If you have ever tried to iron a white shirt and ended up
with a fat brown stain, it’s time to clean your iron. I’m such a stickler when it comes to maintaining my
iron. The funny part is I didn’t
even pay for the one I have – and it’s really nice. My last roommate bought it, and when we moved into our own
places, he thought it was dirty and didn’t work well, so he ditched it. But I knew with a little TLC, I could
make it new again and I did – hey, that’s what I do!

Here’s how you can keep your iron in tip-top shape:

Cleaning the Reservoir (the inside)

It’s back to our trusted friend white vinegar. Fill your iron’s reservoir with one part
white vinegar to three parts water.
Turn the iron ON. Place the
iron on an old folded towel and set it on the steam cycle. Pretend to iron the towel using lots of
steam. Let the solution burn
deposit build-up. Repeat the
process until the steam runs free and all debris is clear.

Cleaning the Sole Plate (the bottom)

If the bottom of your iron looks more like a frying pan,
make a pasty mixture of vinegar and salt.
With the iron OFF, use a scrubbing pad to apply the solution to remove
all visible dirt. Wipe off with a
damp rag.

To Maintain Your Iron

• Buy
  distilled water—yeah, not so great over ice!—and keep it your broom
  closet/pantry. This is the
  only water you should use in your iron. It’s mineral free and protects your iron and your
  clothes.

• Always
  empty your iron completely before storing.

• Do not
  iron items that may melt, like t-shirt logos. Use a piece of cotton cloth as a buffer between the
  iron and shirt.

That’s about it.  Simple steps to get your iron clean. Happy Ironing!