Lint gets in the build up of sprays and even steam and burns causing the black marks. Any good cleaner should work. I use oven cleaner most of the time.

I had never heard of the dryer sheet but I used it yesterday and it worked like a charm.

And I have used coarse salt on a paper bag to clean my iron plate. Thanks, now I will try Mr. Clean!

This is why I love that shiny stainless steel soleplate on my Rowenta. I use 0000 steel wool. Comes right off.

Jpw do you use the dryer sheet? Cold iron or what setting. I'm afraid I'll melt the dryer sheet.

I use dryer sheets for my iron. It not for laundry! My iron is set at cotton setting, I place the sheet on top of a paper towel, rub iron back and forth until clean, then using another paper towel placed on ironing board, rub iron to remove any excess from dryer sheet. If only lightly dirty iron, the dryer sheet may be reused. If really dirty, you may need to use a couple of sheets. I keep mine dryer sheets and paper towels close by and do touch ups often. I have not tried the Magic eraser but will to compare.

When I worked as a hairdresser we would always get hair spray gunked up on our curling irons. We used 0000 steel wool to clean them. Someone else mentioned this. Just be sure not to get the steel wool any courser.

I wad up some foil and "scrub" my iron..works for me. I will try the dryer sheet next time! Love those tips!

Absolutely works! Easy Peazy! Just dampen the dryer sheet and go for it. The dryer sheet can be used, so it's not wasting a thing.

I use 'iron off' - believe that is the product name. Keep a tube in my laundry room. Squirt the goo onto a rag; run very hot iron w/no steam over the goo and then refold the rag and continue. Works like a charm. Get it at Walmart for cheap. Lots less work for me than some of the other suggestions mentioned.