I think the key to the iron problem is check with the directions on how to clean the steam area. I just forget about cleaning and my directions say once a month I should fill with water (plain tap, I think) and hold it over the sink and keep pushing the steam button that gives you a burst of steam and you should see the gunk that comes out. One direction says use distilled water and another place says use tap water. I end up using distilled water in mine.