How To: Clean an iron with Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE

What's the best way to clean an iron? It is inevitable that it will eventually need a good cleaning. Your dress shirts look crisp, but over time your iron might look the worse for wear. This simple technique gets rid of mineral spots on the iron's plate and cleans out caked steam vents. Learn how to clean an iron with the folks from Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE.

What You Need:
Iron, flat surface, water, baking soda, spatula, damp cloth, cotton swab, distilled water, clean cloth

Follow These Seven Easy Steps

How To: Clean an Iron Step 1
Mix water and baking soda
Make a paste of 1 tablespoon water and 2 tablespoons baking soda.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 2
Apply the paste to the iron
Using a spatula, spread the paste on the iron's plate, coating the areas that have mineral deposits.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 3
Wipe iron clean
Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 4
Clean steam holes
Dip a cotton swab in distilled water and insert it into the iron's steam vents. Pour out any stagnant water left in the iron.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 4
Re-fill the reservoir
Pour in distilled water until the reservoir is one third full.
Tip: For a stronger solution, mix 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup white vinegar.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 6
Turn on the steam
Turn on the iron to its highest setting and steam-iron a clean cloth for a few minutes, letting clean water flush out any vent deposits.

How To: Clean an Iron Step 7
Pour out the liquid
Turn off the iron and pour out any remaining water. Place the iron on a surface that isn't too delicate, in case any sediment drips out of it.
Tip: Empty the iron's reservoir after every use to prevent mineral deposits from building up.