I don’t think I’ve used my iron for 20 years.

Sounds like a build up of gunk in your iron. You can buy iron cleaner, it’s a easy fix

Descale magic 4n1 will help get rid of the build up in your iron. It’s best to use demineralised water like everyone says. I found if your outside of the iron dirty as well magic eraser will get rid of marks

First of all, stop using tap water. What you have is mineral deposits inside your iron from using tap water. Use ONLY steam distilled water. I usually find this at the supermarket.
To clean out your iron, use white vinegar in your iron instead of water. This is to CLEAN the iron ONLY! Do NOT use to press cloths! And make sure the steam and/or water flow very clear (free from “sand”, dirty water/steam or any other contaminates BEFORE using iron to press your cloths. You may need to flush the iron with water (remember, steam distilled ONLY) more than once to get all of the vinegar out.

I can see that other MoMs have already answered this question, and I agree with their suggestions.

I’ve made the mistake of pressing self clean in the middle of ironing, make sure its not near any clean clothes because you’ll be suprised at the amount of rubbish that flies out! Let us know how you get on.

Good to know when l press the self-clean!

Agree, it’s scaling. Maybe try filtered water if you haven’t got an iron which descales.

Thanks! Will try this tomorrow!

Good question. I get a similar thing from using rainwater so know it isn’t ‘hard water’ or salts etc.

I had this issue to, Its scaling, most irons will have a self clean mode, give it a press and then it’ll steam and splutter for a while, spitting out all that junk. Always use demineralised water in an iron, they last longer. Using tap water makes them scale up like that.