How to Clean an Electric Iron Bottom

Clean your electric iron with salt.

You use it regularly, and now you are left with a residue across the bottom of your iron. As you continue to use the iron, you will sometimes notice this residue rubbing off onto your clothing. This is particularly noticeable on light-colored clothing. Many people may think that you need to replace your iron after this residue has accumulated. But in fact, you can quickly get rid of the residue without causing any damage to the appliance.

Things You'll Need

• Wax paper
• Table salt
• Toothpicks
• Cotton swabs
• Nylon scrubbing pad
• Cleaning rag

Instructions

1. Lay a sheet of wax paper onto your ironing board or similar flat surface. Use a sheet that is about two feet square.

2. Sprinkle a generous coating of salt over the middle of the wax paper sheet. Use enough salt to cover the area with a thin layer.

3. Turn on your iron, and do not use a steam setting.

4. Rub the iron over the salt just as you would to iron a piece of clothing. Continue for about 30 seconds.

5. Turn off the iron and let it cool slightly. Scrub over the iron bottom with a dry nylon scrubbing pad. Pick any leftover residue out of the steam holes, when applicable, with a cotton swab or toothpick.

6. Wipe the iron bottom with a damp cleaning rag and let the iron air dry.