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  • Steam or dry iron for pressing squares

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    Old 12-12-2010, 11:34 AM
      #11  
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    Spray with starch and WAIT a minute for it to be absorbed into the fabric. Don't know anything about iron buildup.

    Most important part of putting an iron to blocks is PRESSING not IRONING.
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    Old 12-12-2010, 11:37 AM
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    You can fill you iron with vinegar. set to steam after soaking for overnight, let it heat up, steam a minute or two over an old towel
    I always steam, but press, do not iron!then dump out(carefully!) you might have to repeat several times--this always worked for me.
    I use vinegar straight to remove starch build-up. wipe on, let sit, then wipe off....if it is stubborn, heat the iron on 1 or 2.
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    Old 12-12-2010, 12:04 PM
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    I use spray starch and then I press,not iron, with steam. Do you have hard water? We have an artisian well which is hard water so I use distilled water in my iron and I never empty it when I'm done pressing.
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    Old 12-12-2010, 12:06 PM
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    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.
    I found that the Magic Eraser works great!
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    Old 12-12-2010, 12:12 PM
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    Originally Posted by watson's mom
    Is there a difference or a 'rule' for using or not using steam for pressing squares. Also, how do I get rust out of my iron, I always forget to empty my iron when I am done. not smart to do that. Thanks you in advance.
    I always use distilled water in my steam iron no matter if the instructions say you may use tap water. It avoids any kind of stain on your fabric. Never have to empty your iron if you leave it an upright position. Have used the same iron for years without any problems. Happy quilting!
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    Old 12-12-2010, 01:51 PM
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    Faultless makes some stuff that will clean the build up off the bottom of your iron. Basically the starch has broken down into sugars and carmelized for want of a better word. I keep an old nasty washcloth near my iron and use the cleaner every time I see buildup starting to happen. It prevents transfer onto your fabric.
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    Old 12-12-2010, 04:58 PM
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    Originally Posted by LivelyLady
    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.
    I found that the Magic Eraser works great!
    What kind of starch do you use? Liquid or can?
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    Old 12-12-2010, 05:07 PM
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    I have an iron I use for sewing only, it's never had water in it. I love spray starch & keep it handy. Once in a while if I'm sewing knit clothing I'll use a spray bottle of water for my steam. Keeps my iron nice & clean :)
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    Old 12-12-2010, 05:31 PM
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    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.
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    Old 12-13-2010, 03:54 AM
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    Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts
    I agree about replacing the iron. I never heard of rust in them! I also use a dry iron for pressing blocks.
    Argh Rust!!! I know it much too well...... rust happens when you have high content of iron in you water! That is why I replace my iron about every 1 to 2 years and would never buy one of those expensive Rowentas. After 6 months whenever I use my iron I test steam a square of paper towel to be sure the rust hasn't arrived. As soon as I see rust spots I replace my iron with an inexpensive one from Walmart.
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