How to Clean the Surface of a Steam Iron

Cleaning the surface of a steam iron can be an important part of maintaining the longevity and lifespan of clothes. Chemical residue can be harmful to clothes if left on the iron and transferred from one garment to another. Cleaning the surface of a steam iron is a simple yet beneficial process that will ensure that ironing is a smooth process in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda Salt Newspaper Ammonia Vinegar

Instructions

1. Place about a teaspoon of salt on a paper or cotton towel and run the iron over it on the high setting gently with the steam off. This will cause the dirt to stick to the salt and will wipe away easily.

2. Rub the iron across newspapers to remove a waxy build up on the surface. Use the high setting with the steam off.

3. Apply ammonia to a rag and use it to wipe the surface of the iron to remove oil. Use a separate cloth that is wet with water to rinse it off. Make sure the iron is turned off.

4. Combine equal parts vinegar and baking soda and scrub the surface of the iron with it. Use a separate clean cloth to wipe away any residue.

5. Heat in a saucepan a cup of vinegar and sprinkle in about a teaspoon of salt. Heat the mixture until the salt is dissolved. Use this to clean the iron's surface with a clean cloth. Use a second cloth to wipe away any residue.

Tips & Warnings

• In most cases, unless you are utilizing the iron's own heat to clean the surface, make sure that the iron is turned off and unplugged and allowed to cool before cleaning it to prevent burns.