You have a secret about your iron: all that grime and crust that forms on the soleplate has been spreading onto your clothes every time you iron. As explained in a 2021 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach article, when your iron has become sticky, is spraying colored water, or is leaving marks on your clothing, then it is a clear indication that there is a build-up of dust, lint, detergent, and starch spray on the plate.
Why your soleplate looks like a crime scene
