How is your steam iron looking these days? Have you ever ironed a light colored item only to leave discoloration behind? If the answer is “yes” you need to give your iron a spring cleaning! It is so simple and you will be surprised to learn that we will only need two ingredients: baking soda and vinegar.
Step 1: Saturate a paper towel (an old towel or rag will do as well) in distilled white vinegar and place your iron (unplugged) on it for about five minutes. Start “ironing” the towel and continue until the iron plate is clean. If your iron has stubborn stains that are not coming off, saturate the towel with vinegar again and sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda to provide scrubbing power. Continue to firmly rub the iron plate until all stains are removed.
If your steam iron is particularly crusty and stained, try this method. Make a paste of baking soda and water (toothpaste consistency) and apply liberally to the iron plate. Let it set for about 45 minutes then give it a good wipe clean with a damp washcloth.
Step 2: After you have removed all the baking soda and vinegar, set your iron on the steam setting and and baking soda that got stuck in the holes will start to come out. Keep the steam on and continue to wipe the iron down until completely clean. After this step your iron should be shining!
Step 3: Combine 1 part vinegar to 1 part water and pour into your iron’s water reservoir. Set iron to steam and keep it on until solution is used up. This will help clean out the build up from inside of your iron and the steam holes. Add some fresh water, steam once more and now you are ready to use your fresh and clean iron!
I have steam iron and I have never clean it but I think that it is high time to do that. Thank you a lot for the helpful article! I will try this method!Eel Pie Island Carpet Cleaners Ltd.
This what I been looking for for the past couple months. I iron everyday and do not like the store bought stuff. I will be trying this tomorrow morning.
My iron needs a good clean. Thank you so much for sharing!!
I never iron, but I know a lot of people who do. I will definitely share your tips.
I can’t believe I never knew to do this. I’ve thrown irons away and shouldn’t have!
Whenever we run into this issue, my husband just buys a new iron. I am going to have to make a note of this post so we can just clean it the next time!
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard how people clean their steam irons. Just goes to show you how much I use one! LOL
Ironing is something I have never liked to do – that’s probably the only reason I have a clean iron! Great tips though for if it gets gunked up one day.
I am the queen of ironing over fusible web and similar when I’m sewing or working on a project. My iron ALWAYS needs a good cleaning. Thanks for the tips.
I would have to USE my iron in order to need to clean it LOL. But good to know how to do it in case I use it one day.
I love these tips! I remember ours growing up always had some kind of funky stuff on it! These are great, thanks!
i so needed this! The new house I’m moving to; actually has a laundry room and I’m going to get to unpack my iron and actually use it for once! But it needs cleaning! So this is super helpful!
thank you! you have the most timely advice for what i’m needing!
My iron needs a good cleaning!
Good to know! Believe it or not, my hubby is the only one who irons!! I will have to ask him if he’s ever cleaned it!
I have never thought to clean my iron! Thank you!
YAY I recently wanted to know this and was going to google it but now I don’t need to! Thanks.
Gosh I dont even think I own an iron these days! I just use the stem cycle on my dryer.
I really need this post today! My iron hasn’t been working as well as usual and I think it might be dirty.
oh thank you – my iron is all gunked up with grime!
This is really handy information to have! Haven’t thought about our iron in awhile, it probably needs a really good cleaning.
I have to admit that I once threw out an iron, because I didn’t think it could be cleaned. Good to know!
I have honestly never cleaned my iron. I guess I need to look into this.
I never really thought about cleaning my iron… Thanks!
LOVE spring cleaning tips like this, thanks!
oh I never knew that you could actually clean it. Great tips thank you!
I have to iron more and more everyday, so I really needed to read this! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!! I am in need so I found this in perfect timing!! Gonna give it a go!!
I really need to clean my iron. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Is it awful that I didn’t even know that you SHOULD clean your iron? lol. Turns out, I’m not the best housewife. Haha.
This is awesome. I’ve never cleaned our iron, so I am off to give it a try. (Is that really bad that it’s been years and I’ve never cleaned it?!)