What kind of sole plate do you have on your iron? Different kinds work best with different methods. On my teflon plated iron a damp cloth while iron is turned off but still warm is all that is needed.
For the titanium plated iron, I keep a new fabric softener sheet on the very end of the ironing board and run the iron over it to clean it periodically. It takes off starch, fusible bits, etc.
For stainless steel plated irons, I love those magic erasers and then wipe off with damp cloth.
Wax paper works for all of them, but I am spoiled and just keep the fabric softener sheet by the iron all the time. No bending over to go to a cupboard! LOL
Good luck!