How to clean an iron and remove limescale

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In a recent survey we conducted with Good Housekeeping readers to celebrate 100 years of the GHI, we discovered that ironing ranks high on the list of most dreaded household chores. Outranking laundry, vacuuming, and even cooking. In fact, 16% of respondents said they’d wave a magic wand to have their ironing done instantly.

But here’s the thing: a well-maintained iron can actually make the job quicker, easier, and far more effective.

4 signs your iron needs descaling

• Is your iron spitting out white limescale particles or chalky residue?

• Is there sticky gunk on the soleplate (the hot metal base), especially from synthetic fabrics?

• Does your iron drag instead of gliding smoothly?

• Are there mystery marks or stains showing up on your clothes after pressing?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time for a deep clean. Ignoring the problem could damage your garments, or the iron itself.

a closeup view of the soleplate of a clothing iron showing signs of residue and discoloration

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How to get rid of soleplate gunk

To remove baked-on residue or fabric gunk from the base of your iron, start by wiping the warm soleplate with a clean, damp cloth. We recommend using an e-cloth or microfibre cloth for best results.

If you have dryer sheets, you can use them to buff away grime too—just switch the iron to a low setting and gently rub the surface while it’s still warm.

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Another effective trick? A small dab of white toothpaste on a damp cloth can lift stubborn build-up. Make sure to wipe clean with a fresh cloth afterward.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage the soleplate’s protective coating. If you prefer a ready-made solution, we recommend Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner, which is GHI-approved.

How to descale your iron

Most modern steam irons feature a self-clean or “anti-calc” function. Use it regularly, following the instructions in your iron’s manual.

For a more thorough clean, fill the reservoir one-third full with a 50/50 mix of distilled white vinegar and water. Turn the iron on to a medium heat setting and allow it to steam for 5 to 10 minutes, letting the vinegar break down any internal build-up.

Once done, rinse the reservoir with clean water, refill, and run the iron again to flush out any remaining vinegar or residue. Let it cool, then wipe the base and steam vents with a paper towel.

Note: Always check the manufacturer’s guidance first, as not all models are designed for use with vinegar.

How to unclog steam iron vents

If your iron’s steam vents are blocked, a cotton bud dipped in a vinegar-water solution can help clean them out gently.

To prevent future build-up, always empty the water tank after use, and leave the cap open to air dry completely. This stops limescale and bacteria from forming—especially useful if the iron won’t be used for a while.

If you’re dealing with a more severe build-up, try using a dedicated descaling solution like Oust All Purpose Descaler. Follow the product’s instructions for safe and effective results.

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How to clean steam generator irons

Steam generator irons typically come with built-in anti-scale systems or scale collectors, making regular maintenance easier. For best results, refer to your user manual and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can clean the soleplate on these models the same way as a regular steam iron—just avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive tools.

How to keep your iron clean

To keep your iron performing at its best, check it regularly for residue on the soleplate or signs of clogged steam holes. Don’t forget to empty and air-dry the water chamber after every use to avoid limescale and funky odours.

And if your iron is dragging rather than gliding, you may be using the wrong temperature for your fabrics. Here’s how to fix that:

Sort your laundry by iron temperature, using the care labels for guidance.
Use the dot system: one dot = cool (synthetics), two dots = medium (poly-cotton), three dots = hot (cottons and linens).
Start ironing with the coolest fabrics first, and work your way up to the hottest. That way, your iron has time to heat up between items—and you’ll avoid accidentally scorching sensitive clothes.