There's the likely chance that you've had that awesome steam iron that over a period of time just stopped working like it used to. Do you need to buy a new iron? No! You can actually remedy that iron problem simply and make your iron last you years longer.
It's common that minerals from the water you use in your steam iron will create deposits and build up over time, creating an issue with your iron. These mineral deposits can build up slowly or quickly, depending on where you live. If you live in an area with hard water (that is to say, an area where the tap water is mineral rich) then this could be a bigger and more likely problem for you. The mineral deposits will clog the vents in your steam iron, stopping it from working effectively. The solution is simple and easy.
To cure this problem all you need to do complete a few simple steps. First, scrape away what you can from the outside of the iron. To do this you can use a toothpick or other skinny utensil that's good at maneuvering in tight spaces. You also want to clean the spray nozzle with a fine needle and remove any buildup from there.
Now fill the water reservoir in the iron with equal parts vinegar and distilled or filtered water. Turn on the iron and let it steam or spray until all the water and vinegar mixture has gone. This final process will eliminate the rest of the buildup you either can't see or can't scrape out and will result in a clean iron that's good as new! (The vinegar is very good at dissolving the mineral deposits.)
You don't have to live with or completely dispose of an iron that has mineral buildup—clogged irons happen sometimes and it's completely within your power to reverse that happening. The solution is simple, the result is worth it, and your iron will last you for many more years to come!
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