Why do the new irons not need distilled water?
 

I bought a new Oliso Iron and was surprised to read in the instruction: "Do Not Use Distilled Water in this iron, use only tap water"...........My tap water tends to be hard, often leaving a lime film, that I would think would clog the iron, so I have always used distilled water in my iron. Does anyone know why Oliso would tell its customers to use only TapWater?

I read not long ago to not use distilled because something in the distilling process causes a build up of something (can't remember what it was called) in irons, steamers, steam mops etc. The article also said no tap water unless it was filtered. If you do not have filtered water, the gallons labeled "drinking water" are usually filtered, check the label.

You can use filtered water from the tap if you use a filter like a brita 'type' filtering system. Doesn't have to be a brita brand specifically. Probably a lot cheaper than buying it in the jugs.

Distilled water rusts out the inside of irons.

sandy

similar discussion is here earlier today http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t278358.html

They have an anti-calcification function designed into them. The reason for distilled water was because well water can be "hard" and cause calcium deposits to build up in the iron -- especially in/around the steam vents. This increased the likelihood of it "spitting" water while ironing & caused uneven steam distribution.
Distilled water was never an ideal option because over time it will erode stainless steal. Now that the newer irons have a means of dealing with the calcium deposits, there really is no reason to chance damaging the iron by using distilled water.

It ruins the seal. My brother put some in my rowenta 1 year ago and it hasn't held water since so it will cause them to leak like crazy and the water tank to be nonfunctional. I ended up just buying a new rowenta since I didn't care for my oliso and use only bottled or filtered water and have had no issues since.

We have a water softener. Can that water be used? I have a Rowenta and it clogs all the time.

some bottled water says "minerals added for taste" stay clear of those, it's the minerals that cause the irons problems, I usually get spring water

You can buy an anti calcification system for your home plumbing for one pipe or all of them. Not expensive and great for your shower.

That is why I use tap water and run it thru my Brita bottle. I had grown up using distilled water. I believe that Rowenta suggest using bottle water.

Years ago I had problems with tap water (and the minerals) clogging my irons. After I started using distilled water over 35 years ago, I've never had any problems with any of my irons becoming clogged or spitting, even though I've heard and read somewhere that you should not use distilled water. I still use it in my Black and Decker iron and have no problems whatsoever. I guess you just have to experiment with your iron and your water and make your own decision.

I recently read an article on this from Sewing with Nancy, and the author said to use water from your refrigerator icemaker if you have one. That is filtered but not distilled. My Rowenta started leaking when I used just tap water. I cleaned it out well using the filtered water, and now use only that without the leaks.

I bought some iron cleaner with my iron when I got it from Bed, Bath, and Beyond a few weeks ago. Maybe look into that as well.

Omega, I read that article too. Seems like modern irons aren't the as the old vintage ones. I got a Brita and when I use water in. Y iron that's what I use. Tap water around the world is very inconsistent.

I just use a small spray bottle when I need damp fabric. Nothing clogs with that.

FYI: You have to change the fridge water filter often. The new fridges have filter indicator alerts. Check out the filter cost before buying a new fridge as some filters cost as much as $40 or more to replace and they don't last but a few months.