My mother ironed quickly across a piece of wax paper and that made the bottom of her iron glide faster. I have had both teflon and steel and used that method when I thought the iron needed help.
Heat the iron on cotton, lay a piece of wax paper on your board and just skim across it fast.
I don't use steam at all in my irons, a light spray with a bottle of water does the trick for me, no more rust spots or water spots.
Carol J.