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.

• iron, flat surface, water, baking soda, spatula, damp cloth, cotton swab, distilled water, clean cloth

1. Mix water and baking soda
   Make a paste of 1 tablespoon water and 2 tablespoons baking soda.
2. Apply the paste to the iron
   Using a spatula, spread the paste on the iron’s plate, coating the areas that have mineral deposits.
3. Wipe iron clean
   Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth.
4. Clean 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.
5. Re-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.
6. Turn 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.
7. Pour 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.