Caring for small appliances, such as irons, helps to keep them in the best possible condition, extending their lifetime. Though it's all too easy to simply unplug it and put it away, there are a few other aspects of care that many people don't consider. Proper care of your iron can help ensure that you reap the full benefit of its potential and keep it for many years to come.
After you are finished ironing, unplug the iron and empty out the water reservoir immediately so that the residual heat from the iron can help to dry it out. Set the iron aside in a safe place, where it won't get knocked over, until it is cool enough to put away. Store your iron in a cool, dry place when it is not in use.
Cleaning your iron should be done as frequently as it looks like it needs it. Making sure that it is cool and unplugged, rinse out the water reservoir with hot water. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and wipe down the entire iron including the cord (but not the prongs). Take a second clean dry cloth and wipe down the iron again to remove any excess moisture and leave it in a cool dry place to finish air drying. Be sure the iron is fully dried before use.
If hard water deposits are clogging your iron, or you just want to do a routine cleaning, pour white vinegar into the water chamber and turn it on high. Leave the iron to sit for three to five minutes to heat up the vinegar before turning it off and unplugging it. Pour the white vinegar out and allow the iron to sit in a cool dry place to air out and cool off. Refill with clean water and rinse out before use. Doing this regularly can help to avoid hard water buildup.
Wipe down the soleplate of your iron with a clean cloth dampened with white vinegar to clean it of any residual starch or dirt. Make a paste of baking soda and warm water and use it as a scrub for stubborn dirt. The residual paste can be wiped rinsed away with a clean damp cloth. If the soleplate feels sticky or waxy, dampen a clean cloth with ammonia and wipe it clean. Run a clean, damp cloth over the soleplate to wipe off any cleaning residue. Allow to air dry completely before use.
Cleaning your iron should be done as frequently as it looks like it needs it. Making sure that it is cool and unplugged, rinse out the water reservoir with hot water. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and wipe down the entire iron including the cord (but not the prongs). Take a second clean dry cloth and wipe down the iron again to remove any excess moisture and leave it in a cool dry place to finish air drying. Be sure the iron is fully dried before use.
