Cleaning Steam Irons

Posted by S&D Ireland 06/30/2021 23:03:43

Nothing looks better than a crisply pressed blouse or shirt. However, your iron needs a little TLC to keep it working well.

Cleaning Steam Irons

Manufacturers advise descaling irons every one to four months (depending on use). To get an idea for how often to clean yours, look out for these tell-tale signs that it needs descaling:

A chalky residue is deposited on clothes when you press the steam button.
Sticky residue on the base plate from ironing fabrics with a setting that’s too hot.
It feels like your iron is dragging rather than gliding over your clothes.
Marks and stains.

Nobody wants to have to start the whole washing cycle again, nor ruin that crisp white shirt you intended to wear! Follow our step-by-step guide to get your ironing gliding again!

Cleaning the soleplate

Never use an abrasive cleaner on your iron’s soleplate. Specialist cleaning products are available, but you can get the same results with some common household products! Start by wiping it with a large, clean, damp cloth. If this is not enough, you can use some white toothpaste as you wipe until the residue is gone. Another way is to turn on the iron at a low setting and iron a tumble dryer sheet till the residue is gone.

Deep cleaning

Most modern irons have a self-cleaning system. Following instructions, use regularly as advised. If not, white vinegar can achieve the same results. Take a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar, fill the water reservoir to ⅓ full. Turn the iron on medium heat and let it steam for five to ten minutes – so all of the vinegar solutions evaporate. Refill it with fresh water and steam again. Wipe clean afterwards.

Clogged vents

If the soleplate vents are clogged with limescale, use a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar on them. You may need to wrap cotton wool around a cocktail stick to do so. Alternatively, purchase a descaling kit.