What kind of water is best for Steam Irons?

What is the best water to use in a Steam Iron?

In this article, we’ve covered what kind of water you can use in your steam iron.

Quick answer: Distilled water.

If you want to know what other types of water are suitable for your iron or not, then read this guide.

What is the best water to use in a Steam Iron?

Mineral-free water is best for a steam iron. Distilled water is mineral-free. It does not contain minerals that cause clogs and buildup.

Do you need distilled water for Steam Iron?

Using tap water for your steam iron can clog the iron, making the steam sputter out or not come out at all. Regular tap water contains minerals, like calcium, that will build up inside your iron.

Distilled water is best for the steam iron water tank. However, manufacturers started using filters and cartridges to protect against water tank buildup issues.

What is distilled water?

Distilled water is made from boiling regular water and capturing the steam in a sterile container. To remove small, trace elements of minerals that might still be in distilled water, double distillation is used.

Double distilled water is priced higher than normal distilled water. But normal distilled water will do the job fine for your steam iron.

How to make distilled water at home for Ironing?

The process of distilling is simple. Heat tap water to the point that it turns to vapor. When the vapor condenses back into the water, it leaves behind any mineral residue. The resulting condensed liquid is distilled water.

Materials needed to make Distilled water

• 3 to 5 gallons (11.4 to 19 liter) stainless-steel pot with a stainless-steel cover
• Tap water
• Heat-resistant glass bowl
• Baking rack
• Ice

Steps to make distilled water at home

1. Put the baking rack on the bottom of the stainless-steel pot.
2. Fill the pot halfway with tap water.
3. Place the glass bowl in the pot, so that it floats on the surface of the water. The baking rack should ensure that the bottom of the glass bowl doesn’t touch the pot.
4. Turn the pot cover upside down and place it on top of the pot.
5. Fill the inverted pot and cover it with ice.
6. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for about 45 minutes, replacing the ice as necessary. As the water boils it becomes steam. The steam will hit the cold lid of the pot and be cooled down to become water again. Some of the water will drip into the glass bowl. That’s the distilled water.
7. Turn off the gas. Remove the lid from the pot. Using gloves, remove the glass bowl carefully — it will be very hot.
8. Allow the distilled water in the bowl to cool down and then you can store it in bottles.

Source: How stuff works.

Can I use filtered water in my Iron?

Filtered water is not the same as distilled water. So using filtered water will help to prolong the lifespan of the iron but not more than the distilled water.

Can I use bottled water in a steam Iron?

Most manufacturers recommend mixing 50% tap water with 50% distilled or de-ionized water. You can use bottled water but not scented bottled water.

Why does my Iron manual say not to use distilled water?

The use of 100% distilled or Reverse Osmosis water should be avoided, due to the fact that it will only convert to steam at a higher temperature.

According to Consumer Reports study, “If 100% distilled water is used in our irons you may encounter dripping, spitting, and leaking.”

Can you use Rainwater in Clothes iron?

Yes, you can use rainwater in your iron but it does contain minerals. After prolonged use, it will lead to clogging of the water reservoir.

However, using 70% distilled water with 30% rainwater or spring water will surely increase the lifespan of your iron.

Read next: Can you use steam iron without water?