My Rowenta leaked so much that I bought another iron. This started when it was fairly new after the warranty was out of course! I always use distilled water because our water has so many chemicals in it. I don't empty my iron beacause of using it about every day but if it is to set long I do empty.
Doris1334

I always empty my iron after I use it. My cat always likes to sit on the shelf were I keep my iron and few times had a water mess to clean up as I forgot to empty the iron. I also put a little salt in the water and it helps keep the iron clean.

Not here, because we have soft water, but if I lived in a hard water area I would, because it would help prevent limescale.

Mine said to only use spring water not distilled. Maybe the older ones used distilled. Mine must be about 6 or 7 years old.

I don't. I use cheapy irons and no leakage.

The first steam irons years ago did need to be emptied because they rusted at the drop of a hat. My (rather old) Rowenta has a detachable,plexiglass water tank. No rust, can use tap-water. Leaks a bit when just refilled but I don't mind that---I want water and steam anyway.

I don't empty my water and I use tap water.

I never empty mine but is in constant use and I always use distilled water.

Had a Rowenta, it would have been 2yrs. this month. I paid $120 for it , it leaked water if or if I did not empty it. It finally died last week- never-never-never again will I spend that much money for a iron. I do not care what Fons and Porter says.

old school says:

distilled water only
empty after each use + let iron ON a few minutes to dry out
i've used the same iron for over 20 years
don't you know tools {and just about everything else}
are only as good as their caretaker?