How to Clean a Steam Iron?

Iron is one of the essential parts of a household. It helps you to keep your clothes, curtains, and sheets looking fit and fresh. Just like other home electric appliances, it also needs proper cleaning from time to time to make its performance always good. Mainly, if you live in an area with hard water, this brutal water contains minerals that clog the steam vent area.

In this article, you will get a clear view of cleaning a steam iron at your home just using some readily available ingredients. However, there are so many commercial cleaners available in the market. But an excellent homemade cleaner can also get you the desired result. So let's follow the article. 

How to clean the inside of a steam iron?


The steam iron comes in handy when you cannot plugin it on the way. It uses warm water to form steam to iron the clothing. It needs frequent cleaning to prevent any blockage in the steam vent. Let's check how you can easily clean the inside of the iron. 

1. The water tank should be empty.

To make the process more effective and beneficial, you should start with an empty reservoir and, of course, with the right ingredients. 

2.Prepare the mixture of distilled water and vinegar.

Fill the reservoir of your steam iron with the mixture of distilled water and vinegar. In that case, take 175ml of distilled water and about 60ml of vinegar. Make sure the reservoir is full from all the way.

3. Make it heat

Now plug your iron. Let's set it in steam mode on its highest level and wait for some time so that it can get heated up. Usually, you need to wait for more than three to five minutes. This time is enough. 

4. Work with its steam button.

Now hold the steam button for a while. Wait until you see vapor coming out from the steam holes of your steam iron. 

5.Again make the 4th step.

You need to continue the 4th step a minimum of 5-10 times. Just press the steam button and let the steam come out from the vents. 20-30 seconds pressing is a good idea. With this process, you are forcing the mineral deposit or build-up of your steam iron to lose.

6. Let's clean the steam vents also.

In this process, you can use a cotton swab, toothpick, or any unused toothbrush. Now clean the vents individually using the tools mentioned above. Make sure you are not using any abrasive material; otherwise, it may get scratches on the upper part of the iron. 

7. Let it be cool 

Unplug the iron first. Empty the water and vinegar mixture from there. Before you use it for next time, add fresh water. 


How to clean the base of a steam iron?


Just like the inside of the steam iron, the outside area also needs proper cleaning. Here is a safe way to clean the soleplate of your steam iron.

1. Preparation for the mixture


First, take table salt and distilled white vinegar. The mixture will work as an abrasive and will remove the stubborn build-up from its plate. 

2. Application

Once you are done with preparing the mixture, apply the slurry paste over its base plate. Let it sit for two to three minutes. Now wipe the plate with a damp cloth or hand towel.

3. Repeat the process

Again apply the slurry paste on its base and scrub in your convenient motion. This process should be continued until the residue is gone. Please don't leave any scratch on its surface. If your iron plate is non-stick, then scratching may lead to discoloration and rust. 

4. Be more attentive

The steam ducts of the iron may get blocked due to the minerals of tap water. However, the blocked steam ducts can not produce enough steam. In that case, use a cotton swab, toothpick to get rid of the scale. 

5. Special cleaner for non-stick steam plate

The vinegar and salt mixture may react with the non-stick plate, and it may damage it. In that case, prepare a mixture using lukewarm water and mild shampoo or dishwashing liquid. Apply it over the plate and wipe it using a soft cloth. Repeat the process at least 3-4 times. Let it be dry. In case it has residue, clean it with a cleaner especially made for non-stick one. 


Tips to keep your iron clean for a long time


It would be best if you always kept your iron clean to get the best result for it. So, let's check the tips to keep it clean for a long day:

  • Hard Water can form limescale build-up on your iron. In that case, replace the tap water with fresh filtered water to avoid the build-up inside it. 
  • Too high settings form excessive heat that melts damages the cloth fabric as well. Apart from that, too much heat may end up with a sticky residue on its soleplate. Set the right temperature such as low heat for silk and synthetic, medium for wool, and high for cotton and linen clothing. 
  • Empty the reservoir after every use. The remaining water, after use, builds up the lines inside it. Don't forget to fill the reservoir with water before you plug it in. Additionally, it forms a stale smell there. Wipe out the extra moisture from its surface.
  • Proper Positioning plays a vital role in maintaining a steam iron. Keep the iron in an upright position to prevent leakage of water. This process will also ensure no scratch and corrosion on the surface. 
  • To remove burnt material on its soleplate, set the highest temperature on your iron. Now take some salts on a newspaper. Run the iron over it so that the burnt material can quickly come out from its surface. 
  • Avoid tangling up the cord after using the iron. In case of constantly tangling, the cord may fray up over time. This is dangerous to use the iron with a damaged cord.

Now you know how to clean steam iron. So why late? Let's start. Cleaning a steam iron regularly prevents the building of minerals inside and outside of it. That ensures better performance and an extended lifespan. So, let's start with those ways to give your items a kick start from the next day. It will be a wise choice if you choose the best steam iron instead of the ordinary ones. I have written an article about the best steam irons in India that you can check out here- https://www.homeplace.in/best-steam-irons-in-india/.

Comments