The brown spots could be from sediment in the water, which won't dissolve. Try using a mild detergent (like Dawn or other dish detergent) and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the spots.

Before remaking the blocks, I would do the galloping horse test. Will a non-quilter notice once they're in a quilt?

The Carbona Stain Devils products do work. I've been using them for 20 years. Each formula is different so you have to follow the specific instructions on each bottle.

Cari

i hope the spots come out with these suggestions. i, too, use the iron dry and have a spray bottle next to the iron.

I do the same as Nancy, ever since the first time an iron ever spit up. I have a steam press for flattening blocks after pressing seams. Just don't use the steam press or an iron for that matter near the smoke alarm.....lol
I don't know how many times a dry iron set off at least three in the house.....haha


like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/SINGER-ESP-2-.../dp/B000WOG7NI

I have been able to lessen the spots considerably. I'm hoping when it dries it will be even better. As long as getting the row wet hasn't changed the size I think I'm going to be able to use it.
Thank you for all the kind responses.
It's a shame a steam iron can't be a steam iron.
I'll never put water in an iron again.

I gave up on steam irons, bought a dry iron---had to order it online. Now I just mist from a spray bottle or use spray starch. Loving it.

If you can find it, Zout is the best stain remover I've found. It used to always be available in the stores, not as readily available now.

I'm using ONLY distilled water. There should be no minerals. I think it depends on what minerals are in the stains to get them out or not.
Marcia

I would try one of the color safe bleaches. I have found my iron spits when I get in a rush and don't let it get hot enough before trying to use it or it needs a good internal cleaning. I clean my iron by running white vinegar through it. I fill the reservoir with the vinegar and let it heat up really well. Then I turn the iron horizontally and let it steam away and push all the buttons (the spray and self-cleaning) multiple times. I have done this for years with no harm to any iron I have owned.

What about Grandma's Secret Spot Remover? You can buy it at Joanns, Wal Mart, etc. I have had excellent luck with that when nothing else gets out a stain.