Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I’ve forgotten the procedure for cleaning a steam-dry iron with vinegar. Do I pour the same amount of vinegar as water into the iron, then heat the iron for a few minutes upright and then place it flat on a rack and let the vinegar drip out? - Mrs. Walter E. Roehrig, Des Plaines, Ill.

First, check your care manual because manufacturers of some newer irons don’t recommend using vinegar to remove mineral deposits.

If it’s OK to use vinegar, pour it full-strength into the water receptacle and let the iron steam for about five minutes. Then turn the iron off, unplug it and let it sit for an hour. Next, empty, then rinse the iron with lots of water. Fill with distilled water and steam out several times to remove lingering residue. Before using the iron, run it across a damp washcloth several times to remove any residue from the bottom. Press the steam button several times, too.

To keep mineral deposits from accumulating, use distilled water or always pour the tap water out after use. - Heloise