An iron is one of the most important household appliance all of us use at some point of time. Normally, there are two types of iron – dry iron and steam iron. One of the main difference between these two is that the steam iron takes less time to iron your clothes and it is more effective. Cleaning a normal iron is very easy and it requires only fifteen minutes. Cleaning a steam iron is a bit more complicated because you need to clean the reservoir. We now tell you how to clean an iron (both dry and steam iron).
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time Required: Thirty minutes for steam iron, and fifteen minutes for dry iron
Estimated Cost: $ 40
Things you will require to clean an iron:
1. Ironing board
2. Coarse salt or vinegar
3. Distilled water
4. Ammonia
5. Cloth
6. Dish soap (non-stick sole plates)
Tip: Read the manufacturer’s instructions manual carefully before you start your cleaning. When you store your iron make sure it is positioned upright.
Things to Watch Out for: Never clean an iron when it is hot, it can be very dangerous. Always unplug it before cleaning. Pour out any remaining water out of the iron if you are cleaning a steam iron. Never add any additives such as salts, perfumes or dyes in your steamer. These substances will corrode the internal parts.
Cleaning the Sole Plate
Cleaning the sole plate of your iron is essential to keep your clothes clean. Otherwise, the dirt will transfer to the garments you are ironing. Cleaning the sole plate is very easy and can be done quite quickly.
1. For routine cleaning, simply wipe the sole plate with a damp cloth.
2. If the iron has something stuck on it, pour some vinegar on a cloth and wipe the surface with it. Otherwise, sprinkle a teaspoon of salt on the surface and rub it gently with a clean cloth.
3. If the substance is oily, then just wet the cloth with ammonia and wipe the plate. Afterwards, just rinse the iron off with water.
Cleaning the Exterior of the Iron
Cleaning the exterior is the easiest part of cleaning an iron. Simply take a damp cloth or, for better results, use a dish cloth with some soap on it. Gently rub the soap on the iron and then wipe it off. You should always use a clean cloth to dry it afterwards.
Cleaning the Reservoir
Cleaning the reservoir is a bit tough in comparison to cleaning the exterior and sole plate. This is applicable only for a steam iron. Cleaning the reservoir is necessary to get rid of any build-up in the vents of the iron.
1. Take a cotton cloth and gently start sweeping the residue out of the reservoir. Next, fill the reservoir with clean water. Turn the iron on and steam iron a clean rag until the reservoir is completely empty.
2. If the deposits are still visible to you, you will need to fill the reservoir with distilled water and steam iron a rag again. For stubborn deposits, you will need to repeat the process with vinegar. Mix one-fourth tablespoon of vinegar with distilled water to make the cleaning solution.
3. Finally, rinse the reservoir thoroughly by filling it with clean water and then emptying it completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need distilled water?
Distilled water is used to clean a steam iron because it is free from impurities. Hard water can cause mineral deposits on your reservoir.
2. What is the advantage of using a steam iron?
A steam iron works five times faster than a normal iron and it is more effective against wrinkles.
3. How often should I change the water in the reservoir?
You should change the water every week since it becomes stale after a period of time.
