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.

I would take it back. I had two irons that had something wrong that caused the exterior plastic to melt away.

I called the manufacturer and they suggested that I running it with the steam on to see if that would clean it out, and I did, and it didn't. The guy there was very nice and gave me his direct line to call him back if that didn't work, but I've decided to return it. Even running it in the garage with the garage door open I was breathing in too many fumes that I am sure are not healthy. Thanks everyone!