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-   -   My Rowenta iron just dumped all of the water on my ironing board. (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/my-rowenta-iron-just-dumped-all-water-my-ironing-board-t301994.html)

selm 01-04-2019 09:23 AM


Originally Posted by ekuw (Post 8186349)
My Rowenta is dying. It is probably about 1 -1 1/2 years old. The instructions said to use regular tap water, but I should have known better since our water leans hard. Anyway, I have to have it turned on the highest temperature for it to heat up now and steam. I am not going to get another one :-(

I'm just realizing what hard water can do to things. My glasses are all foggy from the dishwater. Then the the dishwasher didn't seem to be doing everything right. Once I learned about hard water(have only lived here 3 years) I ran a dishwasher cleaner through the machine many times which has made things somewhat better but glasses are still foggy. Oh, and I read that putting a bowl of vinegar in the dishwasher can help the foggy glass problem.
The answer to hard water is vinegar.
Next I'm going to clean my irons with vinegar as they don't seem to be as hot as they once were. I'm hoping this will bring them back to the hot temps I had been getting.

gramajo 01-04-2019 09:35 AM


Originally Posted by selm (Post 8186717)
I'm just realizing what hard water can do to things. My glasses are all foggy from the dishwater. Then the the dishwasher didn't seem to be doing everything right. Once I learned about hard water(have only lived here 3 years) I ran a dishwasher cleaner through the machine many times which has made things somewhat better but glasses are still foggy. Oh, and I read that putting a bowl of vinegar in the dishwasher can help the foggy glass problem.
The answer to hard water is vinegar.
Next I'm going to clean my irons with vinegar as they don't seem to be as hot as they once were. I'm hoping this will bring them back to the hot temps I had been getting.

A whole house water softener will also help, not only with the iron but with all the water supply in your house, especially laundry.

cashs_mom 01-04-2019 10:14 AM


Originally Posted by Onebyone (Post 8186446)
This is the iron I will get next. This is a dry steam iron.https://reliablecorporation.com/coll...o-iron-station. Several of these to choose from on the website.

Wow! That looks like an amazing iron. I may have to start saving now, but I'd like to have one. I have an Oliso that I liked but it's quit steaming and the auto off only works when it feels like it so I probably won't be getting another one.

ekuw 01-04-2019 10:28 AM


Originally Posted by selm (Post 8186717)
I'm just realizing what hard water can do to things. My glasses are all foggy from the dishwater. Then the the dishwasher didn't seem to be doing everything right. Once I learned about hard water(have only lived here 3 years) I ran a dishwasher cleaner through the machine many times which has made things somewhat better but glasses are still foggy. Oh, and I read that putting a bowl of vinegar in the dishwasher can help the foggy glass problem.
The answer to hard water is vinegar.
Next I'm going to clean my irons with vinegar as they don't seem to be as hot as they once were. I'm hoping this will bring them back to the hot temps I had been getting.

Maybe I'll try vinegar too; at this point it's worth a shot. :)

crafty pat 01-04-2019 11:05 AM

I have had my Rowenta for twenty three years and have never had any problems with it. I have bought several others and didn't keep any of them. Living in the San Antonia area we have the hardest water in the world and that is what I have always used. I do now use the filtered water from my ref. I got afraid of it when I read here about fires and was going to replace it but so far I haven't found one I like better. I do run vinegar through it to clean out the lime buildup when needed as I do with everything here with our problem here.

mac 01-04-2019 11:44 AM

Rowenta irons were good about 25 years ago, before they started making their water tank parts in plastic. One drop of the iron and that was the end of the water tank. Even if you didn't drop the iron, eventually they started leaking. After using my first Rowenta iron for over 20+ years and it finally fizzled out, my next 2 Rowenta irons were a dud. They are too expensive to have them die untimely deaths. I just recently purchased a really cheap iron from Walmart because I forgot to bring mine with me on a quilting retreat, that doesn't turn off automatically, and it has been wonderful. I just put the iron on the same circuit that the lamp is on and turn both lamp and iron off at the same time. Now I know if my light is on, so is my iron. It has been great not having to wait for the iron to heat up every time I need it.

