I know this may sound crazy but I wash my ironing board cover. I also use the iron cleaner. And with steam and a high setting to clean my iron I run my iron across a terrycloth towel at the highest setting. When my iron is cold, I have also used the micro fiber sponge or cleaning cloth like they use on cars. If it won't damage the finish on a car, it won't damage the iron plate. I just dampen it with cold water and wipe. A true scorch won't wash away. It's same thing as a burn.