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Quick answer: use your iron’s built-in system, not vinegar. Fill the tank, heat the iron to maximum, unplug it and hold it over a sink, then press and hold the self-clean (or Calc-Clean) button until hot water and scale flush out of the soleplate. On Tefal irons with a scale collector, just pull it out when cool, rinse it and push it back. Do this about once a month in hard-water areas.
Limescale is the main reason irons start spitting brown water, lose steam or leave white flakes. Much of England, especially London, the South East and East Anglia, has hard water, so descaling regularly makes an iron last years longer. Always check your manual first: the steps below cover the most common systems.
Method 1: self-clean button (most steam irons)
- Fill the tank to MAX with tap water and set steam to zero.
- Heat to the maximum temperature and wait for the ready light.
- Unplug the iron and hold it horizontally over a sink.
- Press and hold the self-clean or Calc-Clean button while gently shaking the iron. Hot water, steam and scale flush out.
- Release when the tank is about half empty or empty, as your manual says.
- Plug in again, heat briefly and iron over an old cloth to dry the soleplate.
Russell Hobbs, Morphy Richards, Swan, Tower and many Philips irons use this method.
Method 2: Tefal removable scale collector
- Unplug the iron and let it cool completely.
- Pull the scale collector (usually at the heel) straight out.
- Rinse under the tap to wash out the flakes, then push it firmly back in.
This takes under a minute, which is why we recommend irons such as the Tefal Ultragliss Anti-Calc Plus for hard-water homes.
Method 3: Philips Quick Calc Release
On newer Philips irons, unplug the iron and wait around two hours for it to cool. Hold it over a sink with the soleplate down, remove the Quick Calc Release cap, shake gently to empty water and scale, then refit the cap.
Method 4: steam generators
- Tefal Pro Express: when the light flashes and the base is cold, slide out the scale collector from the base, rinse and refit.
- Philips PerfectCare: when the Easy De-Calc light flashes, let it cool, hold the base over a sink, unscrew the Easy De-Calc knob and let water and scale drain.
- Morphy Richards AutoClean: follow the on-base reminder; AutoClean flushes the system without filters.
- Russell Hobbs: replace or rinse the anti-calc cartridge as the manual describes.
See our best steam generator irons for models with the easiest descaling.
What never to put in your iron
- Vinegar or descaler, unless your manual allows it; it can damage seals and the steam chamber.
- Tumble dryer or fridge water: it contains fibres and impurities.
- Scented water, starch or additives.
- Pure distilled water, unless recommended: some irons are designed for tap water or a 50/50 mix in very hard areas.
How to prevent limescale
- Empty the tank after every session.
- Run the self-clean monthly (more often in hard-water areas).
- If your manual allows, mix tap water with distilled water.
- Choose an iron with a scale collector or anti-calc filter next time: see best iron for hard water.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I descale my iron?
About once a month in hard-water areas, or every two to three months in soft-water areas. Follow any reminder light.
Can I descale an iron with vinegar?
Only if your manual says so. Most manufacturers advise against putting vinegar or descaler in the tank because it can damage the iron.
Why is my iron spitting brown water?
Usually limescale and residue in the steam chamber. Run the self-clean function several times, and make sure the iron is fully heated before steaming.
Why are white flakes coming out of my iron?
Those are limescale flakes. Descale using the self-clean or scale collector, then empty the tank after each use.
Related guides
- Best steam irons UK
- Best steam generator irons
- How to remove sticky residue from an iron
- Steam iron buying guide
How we chose: we compared manufacturer specifications, independent UK reviews and verified owner feedback, and checked every product was on sale in the UK when we last updated this guide. Sources include user manuals and support pages from Tefal, Philips, Morphy Richards and Russell Hobbs. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.
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