How to Clean an Iron (Plate and Steam Vents)

Remove the built-up gunk and burn marks from your iron. We explain the best ways to clean your iron plate and unblock your steam vents.

We often treat cleaning an iron like cleaning a vacuum – it's one of those home chores we frequently overlook until something breaks.

Now, here’s the bitter truth: When you use an iron over a long period without cleaning, your iron is likely to start clinging to fabric, spitting dirty water, or leaving black stains on your clothes. This is because cloth fibers, starch, dirt, and dust accumulate over time on the iron's soleplate and steam vents. 

In this article, we’ll explain several methods for cleaning your iron's soleplate and vents.

How to clean an iron plate

Your iron's soleplate gathers many kinds of dirt over time, including starch, burned fabric, residue from fabric softeners, and rust, which can harm your garments. 

You'll initially notice that your iron struggles to glide over your garments rather than sliding effortlessly along them and that your creases resemble zigzags rather than clean, straight lines. Afterward, the iron starts to give off strange smells and leaves stains on your clothes.

Depending on your build-up type, you may need to try different approaches until you find the one that works best. Whichever method you use, remember one cardinal rule: don’t scrub the soleplate with highly-abrasive cleansers. This can cause scratches and rust. 

Here are the supplies you’ll need and methods to clean your iron plate.

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What you’ll need

  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Distilled water
  • Cotton swabs
  • Toothbrush
  • Soft, clean clothes
  • Ironing board or towel
  • Lemons
  • Salt with coarse granules

How to remove black marks, rust, and residue from an iron plate

Method 1: Baking soda

Baking soda is a home wonder cleaner. It can clean anything from glass and electric stovetops to dishwashers and many more. In this case, it can also remove the black marks and rust from your iron plate.

Step 1: Unplug

Never submerge the iron in water or use water to clean the iron while it is still plugged in. Instead, unplug the iron and let it cool completely before cleaning.

Step 2: Prepare the mixture

Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to make a paste. Then apply the baking soda paste to the areas of the iron soleplate with black marks, rust, or residue. Leave the paste on for 5 to 10 minutes.

Be careful that the baking soda paste doesn’t get into the steam vents.

Step 3: Clean

Gently scrub the soleplate to remove the dirt and grime using a soft cloth or a toothbrush. Be careful not to scratch the soleplate.

Step 4: Rinse

Wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue or cleaning product. This method should altogether remove the black marks, rust, and residue from your iron plate. 

If there are still leftover stains, here’s another method to try.

Method 2: Lemon and salt

The acid in the lemon juice helps to dissolve the rust, black marks, and other residues on the iron plate. While the salt acts as a light abrasive, helping to scrub away the stains and spots.

Step 1: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side.

Step 2: Rub the lemon half with salt over the iron plate, focusing on the areas with the marks or rust.

Step 3: Leave the lemon and salt on the iron plate for a few hours or overnight if the marks are stubborn.

Step 4: Use a damp cloth to clean the cleaning product and any stains left over on the iron plate. Then dry it with a towel or rag.

How to clean a burnt iron plate

  • Plug your iron into a wall outlet and set it to the lowest possible heat setting. Make sure it’s not hot enough to burn you. 
  • Wait for the iron to warm up. As the iron heats up, the burnt fabric should start to soften.
  • Scrape the burnt fabric bits off the iron using a wooden spatula or another flat-edged wooden object. Substitute the wooden spatula for a moist nylon mesh pad if your iron plate is nonsticky.

All the burnt fabric should have fallen or been cleaned off at this stage. However, if there is remnant fabric, use distilled white vinegar.

  • Place a clean, vinegar-soaked cloth (damp, but not dripping) on top of your iron plate and wait 20 to 30 minutes. The cloth may get hot, so be careful when removing it. While the cloth is on your iron, be sure to watch that it doesn’t get so hot it burns. 
  • Next, add a little amount of table salt to a blank sheet of paper and repeatedly pass the iron over it.
  • Finally, unplug the iron and let it cool. Then wipe the soleplate with a wet cloth to remove the vinegar, salt, and any burnt fabric.

How to clean the steam vents on an iron

Turn off the iron and unplug it from the power source. This will ensure that you don't accidentally burn yourself or damage the iron while cleaning.

  • Combine 3/4 cup of distilled water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar. 
  • Pour a portion of the mixture into the iron water reservoir.
  • Next, plug the iron in and turn on the steam function.
  • Let the iron warm up for three to five minutes. Then, push and hold the steam button until the steam is released.

Repeat this step four to six times, and turn off the iron.

  • Put a cotton swab into the leftover mixture, being sure to squeeze off any extra liquid. Then carefully brush the wet cotton swab over the steam vents, paying more attention to all the nooks and crannies. 

Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to dislodge any deposits or buildup clogging the vents.

  • Drain the vinegar and water mixture from the iron. 
  • Rinse out any leftover solution and debris with a clean, wet towel or cotton swab. Be sure to completely clear out the vents.
  • Wipe the entire surface of the iron with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture. You can also let the iron air dry for a few minutes before using it again.
  • Lastly, run the iron over a clean cloth to make sure there are no remaining cleaning solutions or debris in the steam vents.

Clean your iron soleplate and steam vents with ease

Following these steps, you’ll be able to nurse your iron plate back to health in no time.

We recommend that:

  • When cleaning your iron soleplate, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the soleplate, as they can damage the surface. 
  • Never submerge the iron in water or use water to clean the iron while it is still plugged in.
  • Always clean the iron after every use to prevent dirt and grime buildup. 
  • Use distilled water for your steam iron instead of tap water to avoid mineral buildup.
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