.
Do not use a metal polisher, as this can scratch the soleplate
Step 6. Wipe off the toothpaste using a damp cloth
Rub the cloth thoroughly until the toothpaste is completely gone. Otherwise, the clothes may get dirty with toothpaste when you iron them.
Step 7. Fill the iron with water, then iron a piece of cloth
Use a clean cloth to do this, not clothes. So, if there is still dirt attached, your favorite clothes will not be stained. Set the iron to its hottest setting and iron the fabric for a few minutes. The clean water you add will remove any toothpaste left in the steam vent.
- Discard the remaining water in the sink.
- Let the iron dry on its own.
Method 4 of 4: Cleaning the Steam Hole
Step 1. Pour the vinegar into the water container in the iron
Fill up to a third of the container. If you're worried that the vinegar is too abrasive, mix equal parts vinegar and water.
Step 2. Turn on the iron and let the vinegar evaporate
Set the iron to its hottest setting. Allow the iron to steam until the vinegar runs out. This can take 5-10 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can place a piece of cloth on an ironing board and iron the cloth until the vinegar in the container is used up. All the dirt in the water tank will come out of the iron.
- Be sure to use unused cloth. There's a good chance that the cloth will get dirty and stained when you go through this process.
Step 3. Fill the iron with plain water
Fill the water container to the brim, then turn on the iron. Let the steam out until the water in the container runs out. This will remove any remaining dirt on the steam vent and clean off any remaining vinegar on the iron.
After running the steaming process, wipe the soleplate with a cloth to remove any remaining residue
Step 4. Finish cleaning the steam vent using a cotton swab
Dip a cotton swab in a solution made of equal parts vinegar and water. Rub a cotton bud on each steam vent. This will remove more of the stuck-on dirt.
- By cleaning the steam vent, the iron will have a consistent and even performance.
- Do not use paper clips or other metal objects as they can scratch the steam vents of the iron.
Tips
- Make sure you have read the iron manufacturer's instructions before trying any of the methods described. Some irons require special cleaners according to the model.
- Whatever method you use to clean your iron, always fill it with water after cleaning, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Next, run the vaporizer to clean the steam vent.
