If you have stains on the bottom of the iron and it's a steam iron, I'd be worried about what is inside the iron. I would probably use vinegar to clean out the insides.

A scrunched up piece of tinfoil works well to remove that brown-ish residue. You can also use this method on ceramic-bottom irons on which you cannot use commercial iron cleaners.

I use Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner. You can get it at WalMart in the laundry section. froggyintexas

I use Dritz "Iron Off". I've used it on both Teflon bottomed irons and those with shiny sole plates. Works great on both. Tube lasts quite a while. Use it on hot iron - put Iron Off on an old wash cloth or thick fabric. Rub iron over the Iron Off and goo/stain lifts right off. Make sure you clean the steam vents (run steam through the iron to clear out any Iron Off that may have gotten into the vents). Using a wet cloth, run the iron over it to clean off the sole plate. Iron away with a spotless iron!


Anita

I've used just a plain old SOS pad-on metal sole plate only. Once rinsed, use waxed paper with salt and heated iron to help get its slide back.

I have used the same cleaner I use for my ceramic top range. It's made especially for the glass/ceramic top surface, but it does wonders for the soleplate on my iron!

Jeanette