Need help troubleshooting my iron

[maslex]

Okay....so I've always bought just the cheap ole irons from places like Walmart. Never spent more than $20-$25 on one. Well, over the years I keep hearing about the Rowenta irons and how great they are, so back in May I decided to break down and buy one. I went to Kohls and between a sale and coupon, I got a Rowenta iron for $60.

Here's the thing. Went I bought the cheaper irons I always had the problem of a brown gook that would come out of some of the holes and then smelling like something is burning. Not sure what that was all about. So I figured since I now have a decent iron, this wouldn't happen. But it happened this morning and then DH came in to tell me that it smells like an electrical burn. So I don't know what is going on.

Doesn anyone have any solutions? I'm thinking of returning it back to Kohls (I do have the receipt and box) do you think they'll take it back?

 

[golfgal]

Do you use filtered water or distilled water? If not, try using that instead. Also, do you use spray starch or anything like that?

 

[maslex]

Do you use filtered water or distilled water? If not, try using that instead. Also, do you use spray starch or anything like that?

I use just tap water. We have city water and my DH says that will be fine. I got to thinking though, I don't always empty the water out of the iron when I'm done and "reuse" the water that's already in it for next time. Should I NOT do this?

And yes, I do use a "light" spray starch. It's called Magic Sizing. Could this be causing it as well? I knew that using starch could produce a film on the plate, but it could also have that smelly brown stuff come out of the holes too?

 

[golfgal]

I use just tap water. We have city water and my DH says that will be fine. I got to thinking though, I don't always empty the water out of the iron when I'm done and "reuse" the water that's already in it for next time. Should I NOT do this?

And yes, I do use a "light" spray starch. It's called Magic Sizing. Could this be causing it as well? I knew that using starch could produce a film on the plate, but it could also have that smelly brown stuff come out of the holes too?

Most likely it is the spray starch. You need to wait until the starch is dry to iron or it will cause the gunk you are seeing. It also helps if you use distilled water. If you have the stainless soleplate on your iron you can use a nylon scrubber and a LITTLE bit of soap to take the brown gunk off. It also helps if you hit the steam button several times when you are done ironing and before you iron to clean out the steam holes.

 

[maslex]

Most likely it is the spray starch. You need to wait until the starch is dry to iron or it will cause the gunk you are seeing. It also helps if you use distilled water. If you have the stainless soleplate on your iron you can use a nylon scrubber and a LITTLE bit of soap to take the brown gunk off. It also helps if you hit the steam button several times when you are done ironing and before you iron to clean out the steam holes.

Darn, I really like using the Magic Sizing. Never liked the other starches because they were too "starchy" LOL But this one is really light. And actually I never really waited until the starch was dry until ironing. I would always spray and immediately iron. I guess I should stop that. Maybe I can learn to iron without the spray. I really don't know why I use it though (addicted I guess LOL) Thanks!!!

 

[golfgal]

Darn, I really like using the Magic Sizing. Never liked the other starches because they were too "starchy" LOL But this one is really light. And actually I never really waited until the starch was dry until ironing. I would always spray and immediately iron. I guess I should stop that. Maybe I can learn to iron without the spray. I really don't know why I use it though (addicted I guess LOL) Thanks!!!

You don't need to stop using it. I use it as well. Just spray the clothing, let it sit for a couple minutes to dry then iron. It actually works better doing it this way. Otherwise, keep doing what you are doing and just clean the iron after each use.

 

[maslex]

Ok, sounds like a plan. Thanks for your help!!!