Cleaning a Steam Iron White Scale and Brown Water

If you are having problems with your steam iron spitting out brown water or white scale all over your clothing, then you need to read this tip.

Both of these problems are caused by poor quality water being used in your steam iron.
The problems are different in that they are caused by two different types of poor water quality. The brown coloring of the water is usually caused by organic matter or iron mineral in your tap water.

If you are getting white scale on your clothing from your iron then it is usually because of calcium or other minerals in your tap water.

Either of these problems can also contribute to spitting or leaking of the iron when in use.

To clean the inside of the iron you must first empty all the water from the iron. Then fill the iron half full with bottled spring water and then fill to full with vinegar. Run the iron at its hottest setting for 15 minutes and then drain the solution. Fill again with just the bottled spring water. Reheat and then empty. After removing all of the water, turn on the iron and let it sit in the horizontal position for a few seconds to evaporate the last of the water. This will not hurt your iron, but will remove all the moisture before storage.

To keep your iron working well, use bottled spring water, and remember to remove all water before storing your iron. Always allow the iron to cool and store it on its heel.
Using the right water will prolong the life of your iron. Commercial de-scaling cleaners are hard on the inside of the iron and can cause leaks. Do not use distilled water, as it is too pure and will not produce much if any steam.