quilt3311

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.

ruthrec

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.

OmaForFour

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.

Tinabodina

I used to use only dry iron, steam is much better.

phaedra

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

auntiehenno

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!

Pickle

Don't part with your old iron, I keep mine to use with out the steam for when I use it for applique.
Pickle

EagarBeez

I agree, seems to be something my grandmother passed down to my mother and now to me, salt works great

Suzy

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

ruthieg

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.