shelburn

I always wanted a Rowenta, but was gifted an inexpensive Wallyworld iron. I use it almost every day, never empty it, and use HARD well water. The iron is about 10 years old and I never empty it. It works just fine. Figure when it goes, I will just buy the same type and if it lasts as long, I will get my money's worth I would forget to empty it anyway!!!

wraez

My new Rowenta instruction manual says NOT to use distilled water but to use regular tap water.

Don't know about draining it out after each use, never have in 40+ yrs of ironing.

BarbaraSue

I do now that I burned one up! I had inadvertantly left the water in my iron. Even with it off, but plugged in, it must have had/found a leak. Fried the heating element in it.
My newest iron says "do not leave water in iron when not in use."
My oldest iron I still have, and it is ok either way.

romanojg

I have several irons of different brands and have no problems with them at all. If you search this site for irons I remember awhile back there was a disscussion about how alot of people had problems w/thier Rowena's leaking. It may be the iron and not you after all.

Quilted Nana

Thanks for the info. I am stubborn. I have two Rowentas. The first one leaked awful. On the second one I use only tap water and it has been fine so far. Just to be safe I will empty the water after use.

quiltymom

I dump mine out I learned my lesson!!! I didn't in my old iron and when I went to use it it spit out nasty water that ruined my expensive fabric! Never again

luce321

I always empty my iron after use and have always used distilled water. I recently purchased a Black & Decker and they say it is not necessary to use distilled water. What do you guys think?

Lucy

Quiltgranny

Do ya mind sharing the brand and/or info on this fantastic iron?? :D

dinlauren

I only use distilled water. It keeps the harsh water out of the iron and I never do empty it. This iron has lasted me years and others I've used tap water in have leaked and worn out quickly. I'll stick to distilled water and not emptying it.

Lori J

I attended a class at the Home Machine Quilt Show in Salt Lake City. The lady recommended bottled drinking water because it has the "right amount of minerals". I used tap water and it has leaked and stained my fabric!!!

Since using bottled drinking water, I've never had a leak. And it's a great way to use up 1/2 empty bottles.