Opinions on Clothes Irons!! (curtains, cost, buy, cleaners)

[revelated]

I had a Black & Decker Steam Advantage that served me well for 5 years. The heating coil just gave out this year.

I have a Shark. It does an excellent job at ironing - but it doesn't like any water except tap water. Using any other type of water causes brown water intermittent leaking.

I got both at Walmart (IMO the only thing Wally is good for)

[UpsonDowns]

I guess I should have clarified that I don't have problems ironing (I'm quite good at it). Simply that of all the irons I have owned in my life, my Rowenta has been just awful. The auto-off seems to go off when I'm in the middle of ironing and it does not maintain heat. I don't know why I haven't just allowed myself to go back to a cheapy Black and Decker. I guess I just keep hoping that the Rowenta will suddenly be amazing. Ha!

[revelated]

Originally Posted by UpsonDowns

I guess I should have clarified that I don't have problems ironing (I'm quite good at it). Simply that of all the irons I have owned in my life, my Rowenta has been just awful. The auto-off seems to go off when I'm in the middle of ironing and it does not maintain heat. I don't know why I haven't just allowed myself to go back to a cheapy Black and Decker. I guess I just keep hoping that the Rowenta will suddenly be amazing. Ha!

One thing I've learned about irons in my years: price means nothing.

Find an iron that is visually appealing and has the features you want. You might be surprised. I've never spent more than $60 on an iron and they've lasted an average of 5 years each.

[cynwldkat]

Thank you one and all for all the tips. And yes, I do need some advise on how to iron, that I am sure of. Maybe it's lack of patience but as I said I seem to create more wrinkles when I iron then I take out! I just get done with one area and it looks fine and then I go to do another area and wham--the first area has even worse wrinkles then it had before! I agree with the Rowenta--I seem to have a lot of problems with it and maybe I am getting frusterated. I am a grandmother so you'd think I could iron! Maybe it's an art I just can't figure out! I think I will try one more iron that I like the way it looks and the price is right and give it another try. I try to stay away from clothes that require ironing but hey, I love cotton too!

[revelated]

Originally Posted by cynwldkat

Thank you one and all for all the tips. And yes, I do need some advise on how to iron, that I am sure of. Maybe it's lack of patience but as I said I seem to create more wrinkles when I iron then I take out! I just get done with one area and it looks fine and then I go to do another area and wham--the first area has even worse wrinkles then it had before! I agree with the Rowenta--I seem to have a lot of problems with it and maybe I am getting frusterated. I am a grandmother so you'd think I could iron! Maybe it's an art I just can't figure out! I think I will try one more iron that I like the way it looks and the price is right and give it another try. I try to stay away from clothes that require ironing but hey, I love cotton too!

I'm an ironing master. It's folding that throws me off.

Anyway, the best thing I can tell you about ironing:

• Slow and steady wins the race. Take your time with it.
• You almost never will need full steam. Set it halfway and you should be fine.
• Keep your heat at a moderate level. Most newer irons get plenty hot at setting 4, hot enough to iron 90% of what's out there without scorching.
• IF you use starch, let it settle into the clothing for about 5-10 minutes before you start ironing, otherwise it will stain the bottom of the iron and flake onto the clothes.
• Gently tug one side of the clothing while you iron. It'll help get the wrinkles out easier.
• Before starting, lay the clothing as flat as you can and smooth it out with your hand. It'll make things easier for the iron.
• Use tap water. Don't use bottled water. (hard lesson learned)
• Clean the iron frequently, at least once a week if possible. Newer irons have a cleaning function that decalcifies the iron. If you don't do this the steam holes will get clogged quickly.

[cynwldkat]

Thank you for you're help! All good ideas and I will do as you say. I can't ask for anyone better to advise me then a master!! Much appreciated!

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by UpsonDowns

I guess I should have clarified that I don't have problems ironing (I'm quite good at it). Simply that of all the irons I have owned in my life, my Rowenta has been just awful. The auto-off seems to go off when I'm in the middle of ironing and it does not maintain heat. I don't know why I haven't just allowed myself to go back to a cheapy Black and Decker. I guess I just keep hoping that the Rowenta will suddenly be amazing. Ha!

I wonder if you got a lemon. I have had a Rowenta for 14 years and have never experienced these issues. I LOVE mine and after years of having a cheep one--and then using cheep ones at hotels, I am greatfull I bought a nice iron. Now, however, most of my ironing gets sent to the dry cleaner because I just don't have the time or desire to do it any longer.

[PhotogGal]

I have a fairly cheap Black and Decker "Quick and Easy" 480 with an auto off feature that has worked just fine for me for quite some time. I always thought about upgrading to a Rowenta, but after reading this thread, I think I'll stick with my iron a while longer.

[CrissCT]

Stop ironing - use Downy wrinkle releaser. You just spray it on your clean clothes and the wrinkles come right out. It is the best.

[cynwldkat]

Really?? Do you spray it on them while they are wet or when they are dry? Now that sounds like a miracle to me. Does it even work on cotton? I'm going to check this out! Thanks.....