Anatomy of a Laundry Steam Iron

• Laundry steam irons come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colors and are offered by quite a few different manufacturers. Although these irons vary in some of the extra features that may be offered, the basic features of steam irons are pretty much the same. A steam iron runs off of electricity, which heats the metal face of the iron. This face, which is termed the "soleplate," has small holes in it. When the user presses a steam button, steam is released through these holes. The heat from the iron, as well as the moisture from the hot steam, helps to release wrinkles in various types of fabric.
  
  

Causes for Burnt Smells

• When a burnt smell begins to emit from an iron, one of several problems may be occurring. If you iron a fabric using a setting that is too hot for that material, some of the material may burn and stick to the soleplate of the iron. If not removed, that burnt residue will emit an odor each time you use the iron. If you iron a shirt with an applique without first turning the shirt inside-out, the applique may melt and stick onto the iron, as well. Another cause for burnt smells is the buildup of mineral deposits within the steam holes on the iron. Minerals in tap water are left behind when the water evaporates. These minerals will produce a residue on the iron over time. This residue may begin to burn and produce an unpleasant smell when you use the iron. Another cause for burnt smells coming from an iron is an electric malfunction within the iron itself. If cleaning techniques and temperature control strategies don't eliminate the foul odor, you may need to have the iron repaired or replaced.
  
  

Temperature Setting Basics

• Setting a laundry steam iron to the correct setting is critical for preserving your clothing and preventing burnt smells. The best way to know that you are using the right temperature for a specific fabric is to check the label. Most clothing items have a tag that offers instructions for washing, drying and ironing. This tag should indicate whether you can use an iron on a low, medium or high setting or if you cannot use an iron at all on the particular item. In general, natural fibers such as cotton usually respond well to a higher heat setting on a steam iron. In contrast, synthetic fibers such as rayon and polyester usually require a cooler setting.
  
  

Regular Iron Maintenance

• Cleaning your iron is essential to remedying and preventing burnt smells, as well. If you have material that is burnt onto the soleplate, you will need to remove the residue. Wait until the iron is cool first. Then, moisten a cloth with white vinegar and a drop or two of liquid soap, and use the cloth to scrub the residue off of the soleplate. Use a moist cotton swab to get residue out of steam hole indentations. Once you've removed the residue, wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth again to remove any traces of soap. To remove mineral deposits, wipe the soleplate with white vinegar. Use a moist cotton swab to clean the steam hole indentations. Then, fill the reservoir with vinegar, and plug the iron in. Let the iron steam for two to three minutes. Lay the iron flat onto a glass dish, and allow it to drain until the reservoir is empty. Refill the iron with water, and drain it once more before using the iron again.