cleaning a iron?

Question

i starch my blue jeans on a regular basis and i was wondering if i needed to clean off the starch build up on the bottom of the iron. it just makes the metal look different. if i do need to clean what do i clean it with and how? thx

Answer 1

According to my local extension service this is what they recommend:
Empty iron while hot so heat will dry out cavity.
Always dry and cool before putting away.

To remove melted plastic and fabrics, heat at low
setting just until material softens, and scrape off with
a smooth piece of wood, a wooden spatula or half a
clothespin. If some remains, make a paste with baking
soda and water and rub or try silver polish. Wipe off
with damp cloth. For a non-stick soleplate, rub gently
with nylon mesh pad and suds. Acetone or nail polish
remover may remove melted polyester.

If steam iron clogs from minerals in water, follow
use-guide directions for cleaning, or use a commercial
iron cleaner. A fine needle in the nozzle hole may open
it again. Sometimes "steaming" will remove lint clogging
the iron; fill with at least 1/4 cup water, set it to
"steam", and hold in the air or set flat on wire rack
over heat and moisture resistant surface like counter
protective mat. Let steam until empty. Using only
distilled water in steam irons helps avoid mineral
buildup. (and of coarse you can try a diluted mixture of water and white vinegar through the steam vents - - like your coffee pot - - be sure to thoroughly rinse with distilled water!)

Answer 2

I know an old way.Get some cleanser ( like Ajax,Comet etc.)put some in a news paper.Then move the iron up and down several times.After you're done,clean the iron with a cloth.

Answer 3

put white vinegar on a cloth and wipe the iron. then iron an old pillow case or something to get the sole plate clean, there is also iron cleaner sold in the laundry section of the dept store, and something i need to get is iron glide, it helps your iron glide smoothly over fabric.

Answer 4

i always use brillo,or steelwool fine.just dont clog up steam holes

Answer 5

run some vinegar through it