3 fixes for your iron

Something stuck to your iron that you can't seem to get off? Iron not heating properly? Your iron isn't likely to cause you too much trouble, but there are a few small things that can go wrong. Luckily, there are also fixes for them.

• If you don't know what's stuck on the soleplate of your iron and the mark doesn't liquify when you heat the iron to its highest temperature, try using one of the hot-iron cleaners available at fabric shops and hardware stores.
• If the stain still remains on an aluminum or chrome soleplate, make a paste of baking soda and water to the consistency of toothpaste.
• Rub it on a cool iron with a soft cloth, then wipe it off with another damp cloth. Don't use this method on a Teflon or metallic non-stick soleplate.

• It's a double-whammy that's bound to happen sooner or later.
• You'll heat that nylon or polyester garment to the melting point and wind up with a scorched garment and synthetic fibres stuck to your iron's soleplate.
• There's nothing you can do to save the garment, but there's plenty you can do to get the gunk off your iron.

  1. Heat the iron until the fibres liquify.

  2. Scrape off the fibres. On non-stick and aluminum or chrome soleplates, use a wooden spatula or a tongue depressor; never scrape with plastic, metal or anything abrasive.

  3. Run the iron over a scrap of terry cloth to remove remaining fibres.

• If your iron heats but doesn't steam properly, chances are the vents in the soleplate are clogged.
• Poke the vents gently with a straightened paper clip or a pipe cleaner.
• Tip the iron so debris won't fall into the vents.
• If the clogs are stubborn, the vents might be easier to clean if you heat the iron first, but don't touch the soleplate until it is sufficiently cooled.
• If your iron has a spray nozzle and it is not working properly, chances are that it has become clogged.
• Clean it with a very fine sewing needle.
• Work carefully and don't push the needle forcefully into the nozzle hole — you might break off the needle, plugging the hole, or you might enlarge the opening, causing a leak.