What makes an iron leak?

[maslex]

I swear, I can never keep an iron longer than a few months. I've had many different brands from places like Walmart & Kohls and have also owned 2 of those Rowenta brands.

I don't know if it's something that I'm doing wrong or if I'm just unlucky when it comes to owning an iron. LOL

I iron *just about* all of our clothes (not underclothes, not pajamas, etc) But I do iron all shirts, sweatshirts and jeans. I know...must people thing I'm crazy, but I actually enjoy it and I like the way the clothes look afterwards.

Anyhow, after a few months of owning an iron I notice that it starts to leak and the water runs down the "handle" of the iron. This drives me CRAZY!!! I make sure not to overfill it when putting the water in it. So do you have the same problem? I've also tried different "waters" plain ole tap, distilled, etc.

 

[Christine]

I've actually never had this problem and have had irons for YEARS.

My current Rowenta is about 5 years old.

When you buy a Rowenta, make sure you get the one that says "Made in Germany" on the box versus "Made in Mexico." Rowenta came out with a more affordable model (the Mexico one) that doesn't hold up as well.

Other than a better made iron, I don't know what else to think. Since you are having the same problem on various models of irons, I would say that there is something about the way you iron that is putting stress on the handle.

 

[RitaZ.]

Maybe it's clogged with mineral deposits from the water.

I have been using Rowenta for many years. I wouldn't buy any other brand. They sell them at BB&B and you can save some $ with their 20% off coupons.

 

[honugirl]

It's nice to know I'm not the only one with this problem. EEK! It always happens to me. I wish I knew why.

 

[walden]

Are you cleaning your iron regularly? The little vents on the bottom can get clogged and cause it to leak.

I use white vinegar usually, but the instructions that come with the iron should explain how to clean it.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It is very simple.

Generally the models sold at the deep discount locations, such as Wal-Mart, are specific models for that class of store. For the manufacturer to make a profit on their lower selling price, they have to make anything to lower standards.

So the metals and plastics used may be of lower specifications or thicknesses for the low-priced irons.

 

[lucas]

I just threw out an iron that was doing the same thing!

 

[disneyhand]

I use cheapo irons and haven't experienced this. I suggest that you always use only distilled water, store the iron upright, never flat and or keep it empty between uses.

 

[maslex]

I've actually never had this problem and have had irons for YEARS.

My current Rowenta is about 5 years old.

When you buy a Rowenta, make sure you get the one that says "Made in Germany" on the box versus "Made in Mexico." Rowenta came out with a more affordable model (the Mexico one) that doesn't hold up as well.

Yeah, I heard that one before, so when I did buy my two Rowentas I made sure they were from Germany. Still...no luck.

Maybe it's clogged with mineral deposits from the water.

I have been using Rowenta for many years. I wouldn't buy any other brand. They sell them at BB&B and you can save some $ with their 20% off coupons.

This is the reason I bought my first Rowenta (at Kohls though), it was on sale, plus I had a coupon and then used a gift card, so I think I actually spent like $6 out of pocket. LOL

Are you cleaning your iron regularly? The little vents on the bottom can get clogged and cause it to leak.

I use white vinegar usually, but the instructions that come with the iron should explain how to clean it.[/QUOTE]

I think we may have found the problem. I've never "cleaned" the iron before aside from wiping it down with a wet cloth once in a while. I'm not sure I have the instructions still, I'd have to look. But thanks!!!

I use cheapo irons and haven't experienced this. I suggest that you always use only distilled water, store the iron upright, never flat and or keep it empty between uses.

Yeah, I've used distilled water, always store it upright but the one thing that I don't do is keep it empty between uses, maybe this causes the leak too???

Thanks!!!!

 

[golfgal]

If you still have your Rowenta it is "self" cleaning, you just have to burst the steam button a few times and it cleans itself (you have to have water in there). When is it leaking, while you iron or while you fill it?

 

[scrapquitler]

I swear, I can never keep an iron longer than a few months. I've had many different brands from places like Walmart & Kohls and have also owned 2 of those Rowenta brands.

I quilt, and my iron is on all the time, and I have the same problem.

One thing that I can suggest that really helps is that when you turn the iron off, pour any remaining water out of the tank. Never store it with water inside the tank.

 

[maslex]

If you still have your Rowenta it is "self" cleaning, you just have to burst the steam button a few times and it cleans itself (you have to have water in there). When is it leaking, while you iron or while you fill it?

It actually leaks when I'm ironing.

I quilt, and my iron is on all the time, and I have the same problem.

One thing that I can suggest that really helps is that when you turn the iron off, pour any remaining water out of the tank. Never store it with water inside the tank.

I'm going to start doing this. Thanks!!!