How do I get baking soda out of the steam holes in my iron?

Question

OK, so I needed to clean the sole plate of my iron. I Googled "clean an iron" and found a web page that advised using a paste of baking soda and water to clean the sole plate. I did that, and the sole plate is clean, but the baking soda paste stuck in the steam holes in the sole plate. I've already spent half an hour with a toothpick trying to get the baking soda out. There's got to be a better way!

Answer 1

Get an old towel, fill the iron with water and a bit of viniger, and crank it to it's highest setting. Then iron the towel until the water runs out and this should clean the holes out. keep doing this til it is to your likings. If that doesn't work you can always try a toothbrush or pipecleaner . Hope this Helps ;)

Answer 2

Any grocery store or Wal-mart will sell Iron cleaner in a little white and blue tube. Look for it in the section with cleaning supplies. You get the iron hot, squeeze a little of the cream onto a lint free towel, and rub it on the hot iron. It takes stuff off like magic. Make sure to wear oven mitts or fold the cloth up enough to keep from burning yourself!

Answer 3

vinegar breaks down the compunds of baking soda, it will disolve when mixed together leaving the holes clean. this works well in drains also. if its an expensive iron, just be careful that the reaction doesnt mess up the plates when doing this, make sure u have a good quality iron. it should be fine tho.

Answer 4

Use the steam to dissolve the baking soda (it's more soluble in water at higher temperatures) or use a mild acid like vinegar to react with the baking soda.

Answer 5

Try filling iron with vinegar and water. Turn to highest steam setting, and iron an old towel. Some irons have a shot of steam feature; if yours does, then use that as well.

Answer 6

Fill the iron with water and turn it on. When its hot, hold it in the air with the plate at the bottom and turn on the steam and let the steam blow it out. good luck with it.

Answer 7

Vinegar is acidic enough to break it down - use with warm water and pour up to water line. Keep steaming until all the solution is gone. It should be safe to use, I've cleaned out my coffee pot with it.

Answer 8

Try the mild vinegar solution, and then use a soft bristled toothbrush that will get into the holes and scrub it out that way.

Answer 9

Vinegar

Answer 10

If you fill it with water maybe it will just steam out? Or (iron turned off and unplugged) use a toothbrush and plenty of water to scrub it out?