Whether you love or hate ironing, there is nothing worse than being in a rush only to find your iron is either not working properly or not working at all.

Here are a few tips on how to make your iron last and give you the best possible performance:

After each use:

Turn the iron off and unplug it from the power outlet. Allow the iron to cool completely and then drain all water from the water tank. Leaving water in the iron water tank for long periods can cause the tank to corrode, resulting in leakage.

Storing your iron:

Always store your iron in an upright position, with the iron resting on its heel. Correct storage will prevent any leakage or damage.  Wrap the cord in large loose loops and store next to iron. To prolong the life of the iron, purchase a plastic power cord cover to prevent fraying and excess pressure on the irons power cord.

Cleaning your iron:

If you are lucky enough to have an iron with a self-cleaning function, we recommend you utilise it, following the instructions given by the manufacturer. If not, here are some easy steps on cleaning your iron from top to bottom:

Soleplate:

Over time residue from various fabrics can build up on the soleplate of your iron, it is important to ensure that you periodically clean the soleplate to prevent this.  

Turn the iron off and unplug it from the power outlet. Allow the iron to cool completely. Soak a rough cloth in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Use the cloth to clean the surface of the soleplate, then dry thorough with a soft cloth.

Never use abrasives or scouring pads to clean the soleplate, doing so will damage the surface, which will affect the iron’s performance.

Steam holes:

Lint and starch can build up in the steam holes of your iron and over time this could clog and leave brown rusty stains on your garments. To clean the steam holes, use a damp cloth and the vinegar and water solution. For any remaining hard to reach residue, use an old toothbrush or cotton swab.

Outer housing:

Wipe down the outer housing of the iron with a soft damp cloth and polish with a soft, dry cloth.

APPLIANCES

• Steamline Auto Advance Steam Iron
• Swift Steam Garment Steamer
• SteamStation Steam System