Project #3 of 78 Things to Do When You Are 78

Clean Your Iron.
If your iron leaves dull brown marks on your clothes, don't toss it out, clean it. Here's how:
Steam holes. If the steam holes are clogged, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1/2 cup water. Pour into iron. Plug in iron and set it on "steam." Hold in air horizontally, and let steam evaporate completely.
Faceplate. When iron is cool, wipe the faceplate with a wet sponge with either a squirt of dishwashing detergent, a sprinkle of baking soda or a splash of rubbing alcohol. For deep cleaning: If iron has nonstick faceplate (such as a SilverStone dark-gray coating) warm it slightly, then unplug. Rub wadded wax paper over the warm faceplate. For irons without nonstick faces, gently rub with extra-fine steel wool. Cathy Garrard