Grammahunt 01-04-2019 11:58 AM

My Rowenta did the same thing. That is why I now own a Black and Decker Digital Advantage. Much nicer and much less expensive!

quiltingcandy 01-04-2019 12:33 PM

I have the Shark Professional, had it over a year now and at first I used filtered water in it, but decided to go back to using the spray bottle to avoid the iron from leaking. I love weight of the iron and how hot it gets. My other irons that were a lower wattage just didn't get hot enough.

madamekelly 01-04-2019 01:18 PM


Originally Posted by rryder (Post 8186373)
I use a cheap Black and Decker that I bought at Walmart at least 15, maybe 20 years ago. It gets good and hot. I don't put water in it, instead I use a spray bottle like Christine mentioned. If it ever dies, I'll buy another cheap one like it.

Rob

I have the same one, no water, I have a dollar store spray bottle I use instead. I had a beautiful “Quiana “ (remember that?) and my nice expensiveiron, the brand of which I have forgotten spit rust water all over it, and destroyed it. Nothing ever washed out of that fabric did it? Cheap irons and spray bottles for me.

mojo11 01-04-2019 01:54 PM

I've had 3 Rowentas and they all leaked water everywhere.

cindi 01-04-2019 02:34 PM

Wouldn’t own anything but a Reliable Velocity. Have had one for about 6 years, and it’s never once sputtered, spit or leaked, and it gets dang hot. . If it ever dies, I’ll spend the extra $$. Dang well worth it.

Jingle 01-04-2019 03:33 PM

I am now using an iron my Granddaughter bought. She decided she ironing wasn't for her. I just use a spray bottle.

BSKTLOFR-QUILTER 01-04-2019 03:54 PM

I have been told to use the bottled water instead of distilled in irons. I use the spritz bottle from hair supply store. It was cheaper than the ones at the LQS.

cathyvv 01-04-2019 05:13 PM

Me, too, but mine came from Walmart.

quiltingshorttimer 01-04-2019 06:11 PM

a $20 Black & Decker or Sunbeam from Walmart--I've quite using the steam feature unless just ironing yardage cause I figured out the steam was shrinking my blocks :p but do typically use Best Press or a water spray instead.

ctrysass2012 01-04-2019 07:19 PM

I have a spray mister & Best Press. I have a 40+ year old GE that is my backup as well as 2-3 vintage dry irons. But my main iron is the Panasonic 360. I had on Oliso that the feet started popping in & out when ever it felt like. I am very happy with the Panasonic.

Ellen 1 01-04-2019 07:47 PM


Originally Posted by gramajo (Post 8186306)
I have a $9.99 special I bought at $ General several years ago. It was 9:45PM on a Sat. night and I wanted to be able to sew that weekend. I never replaced it because it heated quickly and got Hot.

This is the same thing that I did.

coopah 01-05-2019 04:38 AM

I loved my Rowentas. I had 2, and they both lasted a long time even using them with water. Whatever the directions said use is what I did. Now I've inherited irons from my parents' homes. They are the least expensive you can buy, but they work fine and I now use a spray bottle for water if steam is needed.
Others have said they consider them consummables and I agree with that.

hobbykat1955 01-05-2019 05:09 AM

I never got why anyone would spend 100's on an iron...maybe I'm missing something. I have a light weight B&D and then went out and bought a heavy weight B&D...both work find 1700 watts and I use spray bottle also...If I do need steam I put bottle water in my heavy B&D.
I've always bought B&D and most have lasted 3-5 yrs with no issues. It's usually those cords that turn the iron on and off automatically stop working.
The only iron I'm willing to pay $'s for is the Panisonic Cordless which on Amazon would cost 90, one of these days will treat myself.

Beachbaby12 01-05-2019 06:35 AM

Sorry for all the frustration with your Rowenta iron; mine leaked too. I then bought a Sunbeam and that leaked too. I finally decided no more water of any kind in the iron. Use spray water or spray starch. I got an inexpensive iron - Walmart brand - and it's lightweight and am happy with it so far. Really like a lightweight iron as I have hand issues and the lightweight iron is nice.

shasta5718 01-05-2019 07:41 AM

I have a GE dry iron that I bought 50 years ago, I have always used a spray bottle and it is still going strong. It May even be older I can't remember for sure.

