After reading previous threads about this issue, I was curious about what my favorite experts do when they iron. So as I watched Eleanor, Jenny, and Nancy, I paid attention to the iron they used and whether they used steam or not. Also, took a BOM class on Craftsy and when the ironing was done, paid attention. So, methods vary. Find what works for you and your iron.

Most of the time the reason for not using the water in the iron, is because it builds up gunk in the iron. With good irons costing so much now, people want to be able to keep them as long as they can. Some areas in this country have very HARD (lots of minerals and sediment in the tap water). I can remember growing up if my mom didn't have bottled water for the iron, then she would use tap water in a coke bottle with a sprinkle top. Also a lot of people forget to remove the water from the iron after using it. This is also hard on your iron.

I am going to try the spray bottle because I never seem ti have good control over the steam.

I have a Reliable which I believe has to have steam, as it has a built in boiler. I use distilled water and haven't had any problems with leakage or spitting. I use a spray bottle for creases sometimes, and for starching.

I seem to have problems with irons the last 5 years. I don't think they make them to last like they used to. Anyways I have went through so many irons that I decided about a month ago when I needed a new iron I was going to bite the bullet & buy an expensive one that I have seen many of the celebrities use. So I started looking different places online for them & they had so many bad reviews I didn't buy one. I was surprised! I ended up buying a cheaper one ( $35.00 )& so far I love it. We'll see what it does in time

I use two irons - my Walmart one with steam (water in it) - and then another the Rowenta dry and it is heavy! Depends on my project. I also have StaFlo starch 50/50 in a spray bottle and a little plain water spray bottle. I don't clean my iron any more (vinegar) - I lost two irons right after I did it, don't know if I shocked them by cleaning, they had never experienced cleaning before :-) but after losing 2 of them, I don't do that any more. And oh, yes - I have dropped my share of irons, and one got knocked off when the pooch was chasing the cat. I generally buy the less expensive ones at Walmart but did spring for a Rowenta which leaks, that's my dry iron. I also got a T-Fal from a thrift store - love it - but you put water in that thing and the glorious steam keeps it forever thirsty. :-)

Love discussions like this, they are fun.

Mary

I listened to Ricky Tims and for 2 years I only used a dry Rowenta iron. However, sometimes I would iron the
fabric and when I picked it up to fold it, it didn't look crisp or as if it had been ironed at all. If I were careful
and put the iron in place for 5 seconds then it was fine. I felt like I would develop varicose veins before I
finished ironing. My husband ironed his chinos and left water in the iron. When I next went to iron, I had
steam and it was miraculous- the fabrics emerged crisp and well-ironed.
Also I would just like to plug Best Press starch alternative. I used the unscented and buy it in gallon sizes
and refill the original 16oz spray bottle that I bought to test it - never a white spot on the fabric and
perfect crispness, as if I hadn't prewashed and Retayned all my fabric.

I have a Black & Decker Classic iron, and I use water in it. I also have Magic Sizing on hand. And Best Press use on occasion. My iron lasts over 10 years, has a bit of weight to it too. Works for me.

I'd love to know where I can find a dry iron-like Suesew mentioned. Have looked, but not found one. Would be fun to try.

Well, after knocking my iron over twice recently and getting it all over the carpet, it's spray bottle from now on.

I have one iron with water for clothes ironing and pressing of large backing pieces. Then I have one dry iron for applique and travel. The benefit to keeping a dry iron is it won't leak and possibly live longer. With a spray bottle you can direct the spray where you need it.

I have removed the water from my iron and have a nice spray bottle all ready. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and the methods you use. The spitting of water with minerals deposits on my fabric always irritates me no end and I don't want to ruin brand new fabric. Onward and forward with my spray bottle. I am a happy quilter.

I prefer the spray bottle. My irons have all eventually gotten rusty inside and made a mess of my fabric.

spray bottle. I use water, vodka and lavender essential oil. It smells great.

I use a spray bottle because my new iron never seemed to dry out in the water tank, even after draining it and propping it upside down all weekend. I was worried it would get moldy or stinky and make my fabric or ironing board stink. I love the new iron though -- a cordless Panasonic NI-WL600. It's so easy to use and the steam feature worked great! It heats up fast and stays hot a long time, no spitting of steam when I was using it in there.

Also, I put a little unscented Best Press in my spray bottle. I think it makes the fabric nicer.

That happened to me the last time I used an iron with water in it. That was it for me. It was on a light colored block too and the stains did not come out.

What is your recipe?

I have an Oliso --- the directions state it is recommended that you fill it with water. I emailed them, as I like to iron dry, and the answer was "it is recommended...etc." Anyone use it dry without problems?

The directions for my new cordless iron said not to use chemically softened water. Since that's all we have, I use a spray bottle, though I never did before. I have found that it is not much of a chore and I sort of like it since I can vary the amount of water (and therefore steam) to suit my needs.

My iron is a GE from 1978. It has fallen a couple of times & started squealing when I would use steam. Started using it dry with a spray bottle about 17 yrs. ago, no more squeals. Had an Oliso in 2007 that worked for a few months & then the 'feet' started popping out & in while I was ironing so I went back to the GE. I have found a few vintage irons at the thrift store with the flat sole plate that are nice but quite heavy.

I do the same. I also have a cheap iron because of a tendency to knock them off the ironing board.