Do you rely on your steam iron to keep your clothes and laundry looking crisp and fresh?
As convenient and helpful as they are, they can become quite the mess if they’re not cleaned properly and regularly.
Over time, the iron collects mineral deposits, dirt and fabric particles, reducing steam output and leaving unsightly brown stains on your clothing.
Today, I’m going to show you how to clean your steam iron’s water tank so you can keep it running at peak performance and keep your clothes looking great:
Contents
Tips for Cleaning Your Steam Iron Water Tank:
1. Unplug your steam iron before cleaning the water tank.
2. Empty the water tank and rinse it with warm water.
3. Remove any limescale buildup from the water tank.
4. Fill the tank with a mixture of white vinegar and water.
5. Turn the steam iron on and leave it running for 10 minutes.
6. Pour out the vinegar solution and rinse the tank with fresh water.
7. Dry the tank before re-filling it with fresh water.
Cleaning the water tank of a steam iron can often be a source of frustration and annoyance.
Empty water tanks are awkward to handle and cleaning them can be a time-consuming and laborious process.
The build-up of limescale residue needs to be removed thoroughly in order to ensure the steam iron is functioning properly and safely.
One potential fix is to use a combination of white vinegar and water to flush and remove any limescale residue.
You can also try using a toothbrush to gently scrub away any stubborn marks. Another option is to use lemon juice, which can help break down and dissolve residue.
Finally, you can use a cloth dampened with water and a mild detergent to wipe down the tank and remove any tough build-up.
Related – Want to put disinfectant in a steam mop? Read this first!
Why (Clean) Steam Irons Are so Awesome
Steam irons are one of the most effective appliances for pressing and smoothing fabrics because steam helps to relax the fibers and make them more pliable.
This can make it easier to remove wrinkles and create a crisp, smooth finish on a variety of fabrics.
There are several other factors that contribute to the effectiveness of steam irons:
- Heat: Most steam irons have a high heat setting that allows them to quickly and effectively press fabrics. This is especially useful for fabrics that are prone to wrinkling, such as linen and cotton.
- Weight: Steam irons tend to be heavier than non-steam irons, which can make them easier to use and more effective at pressing fabrics. The weight of the iron helps to apply even pressure to the fabric, helping to smooth out wrinkles.
- Soleplate: The soleplate is the flat, heated surface of the iron that comes into contact with the fabric. Steam irons often have smooth, stainless steel soleplates that glide easily over fabrics and help to prevent snagging or pulling.
- Water tank: Steam irons have a built-in water tank that holds water that is heated and turned into steam. This allows you to use steam to help press and smooth fabrics, without having to constantly refill the iron.
Overall, steam irons are popular and effective tools for pressing and smoothing fabrics because of their heat, weight, soleplate design, and built-in steam capabilities.
The Benefits of a Clean Steam Iron Water Tank
It’s important to keep your steam iron clean and well maintained.
Not only does this reduce the risk of damage to your clothes, but it can also significantly reduce the amount of energy your iron uses.
A particularly important component to keep clean is your steam iron water tank – and it’s easy too!
Regularly cleaning the tank will help ensure your iron runs at optimum efficiency and that it continues to produce the best quality steam for your garments.
You’ll also reduce the risk of build-up of runoff which can cause rust and other problems.
With the few simple steps covered above, you can keep your steam iron water tank clean and ready to perform at it’s best – and your laundry will show it!
Related – Can you put cleaner in a shark steam mop? Read this post first!
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I clean the soleplate of my steam iron?
To clean the soleplate of your steam iron, first turn off the iron and allow it to cool completely. Then, fill the water tank with equal parts white vinegar and water, and turn the iron on to its highest heat setting.
Once the iron has heated up, run it over a clean, dry cloth or piece of paper to remove any dirt or residue on the soleplate.
If the soleplate is very dirty, you can also try using a soft-bristled brush or a mixture of baking soda and water to gently scrub away any stuck-on grime.
How do I remove mineral deposits from my steam iron?
Hard water can leave mineral deposits on the soleplate of your steam iron, which can interfere with its performance and leave marks on your clothes.
To remove these deposits, fill the water tank with equal parts white vinegar and water, and turn the iron on to its highest heat setting.
Once the iron has heated up, run it over a clean, dry cloth or piece of paper to remove the deposits.
If the deposits are particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat this process several times.
How do I remove rust from my steam iron?
If your steam iron has developed rust, you can try using a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and salt to scrub the rust away.
First, turn off the iron and allow it to cool completely. Then, mix the lemon juice and salt together to form a paste, and apply it to the rust spots on the soleplate.
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the rust away, and then wipe the soleplate clean with a damp cloth.
Can I use commercial iron cleaners on my steam iron?
Yes, you can use commercial iron cleaners on your steam iron, but be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully.
Some iron cleaners may contain chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested, so be sure to use them in a well-ventilated area and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
How often should I clean my steam iron?
It’s a good idea to clean your steam iron regularly to remove dirt, grime, and mineral deposits that can build up over time.
How often you need to clean your iron will depend on how often you use it and the type of water you use to fill the tank.
If you use hard water to fill the tank, you may need to clean the iron more frequently to remove mineral deposits.
In general, it’s a good idea to clean your iron at least once a month, or more frequently if you notice any build-up on the soleplate.
Image credits – Photo by Volha Flaxeco on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.