Before Getting Started
Before cleaning an iron, make sure the device is unplugged and cool to the touch, and the water reservoir is empty. Check the manual of your device to determine what material your iron is made of (ceramic, stainless steel, non-stick, etc.) and any recommended care instructions.
How to Clean an Iron
Learn how to clean an iron, both inside and out, to rescue your appliance from burn marks, hard water stains, and clogged steam vents.
What You Need
ToothbrushCotton swabsPipe cleanersOld toothbrushLiquid dish detergentPaper towel or soft ragWhite vinegarTowelsBaking sodaCoarse salt
Step 1: Prep the Soleplate
The metal base of an iron is called a soleplate. Scrub the soleplate with an old toothbrush to loosen and remove residue or use it to clean deposits (or remaining baking soda or salt) from the vents. Cotton swabs and pipe cleaners work well for removing deposits from steam vents, too.
Step 2: Wash with Dish Detergent
If you have an iron soleplate with a nonstick coating, it’s especially important to avoid damage to the surface. Skip any harsh chemicals and put a few drops of liquid dish detergent into a bowl of warm water. Mix until suds appear. Use a paper towel or a soft rag dipped in the sudsy water to wipe away residue. Wipe away any remaining suds or moisture with a clean towel.
Step 3: Clean with Distilled White Vinegar
Here’s another good option that won’t scratch the base of your iron. Dampen a paper towel or soft rag with distilled white vinegar, and wipe the soleplate to remove the gunk. If residue remains, soak a clean paper towel or rag in distilled white vinegar, lay the cool iron soleplate on the towel, and let soak for 15-30 minutes. Wipe away the remainder with a clean towel. For tough stains, such as hard water, rust, melted plastic, or craft residue on your iron’s base, you might need to do a bit more scrubbing. Dampen a paper towel or rag with water or distilled white vinegar and dip a corner in baking soda or coarse salt. Baking soda is less likely to scratch your iron than coarse salt. Buff the soleplate clean. Wipe clean with a damp rag or paper towel.
Step 4: Clean the Steam Vents
To get rid of stale smells and clogged iron steam vents, first, empty your iron’s reservoir of water and refill it with distilled water. Set the iron on high heat and full steam and stand it upright. (Some irons have a “steam clean” setting.) Let your iron set, allowing it to emit steam and clear the vents. You can also iron an old towel for several minutes so steam flushes the debris onto the towel.
Step 5: Remove Deposits from Vents
Once cool, empty any remaining water from the reservoir. If needed, use a cotton swab or toothbrush to gently dislodge deposits from the steam vents. Avoid putting vinegar in the water reservoir.
