My Iron Was Cheap. Cleaning It Wasn't.

I thought I was saving money by keeping my old steam iron alive. Instead, I lost an entire Saturday and almost ruined my countertop. The vinegar and salt hack sounded easy. I ended up scrubbing for an hour, hands raw, just to smear burnt gunk around. The steam ducts? Clogged with mineral scale I couldn’t reach. Toothpicks snapped. Baking soda left a chalky mess. I tried to descale the inside. The vinegar stank up my apartment, and the iron spit brown water onto my only clean shirt. I spent $8 on cleaners that didn’t work and still had to borrow a friend’s iron for my interview. Next time, I’m buying the $20 replacement. My time—and sanity—are worth more than this. #DIYDisaster #HomeBudgetFail #BrokeButCreative #Home