How to Clean the Steam Iron and Its Base Plate

Nothing is more irritating than rushing to iron a shirt and realizing that the black gunk that used to be on the iron is now all over the freshly pressed shirt. Maintaining and cleaning the iron is a good routine to start, especially if it will help to avoid ruining clothes in the future.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Clean the Water Reservoir and Spray Nozzle

1. Pour a mixture of 3/4 cup vinegar and 3/4 cup water into the water reservoir. Turn iron on, with the steam function enabled.

2. Wait for iron to heat, and then let steam for 10 minutes before draining. Let it cool and repeat process with plain water.

3. Insert a thin needle in the nozzle hole to free the nozzle of clogs.

Clean the Base Plate

4. Remove waxy substances from the base plate by setting the iron to high and ironing a folded newspaper until substance is gone.

5. Unplug the iron. Apply a small amount of ammonia to a cloth. Use the cloth to wipe oily substances off the iron. Rinse with clean water to remove ammonia and leftover oil.

6. Rid the base plate of melted materials by heating the iron to low until the foreign material gets soft. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the gooey mess off the base plate.

7. Mix a paste of baking soda and water. Rub the mixture onto the base plate to remove blackened material.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid mineral build up in reservoir and nozzle, only use distilled water.
• Empty the iron when hot to allow warmth to dry the reservoir. Do not put the iron away unless completely dry and cool.