The steam work on a steam iron provides the key to ridding your clothes of wrinkles easily, without burning the cloth. Over time, the small holes which emit steam become clogged because of mineral deposits which build up from evaporating tap water. Once this occurs, the steam attribute may no longer work effectively or the iron may not glide smoothly along as you use it, rendering it more useless than useful. Regular white vinegar cleans up the iron and its vents so that it works properly once more.
Unplug the iron and let it cool if necessary. Drain the water chamber in a sink by holding the iron upside down so the water comes out through the hole used to pour water in.
Inspect the steam vents on the flat ironing plate, looking for white deposits. Check the spray or mist port as well, in case your iron has one. Clean as much residue as possible from each hole using a toothpick or skewer. Brush the holes using a toothbrush, holding the iron above a trashcan as you work, to discharge more loose debris.
Pour equal portions white vinegar and water to the water chamber of the iron. Set the iron to the “Steam” setting and plug it in, sitting on the iron upright as you normally do when heating it up.
Press and hold the “Steam” button for a minimum of 30 seconds once the iron has heated up for a few minutes. Press it several more times to steam-clean the steam vents.
Run the iron over a cotton towel or old cotton cloth, pressing the steam button once more. The cloth catches some of those mineral deposits which drop from the steam vents and wipes them from the ports. Place the iron upright again and unplug it, allowing it to cool completely.
Check the steam port holes once more. Clean out any remaining deposits using a toothpick, skewer or toothbrush.