How to Clean an Iron: Part by Part

Clean your iron's soleplate and steam vents for a long-lasting appliance

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins - 1 hr, 15 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 5

Knowing how to clean an iron can make ironing your clothes easier and more productive. An iron's bottom soleplate becomes dirty and clogged because of dirt, sprays, and fibers that build up over time.

A dirty iron and soleplate may burn the fabric, spray dirty water or steam onto your clothes, or fail to heat to the right temperature.

Learn how to maintain your iron to prevent these mishaps from ruining your clothes.

an iron on an ironing board

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

How Often to Clean an Iron

A schedule for cleaning an iron is highly dependent on how often you use the iron and the products you use (starch or sizing) each time. However, an iron should be flushed to remove mineral deposits at least seasonally.

Clean the soleplate of an iron when you see a dull film or build-up on the surface. Always be sure that the iron is turned off, unplugged, and completely cool before you begin any cleaning process.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Bowl or large cup

Materials

  • Toothpick (wood or plastic) or old toothbrush
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Distilled water

Instructions

How to Unclog the Steam Vents

If you have a steam iron that sputters and leaves mineral-filled or rusty water spots on your clothes, it means the steam vents are clogged and the iron needs a good cleaning.

Note that some iron manufacturers will void the warranty if you use commercial steam iron cleaning products. Some products can be harsh and cause additional damage. The best thing to use is distilled white vinegar, which is gentle and less expensive.

  1. Mix the Cleaning Solution

    Mix 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar and 1/2 cup of distilled water. Pour the mixture into a cool, unplugged iron.

    person pouring cleaning solution into an iron
    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija
  2. Inspect the Steam Ducts

    With the iron in an upright position on a sturdy surface, inspect the steam ducts. If you can see any white residue in the holes, use a wood or plastic toothpick or old toothbrush to clear away the build-up. Never use anything metal that could scratch the soleplate.

    person using an old toothbrush to clean an iron
    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija
  3. Heat the Iron to Create Steam

    Next, plug in the iron, turn it on, and set it to the steam feature.

    Allow the iron to heat for at least five minutes. Depress the steam button and hold for 20 to 30 seconds or until steam flows out freely.

    Do this procedure at least six times. 

    person heating up an iron
    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija
  4. Cool and Empty the Iron

    Turn off the iron, unplug it, and allow the iron to cool completely. After cooling, empty any remaining vinegar and water mixture from the iron's reservoir.

    Even if you are meticulous about using distilled water every time you iron, you should use the vinegar and distilled water mixture every few months to keep your iron steaming at its best.

    person emptying out any cleaning solution from the iron
    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

How to Clean the Iron's Soleplate

The iron's soleplate should never be scrubbed with anything harsh that can cause scratching. Once the finish is marred, it is nearly impossible to prevent rusting or staining. The soleplate can get gummy and soiled by starch or sizing residue and should be cleaned regularly. These steps can help.

  • Mix table salt or baking soda with a bit of distilled white vinegar to make a paste.
  • If you choose baking soda, the vinegar will cause it to foam, so mix it in a bowl large enough to contain the foam.
  • Dip a clean white cloth into the mixture and use it to scrub the soleplate.
  • Some areas will need a bit of elbow grease to remove the grime.
  • For really stuck-on build-up, allow the paste to sit for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing.
  • Rinse the soleplate by using a clean white cloth dipped in clear water, then dry.

Tip

A melamine eraser can also be used to scrub the soleplate if stubborn residue won't come off.

How to Remove Melted Plastic From the Soleplate

If something plastic has melted onto your iron, it must be removed or it will transfer to the next garment you iron and damage the fabric in the process. Take these steps.

  • Unplug and cool the iron.
  • Fill a shallow pan with ice cubes and place the melted plastic-stained part of the iron on the ice. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes to harden the plastic.
  • Use a blunt plastic knife or the edge of an old credit card to scrape away the hardened plastic.
  • Mix table salt or baking soda with a bit of distilled white vinegar to make a paste. Gently scrub the soleplate to remove any plastic remnants left on the surface.
  • Rinse the plate with a clean cloth dipped in fresh water, then dry the iron.

Tip

If the plastic has transferred to the clothes you're ironing, place the fabric in the freezer for at least one hour. Use the same technique of a dull plastic knife to gently scrape away the plastic. It's a slow process and may not remove the plastic completely.

How to Remove Stains From an Iron

You may have accidentally ironed any number of substances onto your soleplate, but stains can be taken off rather easily. Here are a few methods for removing stains from the soleplate.

  • Baking soda: Let the iron cool down and gently rub a tiny bit of paste made from baking soda and water (don't get the paste into the holes, however).
  • Vinegar: Use a cotton swab with white vinegar to clean out the holes of stains.
  • Eraser: Pull out the melamine eraser to remove tough stains from an iron soleplate.
  • Tylenol: If you have an uncoated, white Tylenol or another white acetaminophen tablet in your home, it can be used to rub off burnt-on stains on the soleplate. Turn the iron on high, hold the pill with tweezers or tongs, and rub it all over the stain. The stain will start to dissolve. Be sure you avoid touching the hot soleplate with your hand or the utensil. Quickly wipe off the gunk as you go along with a towel.
  • Nail polish remover: Dip a cotton ball into acetone nail polish remover and rub it over a hot iron soleplate. A couple of warnings for this method: Wear a protective oven mitt while you attempt this cleaning technique. In addition, tackle this outdoors for air circulation and wear a face mask so you don't have to breathe in the fumes.
  • Dryer sheet: Rub a dryer sheet on a slightly warm soleplate. Repeat until the stain is gone.

Tips to Keep Your Iron Clean Longer

  • Use distilled, bottled water to fill an iron. Tap water (even if it's filtered) contains minerals that can clog, corrode, and damage the iron, resulting in rusty water spraying your clean clothes.
  • Fill the iron's water reservoir when the iron is cool and before it is plugged in.
  • Empty the reservoir of water after ironing and when the iron has cooled. This is especially important if you don't iron frequently. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any exterior moisture.
  • Store a cooled iron in an upright position (with the soleplate up) to prevent any water from leaking and to prevent the soleplate surface from becoming scratched or corroded.
  • Protect your soleplate from damage by using a pressing cloth if you have to iron over plastic zippers, metal zippers, snaps, hooks, pins, screen printing, or decals.
FAQ
  • How do you clean a burnt iron?

    Clean a burnt iron soleplate using a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Then rinse the surface with a cloth dipped in plain water and dry.

  • How do you get sticky residue off an iron?

    To get the sticky residue off an iron, either rub it away with a paste of table salt or baking soda and a bit of distilled white vinegar or use a small amount of dish soap on a dampened towel. The sticky residue is the build-up of burnt fibers, dirt, dust, spray starch, and other substances that accumulate on the surface while ironing.

  • How do you clean a burnt iron with toothpaste?

    Non-gel toothpaste can be buffed onto an iron to help remove burnt marks. The paste’s slightly abrasive nature helps to polish the marks away without damaging the plate.

  • Why is my iron spitting out brown stuff?

    If your iron’s steam function is leaving brown spots on your clothing, it’s time to clean the steam vents and water reservoir. Run a white vinegar-water solution through the reservoir until you see steam flowing properly.