Can you put vinegar in an iron?

Yes, half vinegar and half distilled water descales the iron. Run a steam cycle, then flush with clean water.

How do you remove burnt-on starch from an iron?

Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the cool soleplate, let sit, then wipe with a damp cloth.

Mineral buildup blocks steam holes, causing water to leak. Descale the iron with vinegar.

Yes, on a cool iron, magic erasers can clean stubborn residue from the soleplate.

Household

A clean clothes iron makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

1
Unplug and let cool
Unplug the iron and let it cool completely before cleaning to avoid burns.
2
Clean the soleplate with salt
Sprinkle salt on a clean towel and run the cool iron over it. The salt scrubs off residue without scratching.
3
Treat stubborn spots with vinegar
Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe stubborn spots on the soleplate. Use cotton swabs for steam holes.
4
Descale the water tank
Fill the tank with equal parts vinegar and distilled water. Heat the iron and let it steam for 5 minutes. Empty and refill with clean water to flush.
5
Wipe exterior
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly before storing.

TIPUse distilled water in your iron to prevent mineral buildup that clogs steam holes.
TIPEmpty the water tank after every use to prevent mineral deposits and rust.
TIPClean the soleplate after every use to prevent buildup that transfers to clothes.

XUsing tap water in steam irons, which causes mineral buildup that clogs the steam holes.
XStoring the iron with water in the tank, which creates rust and bacterial growth.
XUsing abrasive scrubbers on the soleplate, which scratch the smooth surface.

Sprinkle salt on a towel and iron over it (cool iron). The salt scrubs off sticky residue.