How do you clean the bottom of an iron?

Cleaning the bottom of an iron requires dissolving buildup and purging the steam vents. The process takes about 20 minutes, and it requires distilled water, baking soda, white vinegar, a rubber spatula, a cotton swab, a damp cloth and a dry cloth.

1. Apply baking soda paste

   Mix together 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar. Use the rubber spatula to apply the paste to the bottom of the cold, unplugged iron. Use the damp cloth to wipe off the paste.

2. Wipe the steam holes

   Apply distilled water to the cotton swab. Use the swab to wipe off buildup from the bottom steam vents.

3. Clean the vents

   Pour out old water remaining in the iron. Add 1/4 cup white vinegar and 3/4 cup distilled water to the reservoir. Set the iron to its hottest temperature for several minutes. Iron a dry cloth, using steam to flush out the vents. Unplug the iron, and drain the reservoir.