If some holes in your iron are clogged or rust particles come out together with the steam and stain your clothes, it is likely that the minerals in the tap water have blocked and corroded the tank. Limescale deposits and rust may also have blocked the holes from which the steam escapes. Fortunately, you can easily solve the problem by using vinegar to free the tank and plate of residues that hinder the proper functioning of the iron.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Clean the Limescale from the Tank
Step 1. Unplug from the power outlet and let the iron cool down
Before starting, check that it is not connected to the electricity supply and wait until it has cooled completely. This way you won't run the risk of getting burned or shocked when using vinegar.
Step 2. Inspect the holes from which the steam is escaping
Notice if there are any whitish residues in the holes, delivery lines and metal soleplate. Remove all the ones you see using a wooden or plastic toothpick, an old toothbrush or a cotton swab. This first step will ensure more effective cleaning by the vinegar later, even inside the water tank and ducts.
Do not use any metal objects to remove limescale residues as you may scratch the surfaces of the iron
Step 3. Dilute the vinegar and pour it into the water tank
Mix 60 ml of distilled white vinegar with 180 ml of distilled water in a container with a spout for pouring. Place the iron vertically and pour the diluted vinegar into the tank, filling it to one third of the capacity.
If the amount of limescale is large, increase the dose of vinegar or use it pure
Step 4. Turn on the iron
Plug the appliance back in, turn on the steam function and set the temperature to a medium-high level. Let the iron heat up for at least five minutes. The vinegar will push the mineral deposits outwards, facilitating the subsequent cleaning of the dispensing ducts.
Step 5. Press the steam button
It is at this point that the vinegar will give its best. Press the steam button and hold it for 20-30 seconds. Repeat this operation at least six times or until the jet of steam comes out freely from the iron.
Step 6. Empty the tank
First, unplug the appliance again and let the iron cool completely. Afterwards, empty the tank of any remaining liquid. Together with the water and vinegar, the accumulations of limestone that have detached from the walls will also come out.
Step 7. Rinse the tank
Pour in a cup of clean distilled water (250ml), then turn the iron back on and press and hold the steam button again. The last residues of limestone and vinegar will come out of the iron.
Part 2 of 2: Clean the plate from limescale
Step 1. Once again, unplug from the power outlet and let the iron cool down
Before starting, check that it is not connected to the electricity supply and wait until it has cooled completely. This way you won't run the risk of getting burned or shocked while cleaning it.
Step 2. Remove the whitish residue from the steam dispensing holes
These are the mineral deposits that clog the holes. Before cleaning the soleplate, remove most of these residues using a wooden or plastic toothpick, an old toothbrush or a cotton swab. Afterwards, the vinegar will be able to penetrate the ducts better when you clean the plate.
Do not use any metal objects to remove limescale residues as you may scratch the surfaces of the iron
Step 3. Make a cleansing paste using vinegar in combination with salt or baking soda
Mix the distilled white vinegar with equal parts sea (or kosher) salt or baking soda. Mix until you have a paste with which to rub the metal plate to clean it of mineral deposits, dirt and residues left by the glue on the fabrics.
Step 4. Scrub the plate
Pick up a small amount of the cleaning paste with a clean white rag and start rubbing it into the metal in circular motions. Slightly increase the pressure where the soleplate is dirtiest.
Take some cleansing paste with a cotton swab and scrub the inside of the holes from which the steam is dispensed to remove even the most hidden residues and mineral deposits
Step 5. Rinse the plate after cleaning it
Dampen a second clean white cloth and use it to wipe the residue of the cleaning paste (and any remaining dirt) from the bottom of the iron. If necessary, repeat the process all over to refine the result.
Step 6. Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners
Do not rub the plate with any object that could scratch it, for example with a rough sponge or glass wool, and do not use any abrasive detergent. Also, do not exert too much force against the metal surfaces of the iron to avoid scratching them or they will rust further and stain your clothes further.
