What do I use to clean out my iron?

Esther
by Esther

My steam iron stopped steaming & I wondered if it is clogged. I just want to give it a try to clean it before I go buy a new one.

  5 answers
  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Aug 14, 2018

    Esther, give this a try before you have to pay for a new iron. I hope it works!


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS7OVHZbMx4

  • Shannon Shannon on Aug 14, 2018

    Have you tried vinegar to break down the hard water build up that may be clogging holes?

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Aug 14, 2018

    Steam irons definitely can get stopped up because of minerals in the water. Unplug the iron. You can clean the holes with vinegar, Qtips, and an old toothbrush. I would give it a try for sure. You also need to fill the iron with vinegar, let it set at least half an hour. Then plug in the iron, and let the iron heat to steam. Wear a bbq grilling mitt with the silicon or aluminum on the outside. With the iron still plugged in, turn on the steam tilted into the kitchen or laundry sink. Keep your head away from the steam. The vinegar would have loosed mineral deposits and the steam should blow the minerals out of the iron steamer holes that you cleaned first. If you see rust, or red liquid coming out, it’s time for a new iron. If you think the iron is clean, run a full tank of distilled water through the iron, or even more, until all the steam is clean. From then on, always test the iron before you iron a valuable piece of clothing. Empty the iron tank completely when you are through ironing, and wipe the surface of the iron dry and clean with a soft cloth. Be careful and best wishes. ☺️

  • Marge Cadieux Marge Cadieux on Aug 14, 2018

    just like your coffee maker vinegarand water. after it runs out of steam press wax paper for a smooth bottom


    • Esther Esther on Aug 19, 2018

      Thank-you for your answer I like the wax paper idea along with the vinegar.

      Esther

  • AmAtHome AmAtHome on Nov 10, 2018

    I used the instructions in the link, the baking soda /water paste worked great! https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clean-iron