How to Take Care of your Iron

You may not have been treating it as such, but the iron is your friend.  That reliable friend can take your clothing from frumpy to crisp in a matter of minutes, helping you look your best and feeling confident.

Don’t just unplug your iron and toss it aside when you’ve finished ironing.  Show it some TLC and friendship in return.

Follow our tips on how to properly care for your iron, ensuring a happy union for years to come.

• Extend the life of the iron by using distilled water which is devoid of heavy metals.  You can buy this by the gallon or make your own on the stove by collecting steam.  You can also use rainwater, which doesn’t contain heavier metals.
• After every use, unplug the iron and empty out the water reservoir so the residual heat from the iron can help to dry it out.  Set the iron in a safe place while it cools then store it upright in a cool, dry place.
• Clean your iron frequently as needed.  When the iron is unplugged and cool, rinse out the water reservoir with hot water.  Wipe the entire iron down including the cord with a damp clean cloth.  Use a second clean cloth to dry the iron and store it in a cool dry place.
• Clean out the water reservoir to help avoid hard water build up.  Pour white vinegar into the water chamber, turn it on high, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.  Turn it off, unplug it and pour the white vinegar out.  Let it air dry and cool off then refill it with clean water and rinse.
• Clean any residual starch or dirt on the soleplate with a clean cloth dampened with white vinegar.  For stubborn residue, mix baking soda and warm water and give it a good scrub.  Wipe the paste away with a clean damp cloth.  Air dry before use.
• If the iron isn’t steaming like it should, you may need to clean out the steam ports to remove minerals that could be causing a clog.  Take a thin piece of wire, like a straightened paper clip, and clean the ports by gently poking the wire in the holes.

Taking proper care of your iron not only saves you time and money from occasionally shopping for a new one, but by extending your iron’s life, you keep them out the landfills.

Article Courtesy of Classic Cleaners.