Just a little correction on the vinegar....it is an acid. That's why it removes all the very basic "gunk". It's 5% full strength, but I would dilute it by half with water to clean your iron. (PS- taught chemistry!) If you don't believe me, just add some to bicarbonate of soda (Arm and Hammer) and watch the neat reaction!
My Rowenta just fell apart not long after I got it. I didn't drop it, but the front end just came apart and I couldn't get it to stay together. I bought a Black & Decker and haven't had a minutes trouble with it! Years ago I had a B & D that had a manual shut-off on the side of the iron. I haven't been able to find another iron with that feature, but I just plug it into an extension that has a lighted shut-off and that works OK for me.