How to Clean an Iron with Vinegar

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If your iron has clogged vents or sprays rusty water on your clothes, this usually means that the minerals in tap water have clogged and corroded the iron’s water reservoir. The steam vents and surface may also be clogged with minerals or rust. You can easily clean your iron using some vinegar to unclog the reservoir and remove residue on the soleplate, which is the metal surface.

Things You Should Know

  • Loosen white residue in the holes of the soleplate with a toothpick, toothbrush, or cotton swab.
  • Fill the water reservoir with a water- vinegar mixture. Heat up the iron and press the "steam" button for 20-30 seconds. Repeat until steam flows freely.
  • Apply a baking soda-vinegar paste to the soleplate and scrub gently using circular motions. Then, rinse the soleplate with clean water.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Unclogging the Water Reservoir

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid8782459-v4-728px-Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Before you begin, make sure the iron is unplugged. Allow it to cool off completely before you start. This can ensure you don’t burn or electrocute yourself when adding the vinegar.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Check for white residue in the holes, or steam ducts, on the iron’s soleplate. Remove any residue you see using a wood or plastic toothpick, toothbrush, or cotton swab. This can help your vinegar mixture better clean the reservation and its ducts onto the plate. [1]
    • Avoid using anything metal to remove residue because this can scratch the iron’s surface.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Mix one quarter cup (60ml) white vinegar and ¾ cup (180ml) distilled water in a cup with a spout. [2] With the iron upright, pour this mixture into the water reservoir until it is about one-third full.
    • Use a larger amount of distilled white vinegar or only vinegar for very clogged irons.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Plug in your iron again and set it to the steam feature. [3] The heat setting should be at medium to high. Allow it to heat for at least 5 minutes. This flushes out mineral deposits and makes it easier to clean the ducts. [4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Now it’s time to really let the vinegar work its magic. Push down on the steam button and hold it for 20-30 seconds. Repeat at least 6 times, or until the steam flows freely from your iron. [5]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Unplug your iron again and let it cool off completely. Then pour out any remaining vinegar/water mixture. This ensures that you remove mineral buildup in the reservoir. [6]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Fill the reservoir with one cup (240ml) plain, distilled water. Turn on the iron again and hold the steam button again. This will clear any traces of remaining mineral deposits or vinegar.
    8. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Removing Residue on the Soleplate

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid8782459-v4-728px-Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Before you begin cleaning, make sure that your iron is unplugged and cooled off. This can ensure that you don’t burn or electrocute yourself while cleaning.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid8782459-v4-728px-Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    White residue in the holes of the soleplate is often mineral deposit. Before you clean the soleplate, use a wood or plastic toothpick, toothbrush, or cotton swab to remove this. This allows the vinegar mixture to penetrate and clean the iron’s surface. [7]
    • Avoid using metal tools to clean visible deposits. This can scratch the surface of the iron.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Mix equal parts table or kosher salt or baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Stir them into a paste to scrub starch, mineral deposits, and or sizing residue from your iron’s soleplate.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Dip a clean, white cloth into the paste. Moving in circles, rub the mixture over the soleplate. Use slightly more pressure for heavily soiled soleplates.
    • Scrub the steam duct opening with a dab of the paste on a cotton swab. This allows you to more effectively clear away any residue or deposits.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean an Iron with Vinegar
    Wet a separate clean, white cloth. Wipe the surface of the soleplate to remove the paste and any residue or deposits. Repeat scrubbing and rinsing as necessary to remove all of the buildup.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/aid8782459-v4-728px-Clean-an-Iron-with-Vinegar-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Never scrub or rub your iron soleplates with a scouring pad, steel wool or abrasive cleansers. You should also gently scrub the surface. Doing this can ensure that you don’t scratch the surface, which can lead to rusting and further staining.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can tap water be used instead of distilled water with white vinegar to clean the inside of an iron?
    Community Answer
    You could, but you risk mineral build-up inside the iron. Distilled water is my recommendation.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      12 Ways to Clean Your Iron’s Soleplate, Reservoir & Steam Holes
      How to Clean off Melted Aluminum Foil in the Oven
      How to Whiten Yellowed Plastic on Home Appliances
      How to Clean a Sticky Iron with Household Products
      How to
      Clean a Vicks Humidifier
      How to Clean a Steam Iron and Its Base Plate
      The Best Way to Clean a Teflon Iron
      How to
      Clean Artisan Hien
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clean-iron
      2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clean-iron
      3. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clean-iron
      4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clean-iron
      5. ↑ https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-an-iron-2146972
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clean-iron
      7. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/clean-iron

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you start cleaning your iron, make sure the iron is unplugged and allow it to cool completely. Once it's cooled completely, use a toothpick or cotton swab to remove any residue from the holes in the iron’s soleplate. Then, pour a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar into the water reservoir until it is about one-third full. Heat up the iron for five minutes, and then press the steam button for 20-30 seconds repeatedly until the steam flows freely. To clear out any remaining traces of vinegar, fill the reservoir with just distilled water and run the steam function again. For tips on how to remove residue on the soleplate of your iron, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 92,743 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Aleyda Sosa

        Jun 26, 2019

        "I always love your articles. Thanks for saving the day every time."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement