How to Store an Iron Safely

Why Proper Iron Storage Matters

An iron stored incorrectly can cause burns, fires, soleplate damage, and water leaks. It's one of the most heat-intensive appliances in the home — a few simple habits after every use protect both the iron and your household.

After Every Use: The Correct Routine

Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug

Always turn the iron off and unplug it from the wall immediately after use. Never leave a plugged-in iron unattended — even irons with automatic shutoff should be unplugged when not in use. This is the single most important safety habit.

Step 2: Empty the Water Tank

Empty any remaining water from the tank after every use. Leaving water sitting in the tank causes mineral scale to build up inside the steam system, leading to the iron spitting brown water and reduced steam performance over time.

Step 3: Allow to Cool Completely

Stand the iron upright on its heel rest and allow it to cool completely before storing — typically 15–30 minutes. Never store a hot iron — it can burn surfaces, melt storage materials, and create a fire hazard.

Step 4: Wipe the Soleplate

Once cool, wipe the soleplate with a clean damp cloth to remove any surface residue before it hardens. This takes 10 seconds and significantly reduces how often a deep clean is needed.

Step 5: Wrap the Cord Loosely

Wrap the cord loosely around the iron — don't wrap it tightly or bend it sharply. Tight wrapping damages the cord's internal wiring over time, creating an electrical hazard.

Where to Store the Iron

Upright on its heel rest: The safest position — the soleplate faces away from surfaces and the iron is stable.
On a heat-resistant surface: Store on a shelf or in a cupboard, not on a plastic surface.
Away from children: Store out of reach — irons are heavy and have sharp edges.
In a dry location: Moisture causes internal corrosion. Don't store in a damp cupboard or bathroom.

What Not to Do

Never store soleplate-down: The soleplate can scratch surfaces and pick up debris.
Never store while hot: Fire and burn hazard.
Never wrap the cord tightly: Damages internal wiring.
Never store with water in the tank: Causes scale buildup and can leak.
Never store on an ironing board: The board may tip, dropping the iron.

Long-Term Storage

If storing the iron for an extended period:

Clean the soleplate thoroughly — use the Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner for a thorough clean before storage.
Descale the steam system with a vinegar-water solution using Lucy's White Vinegar.
Empty the tank completely and leave the fill cap open to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
Wrap loosely in a cloth or store in the original box if available.
Store upright in a dry location.

Ironing Board Storage

The Amazon Basics Tabletop Ironing Board folds flat for compact storage — it can be stored in a cupboard, under a bed, or behind a door. Ensure the board is fully cooled before folding and storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before storing the iron after use?

Allow 15–30 minutes for the iron to cool completely. Test by briefly touching the soleplate — it should feel completely cool to the touch before storing.

Can I store the iron on its side?

Not recommended — storing on its side can cause residual water in the tank to leak into the steam chamber or out of the vents. Always store upright on the heel rest.

Is it safe to leave the iron plugged in between uses?

No — always unplug after use. Even irons with automatic shutoff should be unplugged when not actively in use. Leaving appliances plugged in unnecessarily is a fire risk.

My iron has a self-cleaning function — should I use it before storing?

Yes — running the self-cleaning function before long-term storage flushes mineral deposits from the steam system. Follow your iron's manual for the correct self-cleaning procedure.

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