Can I Clean My Steam Iron?

Soleplate

• Crisp cuffs and flat collars look fantastic, but, over time, starches and fabric sprays can build up on the plate of the iron, causing it to stick. Remove excess starch by running a hot iron over a sheet of aluminum foil. Alternatively, use the mildly abrasive cleaning power of non-gel toothpaste to remove sticky gunk from the plate of the iron. Simply spread the paste evenly over the soleplate of a cool iron, scrub with an old toothbrush and wipe the paste away with a damp cloth.
  
  

Reservoir

• Tap water contains a variety of minerals that leave telltale dregs on the surface of the iron once the fluid evaporates. Remove unsightly mineral deposits and limescale from the reservoir of a steam iron with solution made from equal measures of distilled white vinegar and water. Pour the mixture into the reservoir, set the iron in an upright position, turn on the steam setting and allow the vinegar solution to work its way through the iron for 5 to 10 minutes. Disconnect the iron, and let it cool for one hour. Empty the reservoir, and repeat the process with lukewarm water.
  
  

Steam Vents

• The vents of a steam iron may clog from time to time. To clear a congested opening, unplug the iron, and insert a pipe cleaner into the vent and twist it several times. Stubborn residue can be removed with a cotton swab that has been soaked in distilled white vinegar.
  
  

Rough Patches

• Ironing uses a combination of high heat and pressure to remove wrinkles from clothing; however, should the surface of the iron accidentally brush against a nonfabric item, the unwanted material can melt onto the iron, forming a rough patch that snags clothing. To remove this unwanted abrasive from the face of the iron, spread a brown paper bag over the ironing board, sprinkle table salt over the paper and run the hot iron over the crystals; the coarse surface of the salt will rub against the melted material, removing crusty debris and baked-on residue.