Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Steam or dry iron for pressing squares >
  • Steam or dry iron for pressing squares

  • Steam or dry iron for pressing squares

    Old 12-13-2010, 05:05 AM
      #21  
    Super Member
     
    quilt3311's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Nebraska
    Posts: 1,866
    Default

    I tie a piece of yarn on the handle of the iron to remind me to empty it when I use steam. Works for me.
    quilt3311 is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 06:08 AM
      #22  
    Junior Member
     
    ruthrec's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Sep 2010
    Location: Conway, AR
    Posts: 216
    Default

    There is a product called Hot Iron Cleaner that works well in cleaning the buildup off irons. I use it all the time. Using Wonder Under and starch will mess up the iron no matter how careful you are. I buy mine at WalMart on the aisle with the ironing boards. They have it hanging on a little hook.
    ruthrec is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 06:14 AM
      #23  
    Super Member
     
    OmaForFour's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Oct 2009
    Location: Maine
    Posts: 1,376
    Default

    I use steam but I don't push the iron around on the block. I try to come straight down on it so as not to distort. I also starch with Best Press.
    OmaForFour is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 06:15 AM
      #24  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Feb 2010
    Location: Appleton, WI
    Posts: 1,008
    Default

    I used to use only dry iron, steam is much better.
    Tinabodina is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 06:31 AM
      #25  
    Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2010
    Posts: 10
    Default

    Run vinegar through it 3 or 4 times, and see it that helps. If it doesn't try CLR in it. Can you press a button to clean your iron? I did this and it worked fine. I

    Phaedra
    phaedra is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 06:33 AM
      #26  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2009
    Location: Live in Littleton, CO via Rapid City, SD
    Posts: 2,187
    Default

    A quilting instructor once told our class to press, pick up iron and set on frabic, don't go back and forth. Hard habit to break!
    auntiehenno is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 06:46 AM
      #27  
    Senior Member
     
    Pickle's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Nov 2009
    Location: Wisconsin
    Posts: 451
    Default

    Don't part with your old iron, I keep mine to use with out the steam for when I use it for applique.
    Pickle
    Pickle is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 07:00 AM
      #28  
    Super Member
     
    EagarBeez's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Feb 2009
    Posts: 1,646
    Default

    Originally Posted by watson's mom
    Originally Posted by JUNEC
    When I starch my fabric - I get a build up of what appears to be starch on the bottom of my iron - what causes that the happen? How do you remove it.
    Unfold a brown paper grocery bag and sprinkle salt on it. Iron over the salt and it will clean the plate good as new. Always works for me with no scratches on surface.
    I agree, seems to be something my grandmother passed down to my mother and now to me, salt works great
    EagarBeez is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 09:04 AM
      #29  
    Junior Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2007
    Posts: 291
    Default

    JuneC

    I take a Mr. Clean sponge, wet it and rub it on the iron while it is still quite hot. Also if it gets too built up I pour a little vinegar into an old pie tin and again rub the iron with the Mr.Clean sponge or setting the iron right in the pan for a little while. The cause is not waiting for the spray starch to partially dry or get soaked into the fabric. I have always been short on patience so needless to say I have to clean my iron.

    Suzy
    Suzy is offline  
    Old 12-13-2010, 09:44 AM
      #30  
    Junior Member
     
    ruthieg's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2010
    Location: Lake Worth, FL
    Posts: 212
    Default

    I have used CLR many times to clean an iron. I also use wax paper to clean the bottom of the iron frequently, like every time I change one or two bobbins. It has helped me keep a good working iron for years. I use steam and sometimes I don't. I don't use it when I use steam a seam 2 or heat and bond. Steam interferes with the application.
    ruthieg is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    SonjaG
    Main
    40
    11-13-2021 11:00 AM
    Juztme
    Main
    8
    05-24-2012 03:54 PM
    Nanaquilts44
    Main
    108
    09-06-2011 10:45 PM
    jad1044
    Main
    2
    02-25-2011 03:25 PM
    AtHomeSewing
    Main
    12
    05-18-2009 11:28 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off


    FREE Quilting Newsletter