How to Clean an Iron That's Leaving Spots

Ensure that your iron is completely cool and unplugged before you clean it. Cleaning it while it's hot or plugged in can result in burns or electrical shocks.

Fill your sink with a squirt of dish washing detergent and hot water. Dip a dishcloth into the soapy water, wring it out and clean the heating surface of your iron with as much elbow grease as possible. The detergent will cut through any grease or residue. For stubborn residue, dip a non-scratch scouring pad into the water, and scrub the iron's surface with it until clean.

Rinse the dishcloth in clean water and wipe the heating surface of the iron clean so that no soapy residue remains. Use a dish towel to thoroughly dry the iron's surface.

Use a pipe cleaner to remove any grit and grim from the steam holes in the iron's heating surface. Gently insert the end of the pipe cleaner into the hole and twist it in a circle. Use an old toothbrush dipped in water to scrub out any additional residue. Wipe the surface of the iron with a clean, damp dishcloth.

Fill the iron with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Plug the iron in, adjust the setting to "steam" and allow the iron to sit until the water and vinegar mixture has evaporated.

Fill the iron with water, plug it in and set it to "steam." Test the iron on an old pillowcase or bed sheet to ensure that you've fixed the spotting problem before you use it on your good clothing.