I have a Black & Decker steam iron...it self cleans fine, it surges fine, but it will not steam while I'm ironing. I have gone thru all the hoops as far as cleaning it...it was fine for 13 months, then will not steam when ironing. I'd really appreciate any suggestions or help.

Linda

When it self-cleans, does steam come out of the openings? If that function is working, I'd guess the switch is bad. If nothing ever comes out of the steam holes, chances are they are blocked. Acids like vinegar, lemon juice, or coffee pot cleaner should dissolve old calcium deposits.

I have the Black and Decker Classic. The first one I bought years ago lasted over 12 years before going crazy. The second one lasted about 3 years. The last one is about 1 year and spitting and sputtering so bad I can't use water in it. I was reading reports on irons and now the best brands of irons are made shoddy. The only brand of iron that got an excellent rating was the Reliable brand. That company makes irons for cleaners and professionals.

I hate Black & Decker everything! :?

I'd guess the switch is bad too.

As for hating everything B&D...I am joining you...we have bought in the past 3 years an electric screwdriver (chargeable) & the cutter of the plastic packaging that comes on everything...plus the iron. All of these things worked for about a year (the warranty period) & now are useless...the others will not hold a charge, the iron will not steam. It doesn't leak, it doesn't spit, it just won't steam when I iron...

I do have a small, very old (20 yr or so) B&D I used for sewing, it is working fine, so until it goes, that will be my iron. I don't quilt, but I wear cotton dresses in the summer.

Thanks..Linda

Sorry...can't help you on the steaming thing, but I sympathize with the B & D thing. I have a love-hate relationship with my B&D Classic iron. I love that it gets really hot for dry pressing my blocks (my other iron didn't), but this one....GRRR! If I put any water in it and try to use steam, it GUSHES out the filling hole. Doesn't matter if it's full, half full, barely full. Useless for steam.

I too have had problems with anything B&d. Anyway, Ricky Tims stated on a show he never uses a steam iron because of the buildup of gook that can come out ( I think he called it constipation :roll: :roll: )and ruin the fabric. He always uses a spray bottle. I too have a bottle handy at all times at both the iron and on the table. Walmart has really pretty, colorful, smaller, plastic ones in their garden dept. for a couple dollars or less. They have adjustable nozzles.
I did recently clean out my iron by emptying the water out, poured white vinegar in, turned it on, and occasionally hit the steam button while holding over the sink. Unbelievable what came out. Did this about three times and finally thought it was cleaned. Still get gook out once in awhile.

:D :D :D
Ask yourself how hard is the water that you have been using????
It is possible that the openings of the iron are clugged.....
I would get some good solution to "clean" my iron by disolving the clugged opening......
Sorry I cannot tell you which solution to use since I am not in the US....
(I count with a quemist that tought me to keep my iron steaming)
Good luck.... Read the labels of the products......
:D