How to clean an iron

[Uzoma]

Can anyone suggest a way to clean off the dried off dirt on the surface of an iron? I want to be careful so that I don't damage the surface. Thank you.

[Tim Baxter]

If it's a Teflon coated iron then a plastic scrubber with non abrasive liquid cleaner should do it.  On no account use anything that you wouldn't use on your non-stick pans.

If it's an ordinary cast aluminium sole then you can use anything you like, brillo pad, cream Ajax, edge of a sharp knife.  I would, though, stop short of sand paper!

It helps if the sole is still slightly warm when you clean it.

[woofgang]

You can buy sole plate cleaning stuff ftom the odds and sods department in most big shops or from iron mongers

[crisgal]

a soft cloth, a cold iron and some vinegar.

[Ralph]

If you're me, you get the iron good and hot, then make ironing motions on the back of a nice clean white shirt. This gets the iron nice and clean but results in a mad dash around the flat to find an alternative shirt and makes you late for work.

[Uzoma]

Ralph - All I can say is, it's a good thing I'm not you!! :�)