PolkaBabe 01-05-2019 10:21 AM

Glad to see that someone else has had this problem also. Sorry you had to go through this. I have had that happen to two Rowenta's. Now I use it dry not happy with the results. Also the heating element is failing in both of them as well. I have had each one about three years before the leakage started & onto whatever I was ironing. Would you believe I am going to go back to the iron I won in a "Make it Yourself with Wool" contest back in 1980's.

cfuzzy 01-05-2019 01:13 PM

A quilter friend bought a dry iron from the Vermont Country Store and really liked the weight in addition to it being a dry iron. Anyone else tried one of these?https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/.../product/77684

aborning 01-05-2019 02:53 PM


Originally Posted by Anniedeb (Post 8186473)
I have an inexpensive Sunbeam. I use regular water in it, and have had no spraying or leaking problems, and has several heat settings. I do admire the ones Jenny and Donna use in their videos. Those must cost a pretty penny though!!

I just watched one of Donna Jordan's You Tube videos and I also noticed the iron that Donna Jordan was using. It looked different from anything I have seen. What brand is it?

Onebyone 01-05-2019 03:41 PM


Originally Posted by aborning (Post 8187380)
I just watched one of Donna Jordan's You Tube videos and I also noticed the iron that Donna Jordan was using. It looked different from anything I have seen. What brand is it?


Reliable. I posted the link in my earlier post. It's dry steam.

frannella 01-05-2019 04:32 PM


Originally Posted by jmoore (Post 8186600)
... Intereresting that no one has mentioned an Olioso iron which I see quite often on quilt shows and videos.???

I love my Olisos--I have 3 of them because I don't like getting on my hands and knees to plug and unplug them to move them to a different work station area in the two attic rooms I use for sewing. Expensive and indulgent, but worth it. The TOL models get really hot (1800 watts), steam is powerful, and the feet feature on all models REALLY helps ease arthritic pain and carpal tunnel episodes. Love, love, love those feet. I recently bought a Euro Steamer (Next Gen, 1000 watts) at a quilt show, but haven't been happy with it as a quilting tool. It works well on clothing, but who irons clothes any more? If your goal is perfecting your piecing and squaring quilt blocks, I find heat or wattage more important to success than steam. I also use those salon water bottle misters, even though I have had no issues using the steam from my Olisos. They are a game changer, especially when working with seams on the bias.

Needles 01-05-2019 07:55 PM

I'm still using my Proctor Silex, it's almost 50 years old. Yes the cord is wrapped in electrical tape, but the iron works perfectly and it's used OFTEN. Still steams like it's new, never had anything in it but distilled water. Of course the new ones tell you not to use distilled. You wouldn't have to buy a new iron every other year, if not oftener. My DMIL, was a seamstress for 70 years. She never used anything but distilled in her iron, it was older than mine. Even used it to press wedding gowns she made.

Onebyone 01-06-2019 07:27 AM


I love my Olisos--I have 3 of them because I don't like getting on my hands and knees to plug and unplug them to move them to a different work station area in the two attic rooms I use for sewing. Expensive and indulgent, but worth it.
You know I suggested this very same to a guild member who was complaining she had a lot of hassle moving her iron from one area to another as she needed it. She thought I was nuts. Buy new irons when the one she had was working fine? Some like to suffer for their art. LOL

lzeider 01-06-2019 08:39 AM

I have had my Rowenta for years. Use distilled water and no problems. I love it. Plus it doesn't have Auto Shutoff. I hate that feature. Are people to dumb to shut off their irons when they are finished.

Onebyone 01-06-2019 11:37 AM


Originally Posted by lzeider (Post 8187743)
Are people to dumb to shut off their irons when they are finished.

Maybe not dumb but distracted. I have left my iron on for a couple of days before. It's on a big silicone mat so I wasn't concerned and if busted into flames the detector would have gone off sending the alarm to mine and DH's phone plus the monitoring company. I always try to have a back up to what could happen in case my brain isn't working.

