How to Maintain Irons

Not many people think of cleaning their irons at home until you go to press a shirt and it is gooky. By then, it may be too late to save your shirt and you are kicking yourself for not maintaining your appliance. But don't despair, you can easily keep that contraption in working order.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wipe aluminum foil over the iron after pressing clothes with starch or any kind of spray besides water. This removes the gummy residue so it will not transfer to your other clothes. Do this gently so as not to scratch the iron.

2. Dip a cloth in baking soda and warm water to clean a warm soleplate. Pay close attention to the vent holes and wipe around them but don't stick the cloth into the close. Rinse the iron with another clean warm water rag.

3. Buy a hot iron cleaner. This will take the guesswork out of what to use on the iron if you are having problems removing stains or gook. Cleaning kits can be found in sewing stores.

4. Use a cotton ear swab or a pipe cleaner to clean out the residue from the steam vents. Be sure that the iron is cool first. Do not use anything sharp so you don't scratch the iron.

5. Mix 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of water and pour it into the steam water reservoir. This will dissolve and release the hard water buildup. Set the iron to the steam setting and let it steam the water solution out. Turn the iron off and place the soleplate down so the excess water can run out. Do this over a sink or bowl. Flush out the reservoir before using it again.