How to Repair Your Iron

An iron is used to straighten out the wrinkled clothes and to kill any microbial activity occurring inside the clothing. Very little repairing is needed in a well-made iron. Most repairs are needed for handles, faulty cords and clogged holes from where steam is released. You can easily repair your iron by following the steps described below.

Step 1 – Identify the Problem

Read the manual provided with your iron. Know what sort of problem exists and what is required before starting with the repairs. Check thermostat and electric cord if the iron does not heat or heats up exceedingly high when the power is switched on. If the steam is not coming out properly or the water is being spat out check the bottom of the iron (sole plate) and holes from where steam is released. Last but not the least, check the sole plate if the clothes are clinging to it. Now that you know the problem, follow the required steps.

Step 2 – Take Appropriate Precautions

Switch off or disconnect the iron and leave it to cool off properly. If you start repairing the iron while it is still plugged to the circuit, you might get an electric shock.

Step 3 – Repairing the Power Cord

Remove the cover panel using appropriate screw driver.  Replace the power cord if it is faulty. Check if the thermostat is calibrating properly. If not, replace it too. Screw the cover panel back on. Switch the iron back on to check the iron is heating properly.

Step 4 – Cleaning the Sole Plate

Use a damp cloth with salt on it and rub the bottom of the iron or simply use a nylon pad with water and soap. If, however, the stain is a stubborn one, some toothpaste can be rubbed with a soft cloth on the stain. If the bottom iron has starch build up on it use white vinegar. You can also mix equal amount of vinegar and salt and use it on the sole plate after heating the solution. Do not employ wire gauze pads or any other kind of pads that may scratch the surface of the non-stick iron. Also, remember not to use abrasive cleaners as they will damage the non-stick coating on the iron. Once the cleaning of this part is done, move towards cleaning the water container or reservoir of the iron.

Step 5 – Remove Burn Marks

Cover the whole iron with paper except bottom of the non-stick iron. Take the iron in open air so the oven cleaner fumes do not spread inside the house. Now directly sprinkle oven cleaner on the bottom. Leave it for three minutes, and then wash the bottom with cold water and remove the paper.

Step 6 – Cleaning the Water Container

Fill 1/4 of the container with white vinegar. Now empty the container by steaming the iron. The fumes of vinegar will open the holes that were earlier clogged by mineral deposits. Fill the container again with vinegar and repeat the process. Continue repeating the process until the holes are totally devoid of the deposits. After ensuring the complete removal of deposits, fill the container with distilled water and wash it thoroughly making sure no vinegar remains in the reservoir or the holes.