I used the vertical steamer on my iron (it’s a new one and it’s the first time I’ve used it) and now it has some kind of crusty stuff on the rim (which also left an impression on the shirt). I can’t find the owner’s manual. I think it got tossed.
Image taken on 2009-01-25 10:39:09 by heath_bar.
the built up stuff is probably calcium from tap water. try using distilled water next time.
The best way to clean an iron is to pour some salt crystals on a piece of paper. Heat up the iron and then iron the paper with the salt as if you were ironing a shirt, or use the affected area you want removed and iron it accordingly.
The salt will scrub off the crust or the burnt stuff on the surface.