With irons being such key appliances in most houses, they must be able to work efficiently for as long as possible. The constant use that people need from them means that the risk of malfunction is always high. Many people forget to clean their irons regularly, and some don’t even know that they need to be cleaned at all. Luckily, the SweepSouth team has put together a step-by-step list of one of the easiest ways to clean an iron.
There are several methods you could use to clean your iron, all making use of simple household products. This article will focus specifically on how to clean an iron with vinegar. Before we look at each step for this method, here are some signs you can pick up on to determine when your iron needs cleaning.
5 Ways To Know If Your Iron Needs Cleaning
If you’re struggling to figure out whether or not your iron is in need of a clean, here are 5 signs to pick up on:
- Your iron is plate is beginning to form a faded residue
- Your iron is pulling on the fabrics of your clothing
- Your iron is producing less steam than usual
- Your iron is staining your clothing
- Your iron is not gliding as smoothly as normal
How Often Should You Clean Your Iron
Even if your iron is remaining in good condition and does not display any of the points mentioned above, it should still get cleaned regularly. This will help it last longer going forward. A general answer to the question of how often you should clean your iron is twice a year. If you’re using it more often than the average user then don’t be afraid to add a few more cleans to that number. With the knowledge of when and how often you should clean your iron, in mind, let’s take a look at the 3 steps required to clean your iron with vinegar.
1. Soak A Cloth In Vinegar
Grab a clean cloth or towel and soak it in vinegar. This method of cleaning will often let off a strong smell so make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area.
2. Let The Iron Rest On The Cloth
Place your iron on the cloth and apply a little pressure, then let it rest there for 30 minutes. This is a good time to get to the dishes or any other chore.
3. Remove And Wipe The Iron Plate
Remove the iron from the cloth or towel before wiping it down with a damp cloth to get rid of the vinegar and any dirt.
How To Clean The Inside Of Your Iron With Vinegar
Vinegar is also a great tool to use when cleaning the inside of your iron. While your iron is unplugged and off, fill the water tank with 1 part distilled white vinegar to 3 parts water. Plug in your iron again and set it to a medium to high heat on the steam setting. Let it heat up for at least 5 minutes.
Lay down an old towel and steam your iron for 30-second intervals with pauses in between, the water and vinegar mixture will flush out dirt and bacteria. Repeat this steaming process 5 to 6 times before emptying any of the mixture that is left. To rinse your iron out, fill it up with distilled water and repeat this steaming process.
How To Clean An Iron’s Steam Holes
If your iron does not need a deep clean, you can opt to simply clean the steam holes instead. Dip an old toothbrush or a cotton swab into distilled white vinegar and use it to clean the holes of your iron. Once cleared, you can flush out the holes of any leftover vinegar and dirt by steaming it with distilled water.
Thanks to the simple yet powerful product that is vinegar, your iron is now ready to be used again, without causing you any problems. If you’d prefer to use the product that pairs well with vinegar when eating chips, learn how to clean an iron with salt. For any other methods of cleaning, check out our article on how to clean an iron. Share these tips and tricks with those who may need them most.
