How can I clean a starch caked iron?

make a paste of baking soda and water and brush the soleplate an old clean toothbrush dipped in the paste.

see p.349 for further approaches

Remove Starch From Iron

Avoid abrasive cleaning powders or scouring pads. Begin with a cold iron that is unplugged from the electrical outlet. Use a mild dish washing soap or laundry detergent to create a sudsy solution. Use a nylon mesh pad, sponge, or a clean cloth dipped in the solution to completely wipe off the soleplate of the iron. Wipe the soleplate clean with a damp cloth or rag. If the soleplate is the victim of a starchy build up or corrosion of some form, you will need to use something a little stronger. Use a clean cloth dipped in white vinegar to remove the build up. Wipe the soleplate clean with a cloth dampened in clean water. If this does not work, then you will need to heat a solution of white vinegar and salt until the salt dissolves. Using a clean cloth sipped in the heated solution, wipe the iron's soleplate clean. Continue wiping until you have removed all of the build up or corrosion. Remember to wipe the iron completely clean with a cloth dampened in clean water.

in the future if you make your own starch spray it won't gunk up your iron--take a spray bottle with a tsp. of cornstarch and fill with water- shake it to mix it and you're ready to go. be sure to empty it out when your done. You can even put rose water in it for a fresh scent. AS for cleaning it now try regular dishwashing liquid and a toothbrush- rinse well.

Use a razor blade to remove the thick stuff then put table salt on a towel with low heat. Run the iron over the salt changing to clean salt as necessary

In Robert Dyas I got this little stick (like the size of a lipstick) by Rowenta - it's solid and when the iron is warm you run it up and down the plate and it gets off anything on the plate, It is really good.

Walmart has iron cleaner, comes in wee little tube ( not enough get two) squirt it on an old towel, firmly rub HOT iron over it ( stinks like no tomorrow)( smokes too, dont wig out its ok) then get another towel and make sure you got it all off. let cool. you may have to repeat.

They make an iron cleaner just for that purpose. they sell it at Walmart. Look in the section where they sell irons or in the section that carries cleaning supplies. I think it comes in a tube.

There are little tubes of iron cleaner at Wal-Mart. Also, if you are considering throwing it away if you can't get it clean, try vinegar. It eats away the buildup on coffee pots, and should do it.

Boy am I running into problems I never have anymore. Because I don't iron. Well, here it is. Use a warmed up Brillo type pad PLENTY of pink soap left and then old fashioned scrubbing. Rinse to keep pink soap OUT of steam vents unless you like added attraction of pink goop hissing out onto your husbands dress white shirt, that is. Take care.