New Delhi, Nov. 26 -- Your iron can stay smooth and reliable for years if you give it the right kind of care. That perfect glide you enjoy in the first few months eventually fades as minerals, fabric residue and starch collect on the soleplate. Even a tiny bit of buildup can slow the iron, create drag and leave streaks on your favourite shirts. The good news is that you can fix most of these issues at home with simple ingredients from your kitchen. No fumes, no harsh cleaners and no messy scrubbing sessions.

Every time you fill the reservoir with tap water, small amounts of minerals enter the steam chamber. Over repeated heating cycles, these minerals harden, forming the crusty deposits you see around the vents. Synthetic fabrics add to ...