How to Clean Your Iron Properly (Inside & Out) – A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning with Maggie May

Now then, my dears, let us turn our attention to the iron.

That hard-working little creature that has pressed school uniforms, table linens, sheets, blouses and so much more.

An iron works terribly hard. The least we can do is prevent it from behaving like a temperamental dragon.

Here is how we keep it fresh, gleaming, and obedient, without drama, burnt fingertips, or unnecessary theatrics.

1. Unplug It First (We Are Not Seeking Adventure)

Before we begin, unplug the iron and let it cool completely.

Hot metal and overconfidence have parted many a good woman from her composure.

Patience first. Heroics later.

2. The Soleplate (The Business End, You See)

That smooth underside – the bit that meets the fabric, collects scorch marks, melted fibres (a moment of polyester optimism, perhaps), and general mischief.

For Light Grubbiness

Mix:

2 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda
A spoonful of water (just enough to form a paste)

Apply gently with a soft cloth. Small circles. No scrubbing as though you’re sanding down a garden gate.

Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

You’ll notice an immediate improvement. Quite satisfying. Like polishing silver before Christmas.

For More Stubborn Behaviour

White vinegar is your ally.

Dampen a cloth with the vinegar and lay it over the soleplate for several minutes. Wipe firmly but kindly.

We are correcting it. Not punishing it.

Now, and this is important, clean the steam holes.

Use a cotton bud dipped in vinegar and clear each little vent. Little wooden toothpicks come in handy here too for clearing out those steam holes. If they’re blocked, your iron will splutter dramatically at the worst possible moment. Rather like an amateur actor forgetting their lines.

3. The Great Interior Clean (Where the Real Drama Lives)

Now then. Limescale.

An astonishing amount of trouble in irons comes from mineral build-up inside the water tank. If ignored, it will spit rusty droplets onto your freshly laundered linen. Deeply offensive behaviour.

If Your Iron Has a Self-Clean Button

Fill the tank with water, plug it in, heat it fully, then hold it over a sink and press the self-clean button.

It will hiss and expel its sins quite theatrically. Allow it to do so.

Empty completely.

If It Does Not (Older Models Can Be Stubborn)

Mix:

Half white vinegar
Half water

Fill the tank and let it heat to steam. Allow it to steam for several minutes.

Then unplug, cool, empty thoroughly.

Afterwards, refill with plain water and steam again to rinse.

We want freshness – not vinaigrette pressing into the cuffs.

4. The Exterior (Presentation Matters)

Wipe the body and handle with a damp cloth and a touch of mild washing-up liquid if needed.

You would be surprised what accumulates on handles. Hand cream, starch residue, the faint suggestion of last Tuesday.

Dry it properly.

An iron should gleam modestly, not drip apologetically.

5. Storage (Where Standards Are Maintained)

Always empty the tank before putting it away.

Standing water breeds limescale and disappointment.

Store upright. Wrap the cord neatly, not as though it has lost an argument with itself.

What We Absolutely Do Not Do

No steel wool

No knives scraping burnt fabric (I see you)

No filling it with perfume or linen spray

No leaving water sloshing about indefinitely

If it is not clean inside, scent is merely theatre.

The 30-Minute Proper Iron Revival

When the old girl needs a full refresh:

Unplug and cool

Clean the soleplate with bicarbonate paste

Clear steam holes

Run vinegar solution through the tank

Rinse with clean water

Wipe exterior

Store properly

And there you are.

A gleaming, well-mannered iron ready to press with dignity rather than vengeance.

Crisp collars await.

Now then … who’s putting the kettle on?