Does anyone know how to descale an iron?

Amie_007

I am advised that you guys on this forum, know EVERYTHING!!!

My iron has started to make weird and wonderful noises and eject some strange liquids. I'm told it might need descaling?!

I was going to go abd buy a new one, but thats joining in the spirit of this site, if it can be fixed!

So, my question to you experts, is, as the title suggests: Does anyone know how to descale an iron - I have never done this in my life and I'm hoping someone can give me some help!

squeaky

We sure can!

If you take a look at the "Cleaning" section in the "MEGA Index" sticky at the top of the board you'll find links to threads on cleaning and descaling an iron, and others on kettles which can be adapted to fit your needs

AnnieH

Hi there. Is there any way I can descale my iron without resorting to those [STRIKE]toxic waste[/STRIKE] descaling products.

I know vinegar is good for taps and kettles, but can I use it on my iron or will it wreck it?

Zed42

I use vinegar for my iron, does the trick nicely

AnnieH

Thanks Zed42. Do I pour it into the water spout or what?/

Sorry if I appear a bit thick, but I've never descaled an iron before.

Pink.

Hi Annie,

I put a solution of half vinegar and half water into the water chamber and leave the iron overnight. Then I switch it on to steam and holding the iron over the sink the dirt comes out of the holes on the soleplate. Sometimes if the iron is badly scaled you might need to repeat the descaling.

Pink

AnnieH

Thank you I'll try that tomight.

mrsmortenharket

what pink-winged said!

Lisa x

Leothecat

Basically what the title says. I have had a crappy Tesco £5 iron for ages and then a friend gave me an extra Breville iron they had and had only used once. Anyway, when it is on steam and you iron, when you lift it upright again and a big puff of steam comes out, so does a big splash of dirt. This is obviously caused by dirt in the iron and I have tried cleaning the holes with a cloth before I start but it is still happening. Does anyone have a resolution for this or is it just for the bin? I really dont want to cos it is a good iron and using it makes the ironing seem easy in comparison to the crappy Tescos one! :rolleyes:

rosy

I wonder if it needs to be descaled? You can get descaling stuff in sachets but there's bound to be an old-style alternative like vinegar - I imagine that you would fill the water tank with it and heat it up then empty it, flush out with clean water a few times. I have never tried doing this though so I would hang on for more replies before trying it! ( Not a lot of help I know! )

V.Lucky

I am wanting to descale my electric steamer. It's a Tefal one with an element that is exposed and it's got lots of scale on it.

Would I use the same method as above. And do you mean normal malt vinegar or white vinegar?

Thanks