Smelly Iron
 

I bought a new iron and it has a strong plasticky smell when it's on. I thought it would burn off after a while, but I've had it on for a couple hours, and it's still terrible. Has anyone experienced this, and did it go away eventually? Right now I don't want to use the iron until I can have the window open, which around here won't be for several months. Thank you for any thoughts or advice.

I would turn it on high and let it set outside for a few hours to burn off. If it still smelled then I'd return it if possible.

In the mean time use the $9 iron sold at General Dollar. I keep one of those on hand for using fusibles, heat setting glue, all the messy heating. And when Walmart has the irons for $6, I buy several for door prizes for guild and other quilt meetings.

I was thinking about buying a cheap iron to get me through until I figure this out, and that's a great idea to use one just for fusibles and the like. I was thinking it would be a little extravagant to buy a second iron just for this, but it really is a practical idea to save the other one from the mess, and if I do have to return the smelly one, at least I'll have something. Thanks! I did have the iron on in the garage for over an hour, but maybe it takes longer? I don't have a good place outdoors to have it on, but the garage seems safe since I just set it on the concrete floor and don't feel like I might accidentally burn the house down.

I would take it back and replace it with another just like it. If it does the same I would contact (or you can do it now) the manufacturer, maybe by phone, and ask if that's normal. If it smells like vinyl shower curtains, I would take it back.

I have 2 irons and neither of mine smell like some shower liners.

I would return it. It may be defective.

Thank you Tessagin. I know what you mean about that vinyl smell - I can't stand that smell! I couldn't use the standard cutting boards because of it. I had a cutting board in my garage for a year and could still smell it, and then I finally found one made of polypropylene (type 5 in the world of recyclables) that I could use. I'm not sure if this is the same smell or more of a burning smell (but not an electrical/ozone smell, which would make me think it was definitely defective). I think I'll take your advice and call the manufacturer.

There could be something inside touching something it isnt supposed to causing that smell. I would take it back. Those fumes are most likely toxic.

I would return it.

I think it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Take it back. Don't use it! Multiple irons are far cheaper than fire damage to your home.