How to Clean Your Iron Using Simple Household Products

Maintaining a clean and well-functioning iron is crucial for achieving impeccable ironing results.

I'm often saying if you look after your appliances, they will look after you and exactly the same goes for your iron! By dedicating a little time and effort to cleaning it, you can ensure its longevity and keep your clothes looking their best. In this week’s How-To I’m going to take you through a step-by-step process on how to effectively clean your iron, using simple household items. Let's dive in!

Step 1: Removing Mineral Deposits

To begin, gather some white vinegar, an old towel, table salt, and newspaper. If your iron has a removable water tank, detach it. Fill the tank with a 50-50 mixture of water and white vinegar. Reattach the tank and turn on the iron, setting it to the maximum heat. Allow it to heat up, ensuring the water-vinegar mixture inside the iron reaches a steaming point. Press the steam button repeatedly to release steam and clear any mineral deposits or residue build-up from the soleplate. Move the iron in different directions to make sure you’re getting to every nook and cranny inside.

Step 2: Cleaning the Soleplate

Once the steam has eliminated most of the deposits, turn off the iron and let it cool down. Remove the water tank and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Refill the tank and turn the iron back on to a high heat setting. Take a sheet of newspaper and sprinkle some table salt on it. When the iron is hot, gently rub the soleplate in circular motions over the salted newspaper. The salt acts as an abrasive, helping to remove any remaining stubborn build-up. Continue this process until the soleplate is clean and free from residue.

Step 3: Detail Cleaning

After allowing the iron to cool down, dampen a cotton bud with white vinegar and carefully clean the steam holes and any hard-to-reach areas of the iron. Take your time and work the cotton bud gently to effectively clean these areas. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of the iron, wipe the soleplate with a clean cloth soaked in white vinegar, removing any remaining traces of dirt.

By following these simple steps once every 3 or 4 months, you can keep your iron in optimal condition and prolong its lifespan, as well as ensuring smooth gliding and preventing stains on your clothes. Remember, look after your iron and they will look after you!

Love, Charlie x

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