How to Clean an Iron

Many of us imagine cleaning to be a herculean task. Perhaps cleaning an iron is something we've never even thought of. Who would think, that an iron requires cleaning? It's only purpose is to iron-out wrinkles on clothes. What we don't know is, an iron that hasn't been cleaned in a while tends to start collecting dirt and grime. Sometimes, this dirt and grime sticks on to the clothes, and leaves behind stains on them. As a result, the clothes we iron do not have the same freshness as they did when the iron was new.

It is essential to know how to clean an iron, so that the freshness of our clothes is maintained. What is required for this process is available in our very own kitchen. With a little effort, your iron can be as fresh as it was, when it was new.

Methods of Cleaning an Iron

Several things may affect the efficacy of the iron, such as gunk stuck in the steam vents, scorch marks on the iron base, or the remnants of burnt fabric. These afflictions will cause your iron to under-perform, not allowing you to look your 'very best' at all times. The following steps will address tips on how to deal with the above-mentioned problems that affect an iron.

Basic Methods
Follow these basic methods on cleaning an iron, to avoid bigger problems, and for an iron to survive as long as it should.

1. Every few days, clean your iron with a solution of vinegar and salt in equal proportions, heated together, using a clean cloth. This will prevent the iron from sticking or dragging on any kind of fabric. You may also add baking soda to this mixture so as to make it more effective.
2. For regular cleaning of the steam vents, use a pipe cleaner or a cotton swab dipped in a mild detergent solution, and pass it through every steam vent on the iron surface to clean it. This will prevent any build-up of deposits left behind by hard water.
3. It is essential to remove any excess water in the reservoir after ironing, while the iron is hot, so as to prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems. In such a case, the reservoir will remain dry and the mineral deposits will not stay back and eventually rust.
4. Try to use distilled water in the iron to prevent the collection of minerals in the steam vents.
5. Clean the iron exterior by wiping it with a damp clean cloth. You may use a mild soap to clean the exterior in case of resistant stains. This will prevent the collection of dirt and grime on the surface, that may get transferred on to the fabric while ironing.

Cleaning Burnt Fabric from the Iron Base
In your hurry to work, you didn't check the iron setting, and in the process burnt your favorite outfit! You luckily found an alternative, but when you returned to iron your clothes for the next day, you had an ugly piece of fabric stuck to your iron bottom. This is how you can clean it:

1. While the iron is still hot, unplug it and put a wet sponge on the affected area immediately. The fabric will peel off because of the sudden change of temperature.
2. To remove the remainder, use a mild scouring pad, as a harsh one will scratch the iron base. If it proves ineffective, use a little baking soda with water sprinkled on the surface, and rub it clean with a sponge.

It is a quick and effective method of cleaning your iron. This method will not only help peel off the burnt fabric, but will also remove any oily or starchy deposits that have collected at the bottom of the iron. You will notice that the next time you iron your clothes, they will look crisper than before.

Cleaning an Iron that leaves Spots on Fabric
You're ironing your favorite white t-shirt and you notice it's developing small spots all over, much to your dismay. This may be because of the rust that has been collected inside the steam vents, or because of some dirt left behind on the surface. To solve this problem, you may follow these methods:

1. Before beginning, ensure that the iron is cool. Prepare a soapy solution with a mild detergent, and using a clean cloth or sponge, wipe the iron surface. Follow it up by cleaning with a fresh cloth soaked in clean water. Using a scouring pad or a strong cleaning agent, will spoil the iron base. Try to avoid the use of the same.
2. Fill the iron reservoir with equal parts of water and vinegar, up to the brim.
3. Switch on the iron, on the steam setting and leave it on till the mixture evaporates.
4. Repeat the same steps only with water, until the stench of vinegar has left the reservoir.

Allow your iron to prove its effectiveness by taking good care of it. These tips and tricks will definitely help you keep your iron, and your clothes, as good as new. So you needn't worry about buying a new iron every time you're faced with any of the aforementioned problems.