Iron question

[femkes_follies]

For the other seamstress-y types....

I have a relatively new iron. It's a Rowenta, and it specifies in the instructions NOT to use distilled water, or it will leak. It's apparently designed to be "self-cleaning" and requires tap water.

Now, the last two times I've used it, a "blast of steam" has come out as a blast of white mineral powder and crunchies. Hmmmmm - almost looks like limescale.

Is this HOW it "self-cleans?" 'Cause now I've got a brand-new ironing board cover full of gunk. Once it dries I'm sure it will brush off, but... grrrrrrr.

Should I ignore the instructions and use distilled water anyway? Or cut the tap water with distilled? Or just buy plain bottled water, since that probably has a more standard mineral level? I'm on city water, rather than a well. But it's an older house with older pipes. And West Michigan has a lot of limestone, so I imagine there's a fair degree of Calcium in the water.

Thoughts?

Comments

[sugarcoatedlie.livejournal.com]

hm. I haven't had any problems with the coating or otherwise. In fact, I joke with John all the time that I can't ever break up with him because I can't bear to see him take the iron. heh. I'm mostly ironing quilting cotton and stuff though, so I don't really need anything better at this point.

Lighting has been an issue for us anyway. I can never find the happy place that provides enough light for knitting projects, and still seems cozy and not overly bright for snuggling on the couch. I did just reorganize the living room (in preparation for a new loveseat) and so far I'm happy with the lighting. I guess we'll see once the loveseat is in place and I find an appropriate end table for the lamp I want to put there.