When’s the last time you cleaned your iron plate? Or maybe a better question is, have you ever thought about cleaning an iron soleplate? Most people probably haven’t, but when you consider the amount of starch you use or what debris might be getting burnt into your clothes — and onto your iron — as you press the wrinkles out of a dirty shirt, you can see why it’s a good idea to keep the faceplate pristine. Additionally, a clean iron plate helps the tool function properly.
Fortunately, cleaning an iron faceplate isn’t that difficult. Learn how to clean an iron soleplate to make sure your appliance is working as it should, so that your clothes are wrinkle free and not matted with starch and scorched clothing fibers.
Aside from stone and some home appliances with delicate inner workings, vinegar can be used to clean almost anything. That goes for the faceplate of your iron, too!
You’ll need:
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- A microwave-safe bowl
- A spray bottle
- A microfiber cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
1Step 1Heat vinegar
Pour the vinegar into the bowl. Heat this in the microwave for about one minute.
-
2Step 2Spritz iron
Carefully pour the vinegar into the spray bottle. Spritz the microfiber cloth with the hot vinegar until it’s dampened, but not saturated.
-
3Step 3Wipe
Wipe the soleplate of the iron with the cloth.
Repeat until the soleplate is free of grime.
Tips for Iron Maintenance
The following tips can help keep your iron’s faceplate clean, so that you don’t have to worry about scrubbing it as often.
- When possible, use distilled water in the steam compartment to prevent mineral deposits.
- Empty the water reservoir after every use.
- After each use, let the iron cool completely and wipe down the soleplate with a dampened microfiber cloth to remove any rogue fibers or starch residue.
- As you can see, cleaning an iron soleplate takes little time and effort, but it can make a huge difference in how well your appliance works.
Looking for more ways to make your laundry life a bit easier? Learn ow to organize a laundry room, then take a look at this advice on how to properly wash your delicates.
