How to Clean an Iron: Soleplate and Descaling Guide

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Quick answer: clean an iron in two parts. Inside: fill the tank, heat to maximum, unplug and hold the iron flat over a sink, then press and hold the self-clean button so hot water flushes mineral scale out of the soleplate (or rinse the removable scale collector if your iron has one). Outside: once it is cool, rub the soleplate with a paste of baking soda and water, wipe it off with a damp cloth and clear the steam holes with a cotton swab. Do this about once a month if your water is hard.

Mineral scale is the main reason irons start spitting white flakes or brown water, lose steam or leave marks on clothes. Much of the US has moderately hard to very hard water, so regular cleaning makes a big difference to how long an iron lasts. Always check your manual first: the steps below cover the most common systems used by Rowenta, Black+Decker, T-fal (Tefal outside North America), CHI, Conair and others.

Signs your iron needs cleaning

  • White flakes or chalky spots coming out of the steam holes.
  • Brown or dirty water spitting onto clothes.
  • Weaker steam than when new, or no steam at all.
  • The iron drags or leaves shiny or sticky marks.
  • Brown or black stains on the soleplate.

Part 1: descale with the self-clean button (most steam irons)

  1. Fill the tank to MAX with the water your manual recommends and turn the steam control off.
  2. Stand the iron on its heel, set it to the maximum temperature and wait for the ready light.
  3. Unplug the iron and hold it horizontally over a sink.
  4. Press and hold the self-clean button (Rowenta, Black+Decker and others label it “self clean” or show a symbol) while gently rocking the iron. Hot water, steam and scale flush out of the soleplate.
  5. Release when the tank is empty or when your manual says to stop.
  6. Plug in again and heat briefly, then iron over an old cloth to dry the soleplate and catch any last residue.

Repeat once or twice if the water still comes out cloudy. Keep your hands and face away from the soleplate: the water and steam are scalding.

Part 1: removable anti-calc valve or scale collector

Some irons have a removable anti-calc valve or rod (common on Rowenta models) or a scale collector at the heel (on some T-fal models). With the iron unplugged and cool, remove it as the manual describes, rinse or soak it as directed (some manuals allow a short soak in white vinegar for the valve only), and refit it firmly. Never operate the iron without the valve in place.

Part 1: steam stations

Steam stations (steam generators) usually have a scale collector, rinse cap or anti-calc cartridge in the base. When the descale light comes on, let the base cool and depressurize completely, then follow the manual: typically you remove the collector or cap over a sink, rinse it and refit it, or replace the cartridge. See steam station vs steam iron for how these systems differ.

Part 2: clean the soleplate

  1. Unplug the iron and let it cool completely.
  2. Mix about 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water into a paste.
  3. Rub the paste gently over the plate with a soft cloth, avoiding the steam holes.
  4. Wipe off with a damp cloth. For discoloration, follow with a cloth dampened in white vinegar, then plain water.
  5. Clean each steam hole with a cotton swab or wooden toothpick (not metal).
  6. Fill the tank, heat up and steam over an old towel to flush out any loosened paste.

For melted plastic, starch or fusible web, see how to get sticky residue off an iron.

Clean the outside and the tank

Wipe the body and cord with a damp cloth and mild dish soap when the iron is cool and unplugged. Do not submerge the iron. To refresh the tank, fill it with clean water, shake, and empty it through the fill opening; repeat a couple of times.

What water should I use?

Follow your manual; manufacturers disagree. Many Rowenta and T-fal manuals say their irons are designed for untreated tap water and that pure distilled or demineralized water alone can cause spitting in some models, recommending a mix of tap and distilled water if your water is very hard. Other brands recommend distilled water. Whatever you use, avoid:

  • Water from a dryer, air conditioner, dehumidifier or refrigerator.
  • Rainwater, scented water, ironing water with additives, or water softened with salt-based softeners if the manual warns against it.
  • Starch, fabric softener or anything other than water in the tank.

Can I descale an iron with vinegar?

Only if your manual allows it. Many manufacturers advise against putting vinegar or commercial descaler in the tank because acids can damage seals, valves and the steam chamber, and it can void the warranty. If your manual does allow a vinegar solution, use the dilution it specifies, then flush with plain water several times. When in doubt, use the self-clean function more often instead.

How to keep an iron clean

  • Empty the tank after every session while the iron is still warm, then let it cool upright.
  • Run self-clean about once a month in hard-water areas, or every two to three months with soft water.
  • Iron at the right temperature to avoid melting synthetics onto the plate; see our iron temperature guide.
  • Store the iron upright on its heel to protect the soleplate.
  • Next time you buy, consider an iron with a good anti-calc system; our buying guide explains what to look for.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my iron?

Descale about once a month with hard water, or every two to three months with soft water, and wipe the soleplate whenever it looks dirty or drags.

Why is my iron spitting brown water?

Usually mineral scale and residue in the steam chamber, or steaming before the iron is fully heated. Run the self-clean function several times and wait for the ready light.

Why are white flakes coming out of my iron?

Those are mineral scale flakes. Descale with the self-clean button or scale collector, then empty the tank after each use.

Can I clean my iron with baking soda?

Yes. A paste of baking soda and water on a soft cloth is a gentle, widely recommended way to clean a cool soleplate. Keep it out of the steam holes and the tank.

Should I use distilled water in my iron?

It depends on the brand. Some manufacturers recommend distilled water; others, including Rowenta and T-fal, generally say to use tap water or a tap and distilled mix. Check your manual.

Related guides

Sources: User manuals and support pages from Rowenta, T-fal, Black+Decker, CHI and Conair (self-clean, anti-calc and water recommendations); USGS water hardness information for the United States. How we research.