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  • Steam or dry iron for pressing squares

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    Old 12-13-2010, 05:05 AM
      #21  
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    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.
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    Old 12-13-2010, 06:08 AM
      #22  
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    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.
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    Old 12-13-2010, 06:14 AM
      #23  
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    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.
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    Old 12-13-2010, 06:15 AM
      #24  
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    I used to use only dry iron, steam is much better.
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    Old 12-13-2010, 06:31 AM
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    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

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    Old 12-13-2010, 06:33 AM
      #26  
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    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!
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    Old 12-13-2010, 06:46 AM
      #27  
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    Don't part with your old iron, I keep mine to use with out the steam for when I use it for applique.
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    Old 12-13-2010, 07:00 AM
      #28  
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    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
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    Old 12-13-2010, 09:04 AM
      #29  
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    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
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    Old 12-13-2010, 09:44 AM
      #30  
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    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.
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