Distilled water

[Jill B.]

For more years than I can count, I've used distilled water in my irons. A knowledgeable service person suggested it to me because of the extreme hard water that we have in our rural area. I've never had a problem with my iron and usually only change irons because someone in the family needs an iron which gives me a chance to get myself a new one. Five or six years ago we installed a soft water system in our home, but have continued to use distilled water in the irons. I recently watched a Fons & Porter program about caring for your iron and they strongly cautioned about using distilled water. I went on the Sunbeam website and they also discouraged the use of distilled water. Can anyone enlighten me?

[Jill B.]

I just searched "best water for steam irons." There are many theories but the one that makes sense to me is that some irons are now manufactured to use medium hardness water. I have always used tap water with no harm, as far as I know, even when distilled was recommended.

[Jill B.]

I do remember years ago that most irons came with the instructions to use distilled water. I've been using tap water for years without a problem. The only time I use distilled water now is for making the homemade "Best Spray" using Mark Lupinski's recipe.

[Catherine S.]

My Rowenta recommended plain tap water. This did bring back memories. When I was little Mom would save the melted frost water when she defrosted the refrigerator. She used that in her iron. And whenever she needed soft water (to make homemade soap). Our water was from a well and very hard. I hadn't thought of that in years. :lol:

[Beverly C.]

Could you share Mark's recipe for the spray when/how you use it? Thanks!

[Hannelore N.]

I had no idea that this was a 'hot topic'. I got a very cheap steam iron as a wedding gift in 1977. It always got water straight from the tap and finally died when I dropped it last year. The leaflet that came with my new iron says 'use tap water'. I bought another cheap one and expect it to last till 2044.

[Jocelyn W.]

Could you share Mark's recipe for the spray when/how you use it? Thanks!

I was curious and located the 'Hints' Mark shared on 'Simply Quilts'. Here's a link to the full list:
http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/quiltin...ks/page-4.html

The lavender, distilled water and VODKA solution is on page 4 near the bottom. You'll have fun looking for it. I recalled the show while on the hunt and remember thinking at the time how generous Mark was in sharing so much. Just like everyone here!

[Beverly C.]

Thank you for the link - you're right, it was a great read!! Some of those listed were ideas I had long forgotten, but will certainly put to use now! Beverly

[Beverly C.]

It seems this link is no longer a valid link, do you have any other links that may work? I've tried searching HGTV but am having no luck.

[Paula D.]

Googling Lapinski iron spray, I found an entry called "Tulip's tips". There you will see the recipe! There's nothing you can't find If you google.

[Margo C.]

Check tip #3:

http://www.marklipinski.com/Tulip_Tips/TTcontent.html

[Margo C.]

I've always used distilled water in my iron as it spits out salty looking crystals if I use tap water. We don't even drink our tap water here. I like the lavender water idea. Has anyone had any problems using it? Thanks Sandi

[Margo C.]

Got it!! Thanks so very much!

[Margo C.]

Some irons need a little salt, which is usually enough in tap water, to make the water hotter to make steam. If the water is too soft for some irons, they start spitting out water. My little steamer says to use salt and water. Other irons get mineral buildup with tap water and need cleaning from time to time. So you need to read the directions that come with the irons and steamers nowadays to know what is best.

[Margo C.]

It seems this link is no longer a valid link, do you have any other links that may work? I've tried searching HGTV but am having no luck.

There are sites in the US that we cannot access. Has to do with regulations. I used to watch HGTV, US but now I cannot access it, only the Canadian version. Our site unfortunately, does not have quilting. If anyone knows how to watch it from Canada, please let me know.