It’s important to know what type of water to use, whether it be regular tap water, distilled water, or branded ironing water that is scented. Looking in the manufacturer’s instruction booklet is an important thing to do when you want to make sure that you’re not going to do something which could damage your iron. There is also the issue of hard tap water vs. soft tap water to consider based on where you live.
Although opinion is generally split on this issue, a mixture that is roughly half tap water and half distilled water can strike a balance between preventing limescale build-up and minimising metal corrosion.
The importance of the correct water
The issue here is that tap water and scented water contain minerals and chemical additives respectively, whereas distilled water is essentially highly filtered for minerals and scent-free by design. When minerals or additives come into contact with the high temperatures of the iron’s soleplate, they will react chemically, often forming a chalky deposit known as limescale.
Think of limescale as a blockage that prevents the steam venting uniformly across the plate. The steam helps to regulate the temperature of the plate, so if it’s blocked in certain parts, hotspots will develop. If the temperature of these hotspots exceeds the recommended maximum temperature that should be applied to the clothing you’re ironing, it may become damaged. Using the wrong water could also result in brown marks on clothes from a steam iron that is now not working as it should.
A closer look at tap water
Tap water is safe to drink, but that doesn’t mean it is suitable for ironing. Natural deposits of calcium and magnesium in tap water will be heated by the iron and form limescale. Not only can limescale block steam vents and change the temperature profile of the soleplate, but it can also pass through the iron and be deposited directly onto the fabric. If this happens, it may result in damage you are unable to repair. These issues can be exacerbated if you live in an area with hard water where the mineral concentrations are greater.
Understanding the nuances of distilled water
To distill water, you pass regular tap water through a series of filtration processes so that the minerals can be removed. This means that there are no minerals present that can accumulate as limescale, which is a good thing. However, if the water is 100% distilled, there is the possibility that it may cause the iron to start spitting on some occasions.
Distilled water is also known to cause very gradual corrosion of metal pipes, which will ultimately lead to leaks. Combining tap water and distilled water in a mixture that is roughly half and half can solve this issue. If you are unsure whether this is appropriate for your specific make and model of iron, we would recommend consulting the manufacturer’s manual and usage guidelines as a first step.
What is ironing water and how do you use it?
Ironing water is regular water that has been perfumed by infusing it with a scent. While you may find that you like the scent of such products, the chemical additives that they contain are unsuitable for an iron, and so you should never use this type of water. Instead, use it as a very light mist spray on cool clothing after ironing.
Limescale and potential fabric damage
Limescale is a chalky deposit that will accumulate inside a steam iron when tap water is used without being mixed with distilled water. Chemical and mineral staining can leave white marks on fabrics that will damage the clothing. The rough and scaly texture of limescale deposits can also abrade fabrics when it comes directly in contact with them during ironing.
Clarifying the difference between bottled water and distilled water
Bottled water is neither tap water nor distilled water. In the case of the bottle containing mineral spring water, it actually comes from deep underground. As the water passes through a series of rock formations, it is naturally filtered as well as enriched with mineral deposits. Bottled water is therefore not suitable for use in an iron, and not just because it would be a costly way to tackle the laundry.
Final thoughts on the right water to use
Making sure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines the first time you use your new iron is the most important step you can take. As a general rule, avoid scented water and opt for distilled water over tap water. But do note that there are also minor drawbacks to prolonged distilled water use. If in doubt, regular inspections of the iron will help you to catch potential issues before the iron starts to damage fabrics.
Once you make this a habit, you will know that your wardrobe is always going to be taken care of the right way. Perfect when you want to be able to free all types of garments and fabrics of wrinkles the smart way.
FAQs
Can I use scented water in an iron?
Scented water, also sold as specific ironing water, is not recommended for use in modern steam irons. While you may find the smell of the scents pleasant and like the idea of the instant refresh, the heat of the soleplate on the iron can cause reactions with the scent molecules that are suspended in the water. You could potentially damage your iron and your fabric.Â
Can you use tap water in an iron?
Many iron manufacturers advise against using tap water in an iron because of the minerals in the water. The likes of calcium and magnesium will react with the intense heat of the soleplate to create limescale. This can block the iron’s steam vents and leave deposits on the fabric.
Does hard water damage an iron?
Hard water has an enhanced mineral concentration, meaning that it is more likely to cause limescale to form quickly than soft water. For this reason, manufacturers generally recommend avoiding hard water in modern steam irons.
Why is my iron leaking water?
A leaky iron is commonly caused by corrosion of the metal water pipes inside. Some manufacturers suggest users mix distilled water with tap water to create an approximately half-and-half mixture. This will address the lack of mineral balance in the interaction between pipework and 100% pure distilled water, which can sometimes cause gradual corrosion.Â
Why is my iron spitting brown water?
Chemical additives in scented water and mineral build-ups that result from using tap water can both cause brown water to spit from the iron. Depending on the precise chemical makeup of the spit, it could potentially cause irreversible damage to the fabric.
Should I mix distilled water with tap water?
Although doing so can reduce the ability of the water to gradually corrode the metal pipes that are inside your iron, we wouldn’t do this straight away. Instead, take a few minutes to read the relevant section of the manufacturer’s manual so that you can familiarise yourself with the guidance they are offering.
