How to Clean an Iron

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.

1. Gather your materials.

You'll need:

• Iron
• Flat surface
• Water
• Baking soda
• Small bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Damp cloth
• Cotton swab
• Distilled water
• Clean dry cloth that can be ironed
• Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush (optional)

2. Clean the iron's heating plate.

Mix together 1 tablespoon of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl to make a paste. Using a rubber spatula, spread the paste on the iron's plate, coating the areas that have mineral deposits. Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth after letting it sit for a few minutes. If you have stubborn deposits, add more paste and massage gently with an old toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush.

3. Clean iron's 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. Pour distilled water into the iron until the reservoir is one-third full. For a stronger solution, mix 3/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar.

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.

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