Recently I've read several bloggers lamenting the loss of their irons. I bought my iron around 1998 and fortunately it is still going strong. As I was re-reading the directions for cleaning my iron, this was the information they suggested -
Rowenta irons are designed to be used with regular tap water (up to 12 grains of hardness). If your water is harder than this, Rowenta recommends mixing half tap water with half distilled water. Never use 100% pure distilled water since this can cause the iron to spit and leak.
There are many types of household water softeners. Many of them are perfectly acceptable for use in an iron. HOWEVER, some types of softeners, particularly those that use chemicals such as salt, can cause the iron to leak or spit during use. If you experience this type of problem, we recommend that you try using inexpensive bottled spring water. NEVER USE 100% PURE DISTILLED WATER. Once you have changed water it will take several uses to correct the problem.
I know some gals have been experiencing major problems with leaky irons. These are suggestions from the Rowenta cleaning kit, but they may be applicable to other brands as well.
15 comments:
Great suggestions, Jocelyn. My Rowenta recently bit the dust but I'd been using it on a very regular basis since 2005. I felt lucky that it lasted 7 years since I'm sure I abused it significantly. LOL I just replaced it with an updated version and hope it lasts as long. Tap water is the only thing I've ever used in my irons.
I finally gave up trying to put water in my irons at all...I just use water in a spray bottle.
My Rowenta is still going strong, but I did treat myself to a Reliable as per a suggestion from another quilter. I keep my Rowenta around for family to do their ironing, but for quilting, I have mine. XOXO
My last brand new Rowenta leaked from the first time I used it. I followed all the directions for first time use and everything. Used water from my tap (well water) and it leaked from the side. this was the 2nd of 3 Rowentas that I purchased. The 1st one was the only one that lasted me 10 years so they have done something in the last few years changing their construction. I will NEVER spend money on these irons again. I bought a cheapie Hamilton & Beach iron and it works great - tap water and all. No leaks, no spits, steams like a charm, auto turns off, everything I needed at 1/4 of the cost.
Thank you for posting this. I didn't even think to read the directions with my new iron, and I am positive my old one said to use distilled water. I am going to try the 1/2 and 1/2 idea since I have hard well water that is not softened. Maybe the spitting will stop!
I love my Rowenta! I am on my second one and only had to buy it because the first one took one too many dives off the ironing board. When my younger daughter moved off to college, I bought her a cheap iron. About a month after using that iron, she told me that she wanted a Rowenta for Christmas! Can we say spoiled? When older daughter moved out, her first gift for her apt was a Rowenta. I was lucky to find the top of the line model at Tuesday Mornings. Their price was half of the retail price. I bought one for daughter and one to put away for me. That's the one that I am using now!
Beckie in Brentwood, TN
my iron has taken one too any floor dives. it now has a broken part that rattles, but it's just the little flap that covers the water fill area, the rest works fine including the beep, that goodness for the beep or I'd walk away leaving it plugged in all the time.
I save leftover bottled water for my iron. Our water is very hard, so don't want to use that.
I've been lucky with irons... the only time one has leaked or spit was when I was in a hurry and didn't wait for it to completely heat up.
I have a Rowenta now... almost 10 yrs... still working like a charm! And I use tap water...
Good timing! I just started using distilled water in my iron. Guess I will change to half and half now.
It is soooo important to read the manual that came with your iron. I've never had any luck with that brand but I can't say for 100% certain that I ever follow the instructions. I can say that I do now!
Smiles,
Kelly
The water at the farm is very hard. I have always used bottled spring water in my iron. That seems to have worked well for me.
Good suggestions for the iron. You are full of great information. I am your newest follower. Thanks for stopping by Posed Perfection last week and leaving me a comment about Making Cloudy Glasses Sparkle with Vinegar. I loved the tip you left too. I hope you'll visit again soon and maybe even "follow me" back. Have a great week.
Blessings,
Nici
A friend gave me a Rowenta iron they no longer wanted...score! Then I developed tendonitis in my elbow because the iron was so heavy. Maybe I got the bodybuilder version - haha. I really wanted to like it but replaced it with a lightweight Black & Decker.
I've always used regular water in my Rowenta irons...have had 3 of them now. My water is not too hard and I don't use water softeners. Nevertheless none of my Rowentas have lasted longer than a year and a half. I have no idea why! I do know that I've given up on the brand and am now using an inexpensive Sunbeam I bought at WalMart over a year ago. It has great heat and plenty of steam and if it quits I won't be out a lot of money. Thanks for the info. It makes me feel better to know that I was doing what I was supposed to. :) blessings, marlene
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