Quiltah Mama 01-06-2019 12:27 PM

I've been ​through two Rowentas. Bought them both at yard sales. Both are in iron heaven due to leaking all their water out all over my ironing board. Now I buy all my irons at my local thrift shop, that way if they die I don't feel guilty when I have to throw them away. My most recent one is a Hamilton Beach that had the film still on the hot plate when I got it home and got it to my studio. Yeah for me on that deal.

Sandygirl 01-06-2019 02:11 PM


Originally Posted by BSKTLOFR-QUILTER (Post 8186889)
I have been told to use the bottled water instead of distilled in irons. I use the spritz bottle from hair supply store. It was cheaper than the ones at the LQS.

Distilled water can rust out the inside of irons. Always read the owners' manuals on any iron. The manual always includes the recommended water. I love my Rowenta...never ever had an issue with them. I let them fully heat up and I use the recommended water for them. Never a spit!

jothesewer2 01-06-2019 08:27 PM

I purchased a Shark at Walmart, med price with the highest watts for the money. It did not give the type of water so I called they told me just use water from the faucet. I will see how long this one will last.

Linmar 01-10-2019 03:40 AM

I’m glad I stumbled across this thread. “Iron” is a 4-letter word for me, but I realized I’d have to use one to sew and quilt decently. Mine has sat in a corner for years, but if I find it doesn’t work well I won’t spend a lot of money on a new one. I also like the idea of using spray instead of steam from the iron. I was never fond of dealing with a steam-spewing dragon while executing an already-dreaded task.

NoraB 01-10-2019 08:51 AM

just a quick question. For those of you who have no problems with their irons......do you always empty the water out of the iron when putting it away? For those of you who have problems with their irons spewing...do you usually leave the water in the iron? I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth the extra effort to empty that water after each use. If it's a waste of time.......then maybe I won't. But, if you think it helps preserve the iron, I'll continue doing it.

Thanks for your input.

Ranchwife 01-10-2019 08:54 AM


Originally Posted by Christine- (Post 8186315)
I use a Rowenta iron because of the wattage but I spray water on my fabric instead of use the steam. I use a hair stylist bottle sprayer because the spray is a fine mist and not like the typical spray bottle. You can get quilt themed hair stylist spray bottles now, I bought mine at my local quilt shop.

I do the same thing. I love the narrow front of my Rowenta and how hot it gets. I use dry heat and keep a spray bottle handy. Seems to solve all my problems with my leaky iron.

Linmar 01-10-2019 01:33 PM


Originally Posted by NoraB (Post 8190065)
just a quick question. For those of you who have no problems with their irons......do you always empty the water out of the iron when putting it away? For those of you who have problems with their irons spewing...do you usually leave the water in the iron? I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth the extra effort to empty that water after each use. If it's a waste of time.......then maybe I won't. But, if you think it helps preserve the iron, I'll continue doing it.

Thanks for your input.

.

Well, although I do not “officially” iron these days, I always did empty the iron of water when I did use it. Unless you are going to be using it a few hours later, it can’t be good for the iron to have water sitting in it -however purified it may be.

cathyvv 01-10-2019 01:47 PM

I learned the hard way to use a spray bottle to dampen my fabric, so never add water to the iron. I have never purchased an expensive iron...my expectations for it would be too high.

doreenfeb 07-09-2021 11:25 AM

Rownta
 

Originally Posted by Christine- (Post 8186315)
I use a Rowenta iron because of the wattage but I spray water on my fabric instead of use the steam. I use a hair stylist bottle sprayer because the spray is a fine mist and not like the typical spray bottle. You can get quilt themed hair stylist spray bottles now, I bought mine at my local quilt shop.

Love my steam generator and regular rowenta? Would not buy anything else

Synnove 07-09-2021 05:46 PM

It sounds like a Rowenta is fine if you use a spray bottle rather than putting water in the iron. That's been my experience. My mom had a Rowenta for many years and I got it when she died five years ago. It's still doing a great job.


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