Hi Linda,

have you tried Mr Clean's Magic Sponge ?
As an extreme attempt before removing the roller try this :

- wrap the roller into a waterproof sheet and stick it with some scotch tape.

- Set the dial to "no heat"

- soak the magic sponge, wring it and "iron" it on those very places where the "shoe" has the buildup. Use a old beach towel under the sponge : the waterproof foil probably would not slide enough under the shoe

The ironer pressure should help the sponge to work faster. I guess each sponge will not outlast more than an half dozen of "ironings".

It's just an idea, so feel free to blame me if it didn't work and made you waste a good half hour. I guess it's worth a try before messing with mechanical parts.

HTH
hidroman

Can you use a vapor/steam cleaner?

Hidroman,
I tried the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, but they didn't clean the deposits off of the heater plate. It's the first time I've used Mr. Clean Magic pads, and they clean the walls really well. However, the next time I use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Cleaning pads I will wear gloves. The US Dept. of Health and Human Services Household Products Database states the ingredients in the Magic Eraser Cleaning are are Formaldehyde, Melamine, and Sodium bisulfite copolymer.

Fahrenheit,
There's not enough room to put a steam cleaner against the heater plate. I did try.

I have called Miele Use and Care technicians three times, but they don't want to give instructions to remove the roller to access the heater plate.

I believe the residue on the heater plate is grease from napkins and tablecloths. That's what the residue looks like, so I'm going to use a gel product that removes baked on grease and carbon. I ordered it today, and I will let you know the results.

Thank you for your suggestions. I truly appreciate your help.

Grease from napkins and tablecloths? I guess they washed them in cold water.

Suburbanmd,
The restaurant owner told me that sending the tablecloths and napkins to the laundry was very expensive. To save money he purchased a washer, dryer and the rotary iron. The wait staff did the laundry, and I don't know the water temperature, or the detergent they used to wash the linens. The Miele rotary iron has a removable, washable, roller cover. When I removed the cover I noticed it had a grease odor, which is why I believe the residue on the heater plate is grease buildup. Starch, scorch, or hard water deposits are easy to remove with the cleansers I've used. I have ordered a product from Diablo Chemical that is used in the restaurant industry to remove baked on grease and it is safe for metals including aluminum. I'm confident it will work. I'll post my results.

Linda, what was the outcome of your efforts to clean your rotary iron? How do you like the appliance and would you buy it all over again? I've heard of a good deal for one locally and am considering it.

lynn

Swoon ... I dream of owning one. Please post back how you like it and if it's worth it. I love to iron!