Depending on the type of detergent, mix 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) with 1 or 2 cups (. 23 to . 47 l) of water. Use warm water if you can. [1] X Research source

Pay special attention to areas with extra dirt, grime, and stains. You may consider a microfiber cloth if you are worried about scratching the Teflon. However, you may need some of the abrasive power of cotton cloth to remove some stains. Just be careful not to use anything too abrasive, such as a wire brush, since this will damage the Teflon. [2] X Research source Switch dirty cloths out for clean ones as needed. [3] X Research source

If you come across stains or spots that are hard to clean, you can use a toothpick to (very lightly) loosen the grime. [4] X Research source

If you can, carefully rinse the soleplate under your sink’s faucet. [5] X Research source

Make sure there is a towel another absorbent item on whatever surface you place the paper towels and iron on. Allow the iron to sit on the paper towel for 5 to 15 minutes. [6] X Research source

Make sure you use enough baking soda so that the entire surface (soleplate) of your iron will be exposed to it. If you need to re-dampen the paper towels with vinegar, feel free to do so. Allow the iron to sit for 5 to 15 minutes. [7] X Research source

If you can, you may want to lightly rinse the iron in the sink. Make sure you remove all baking soda from the iron before using it again. [8] X Research source

You will need to wipe the sole plate and rinse the cloth at least a few times to remove all of the toothpaste.

Make sure to do this outside or in a very well-ventilated area since oven fumes can be harmful!

Fill the reservoir 1/4ths of the way with vinegar. Fill the remaining 3/4ths of the reservoir with water.

Do this in a well-ventilated area since vinegar fumes can be irritating. [11] X Research source If your iron has an auto-off setting, you may need to make sure it stays on.

You may find a lot of loosened gunk. Use as many Q-tips as you need to remove it all.

You may be able to set your iron to auto clean, if it has this option. Allow the iron to steam until the reservoir is almost empty. This could take up to 15 minutes.