Caring For Your Iron

By Shiloah Baker

One thing that I have always tried to do is take care of the things we do own so that they will last for years.  You save a lot of money if you do this. 

Here are some pointers for taking care of your iron. 

• Only use distilled water in your iron.  Regular tap water has minerals and other yucky gook that can clog up your iron and make it wear out faster.  Keep a jug of distilled water in your laundry area that is just for your iron.   It is also important to keep the water full and not to let it get empty!

• Don't drop your iron.  They are heavy and when they fall it really starts to wear them out.  Easy ways to keep this from happening is to not store it on top of your ironing board that is left up.  When you are ironing and have to leave it for a minute, push the board against the wall and let the iron lean on the wall to cool.  Don't let the hot part touch the wall, though!!! That could be a real mess!

• Clean Your iron on a regular basis.  Wipe it down after each use.  This is especially important if you use starch or fabric sizing.  This can clog the pores and leave residue.  This is also not good when ironing other fabrics as it can stain them.

• To clean a metal plate iron:  Remove sticky films by using a quality hot soleplate cleaner.

• Avoid pressing the iron over sharp objects such as zippers and metal buttons, and don't set it down face-down on any rough surfaces.

Some Precautions to take:

• Keep your iron way from children or pets.  The iron is heavy and could seriously injure someone if it fell.  Not to mention burning them!!!

• As with all electrical appliances, do NOT immerse in water.

• Do not use an iron with a damaged cord.  Get a new iron!

• Always unplug the iron before leaving it unattended, filling it with water, or cleaning it.

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