Steam iron - descaling?

[HungoverLikeaSpunMoorhenChick]

I have a steam iron. In a hard water area and normally use filtered water (Brita cartridge), but DH used it with normal tap water and now the little vents in the iron are a bit clogged.

Any way to salvage this?

Pour vinegar (or lemon juice) in it, turned off, in horizontal position (flat) in an empty washing up bowl with the iron set to steam. It should dribble out of the steam holes and de clog them, leave it for a few hours. Worked for me.

With water in it as well? Otherwise I will need a whole load of the stuff as I have quite a large water tank!

I don't think you need much, as it should sit in the stuff as well so will unclog that way. Get a steam generator with a built in descaler that doesn't need replacing, it just collects the calcium in a reservoir that you empty, excellent invention!

Can't afford a new one just yet - but will definitely keep that option in mind for the next one!