How To: Clean an Iron

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Your dress shirts look crisp, but over time your iron might look the worse for wear. This video’s simple technique gets rid of mineral spots on the iron’s plate and cleans out caked steam vents.
What You Need
Iron, flat surface, water, baking soda, spatula, damp cloth, cotton swab, distilled water, clean cloth

Follow These Seven Easy Steps

How To: Clean an Iron Step 1
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1Mix water and baking soda

Make a paste of 1 tablespoon water and 2 tablespoons baking soda.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 2
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2Apply the paste to the iron

Using a spatula, spread the paste on the iron’s plate, coating the areas that have mineral deposits.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 3
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3Wipe iron clean

Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 4
 Time Inc. Studios
4Clean steam holes

Dip a cotton swab in distilled water and insert it into the iron’s steam vents. Pour out any stagnant water left in the iron.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 4
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5Re-fill the reservoir

Pour in distilled water until the reservoir is one third full.

Tip: For a stronger solution, mix 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup white vinegar.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 6
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6Turn on the steam

Turn on the iron to its highest setting and steam-iron a clean cloth for a few minutes, letting clean water flush out any vent deposits.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 7
 Time Inc. Studios
7Pour out the liquid

Turn off the iron and pour out any remaining water. Place the iron on a surface that isn’t too delicate, in case any sediment drips out of it.

Tip: Empty the iron’s reservoir after every use to prevent mineral deposits from building up.

How you would do it? Share your tips and techniques

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