How to Clean an Iron So It Doesn't Ruin Your Clothes

How to Clean an Iron

1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   Mix 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar and 1/2 cup of distilled water and pour the mixture into a cool, unplugged iron.
   

2. Check the Steam Duct for Clogs

   With the iron in an upright position, check the steam ducts. If you see any white residue in the holes, use a wood or plastic toothpick or old toothbrush to remove the build-up.

   Never use anything metal that could scratch the soleplate.
   

3. Let It Steam for 5 Minutes

   Next, plug in the iron, turn it on, set it to the steam feature, and let it heat for at least five minutes. Depress the steam button and hold for 20 to 30 seconds or until steam flows freely. Do this at least six times. 
   

4. Empty the Reservoir

   Turn off the iron, unplug it, and let it cool completely. Then empty any remaining vinegar and water mixture from the iron's reservoir.

5. Make a Paste for the Soleplate

   The soleplate can get gummy or covered with burned residue from starch or sizing. The iron's soleplate should never be scrubbed with anything harsh that can cause scratching.

   Mix table salt or baking soda with a bit of distilled white vinegar to make a paste (the vinegar will cause baking soda to foam).

6. Scrub the Soleplate

   Dip a clean white cloth into the mixture and use it to scrub the soleplate. For heavy build-up, leave the paste to work for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing.

   Rinse the soleplate with a clean damp cloth, then buff dry.

   Cleaning Tip

   A melamine eraser (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) can also be used to scrub the soleplate if stubborn residue doesn't come off.

How to Remove Melted Plastic From the Soleplate

If something plastic has melted onto your iron, it must be removed or it will transfer to the next garment you iron and damage the fabric.

1. Unplug and cool the iron.
2. Fill a shallow pan with ice cubes and place the melted plastic-stained part of the iron on the ice. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes to harden the plastic.
3. Use a blunt plastic knife or the edge of an old credit card to scrape away the hardened plastic.
4. Mix table salt or baking soda with a bit of distilled white vinegar to make a paste. Gently scrub the soleplate to remove any plastic remnants left on the surface.
5. Rinse the plate with a clean cloth dipped in fresh water, then dry the iron.

Expert Additional Tips for Cleaning an Iron

• Use distilled, bottled water to fill an iron. Even filtered tap water contains minerals that can clog, corrode, and damage the iron, resulting in rusty water spraying your clean clothes.
• Fill the iron's water reservoir when the iron is cool and before it is plugged in.
• Empty the reservoir of water after ironing and when the iron has cooled. This is especially important if you don't iron frequently. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any exterior moisture.
• Store a cooled iron in an upright position (with the soleplate up) to prevent any water from leaking and to prevent the soleplate surface from becoming scratched.
• Protect your soleplate from damage by using a pressing cloth when ironing over plastic or metal zippers, snaps, hooks, pins, screen printing, or decals.