Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning the Bottom of an Iron:

1. Gather Your Supplies:

   • Baking soda

   • White vinegar

   • A microfiber cloth or soft cloth

   • Cotton swabs (for cleaning steam holes)

   • A soft brush or old toothbrush

   • Water

   • Towel (to protect your surface)

2. Unplug and Cool Down the Iron:

   • Make sure the iron is unplugged and completely cooled down before cleaning it to avoid burns or accidents.

3. Create a Cleaning Paste:

   • In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste.

   • The paste should be spreadable but not too runny.

4. Apply the Baking Soda Paste:

   • Spread the baking soda paste over the bottom (soleplate) of the iron using a soft cloth or your fingers.

   • Focus on the areas where there’s buildup or stains, like scorch marks or mineral deposits.

5. Scrub the Soleplate:

   • Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the surface of the iron.

   • Be careful not to damage the non-stick surface of the iron if it has one.

   • Pay attention to the steam holes, as they can collect dirt and debris.

6. Clean the Steam Holes:

   • Dip a cotton swab in white vinegar and carefully clean each steam hole to remove any buildup of minerals or dirt.

   • If needed, use a toothpick or a small brush to gently remove any stubborn debris in the holes.

7. Wipe Down with a Damp Cloth:

   • Dampen a microfiber cloth with water and gently wipe away the baking soda paste from the iron’s soleplate.

   • Ensure you remove all the residue, especially from the steam holes.

8. Use White Vinegar for Tough Stains:

   • For tough stains or stubborn scorch marks, apply a small amount of white vinegar to a cloth and rub the area gently.

   • This should help dissolve any remaining residue or stains.

9. Dry the Iron:

   • Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the soleplate and ensure it’s completely dry.

   • Place the iron on a towel to finish drying and to prevent water from leaking onto other surfaces.

10. Test the Iron:

• Once everything is clean and dry, plug in the iron and test it on a small piece of fabric to ensure there is no residue or moisture left.

• If you notice any leftover residue, repeat the cleaning process as necessary.

Tips:

• Prevent Future Build-up: Clean your iron regularly to prevent residue from accumulating on the soleplate.

• Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Always use a soft brush or cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the soleplate.

• Distilled Water: Use distilled water in your iron’s water reservoir to prevent mineral buildup in the steam holes.