JHENEL M.
VITALES BTVTED(ELX) 2A
How to repair an Electric Iron
Step 1 - Identify the Problem
It's important to know what sort of problem exists and what is required to repair it before starting. Read
the manual provided with your iron first to be sure there is nothing wrong with your settings. Next,
check the thermostat and electric cord if the iron does not heat or heats up exceedingly high when the
power is switched on. If steam is not coming out properly or the water is being spat out when the iron is
on, check the bottom of the iron (sole plate) and holes from where steam is released for debris or
obstructions. Last but not least, check the sole plate surface if the clothes are clinging to it to see if there
is any residue or debris burned onto it.
Step 2 - Take Appropriate Precautions
Switch off or disconnect the iron and leave it to cool off completely. If you start repairing the iron while
it is still plugged to the circuit, you might get an electric shock.
Step 3 - Replace the Power Cord and Thermostat
Before you get into replacing the power cord, make sure you can find a new one for your particular
appliance. Try local appliance repair shops, online sellers, or take it into a hardware or appliance store to
see if there is perhaps a universal cord that will work.
Remove the cover panel first using an appropriate screwdriver. There will often be another set of screws
just inside, securing the cord in place, and you'll need to remove these as well. Then, remove the wire
nuts connecting the power cord to the wiring inside the iron and set it aside. Connect the new one in the
exact same way as the old and screw it back into place. This is also the best time to replace the
thermostat if it too is having problems.
Finally, screw the cover panel back into place, and switch the iron back on to check that it is heating
properly.
Step 4 - Clean the Sole Plate
Anything that is stuck to the sole plate can cause problems with the function of your iron, so it's
important that this piece is cleaned whenever it's stained or dirty. For stains, dampen a cloth, put salt on
it, and rub the bottom of the iron, or simply use a nylon pad with water and soap. If the blemish is
stubborn, some toothpaste can be rubbed on with a soft cloth.
When the sole plate gets buildup on it from ironing starched clothing, use white vinegar to remove it.
You can also mix an equal amount of vinegar and salt and use it on the sole plate after heating the
solution. Do not employ wire gauze pads, abrasive pads, or even abrasive cleaners, as these may scratch
the non-stick coating on the iron and damage it permanently.
Step 5 - Remove Burn Marks
Cover the whole iron with paper except the bottom. Then, take the iron out into an open air space so
the oven cleaner fumes do not spread inside the house. Directly sprinkle oven cleaner on the sole plate.
Leave it for three minutes before you wash and rinse with cold water. Remove the paper when you're
finished.
Step 6 - Clean the Water Container and Steam Holes
Fill the reservoir about a quarter full with white vinegar, and then empty it by steaming the iron. The
vinegar fumes will open the holes that were earlier clogged by mineral deposits. Continue repeating this
process until the holes are totally devoid of deposits.
To clean the container itself, fill it with distilled water and wash it thoroughly, making sure no vinegar
remains in the reservoir or the holes.
Fault of Electric Iron and Solutions
1. Mineral build-up
This is one of the most common steam iron problems and can lead to decreasing the life
expectancy of your appliance. What happens is that the water that you use in it may be hard
and can contain certain minerals which may deposit in the lines and vents of your iron. These
may then block the discharge of the steam coming from the iron and may lead to dripping. To
avoid this, use distilled or filtered water only and one used, empty the water from the tank. To
clean the build-up, you can make use of a commercial cleaner for lime or calcium removal.
2. Spotting
Another common steam iron problem that you can counter is the problem of spotting. If your
steam iron is overfilled, then it will leave a stream of water from the ports which the appliance
is in its position to be used. The water that drips or falls can lead to water spots on the clothes
which may appear bad. The best solution for this problem is to avoid filling the iron to the top
and leave some room. Stop before you reach the maximum recommended level.
3. Iron not heating
You may have also come across the issue of the steam iron not heating. This is yet another very
common steam iron problem. To check the cause of this issue, you must first ensure that the
power cord is properly connected and switched on. Next check the electrical cord and the
thermostat. Correct the thermostat setting and check the heating again. If it is not working
properly, then this could be an issue and the cause of iron not heating. Get it replaced by
contacting a professional electrician.
4. Iron sticks to fabric
A lot of people have also experienced the situation when the steam iron sticks to the fabric. In
this case, the issue may be with the soleplate. The first thing you need to do is to clean the
soleplate. Clean the tank by making use of a commercial cleaner and make sure you use only
distilled water for this. However if the problem persists, the soleplate may be faulty and you
may have to get it replaced.
